“Be Yourself Ball”
On Sunday, Sept 22, 2024, staff from Equity & Engagement Department hosted a resource table at the Hitnhomeboy “Be Yourself Ball” at the Illini Union. This event was designed to educate and entertain about the culture of Ballroom which originated in queer Black communities. Attendees participated in a variety of contests involving dance, outfits, and impersonations.
2024 Immigrant Welcome Awards
On Sunday, Sept 22, 2024, City staff from the City Manager’s Office and the Equity & Engagement Department, were excited to participate in the 2024 Immigrant Welcome Awards hosted by CU Immigration Forum. The 11th Annual Immigrant Welcome Awards Ceremony and Celebration was a resounding success, honoring outstanding individuals and organizations that have made significant […]
Pride on Market Street!
On Friday, September 20, 2024, City staff from the Equity & Engagement Department supported Pride on Market Street! This event was sponsored by Uniting Pride of Champaign County as a part of their week long calendar of events for Pride Fest. This event took over Market Street with vendors, food, and performances, partnering with Seven […]
Welcoming Week Kickoff Event
On Friday, September 13, 2024, the community welcomed the second annual Welcoming Week Kickoff Event! Over 40 vendors and 600 people participated in the Welcoming Week Kick-Off Celebration where Mayor Feinen and Mayor Marlin read a proclamation designating Welcoming Week 2024. The theme for this year’s Welcoming Week is We’re All In! and the City […]
El Grito
On Sunday, September 15, 2024, City staff from the Equity and Engagement Department attended the 4th Annual “El Grito” Celebration in Champaign at the Market St. Stage. El Grito is a Welcoming Week event and is the traditional celebration of Mexican Independence Day. The event was filled with a number of cultural performances including traditional […]
Annual Juneteenth Celebration
On June 15, 2024 the Champaign Park District hosted their Annual Juneteenth Celebration at Douglass Park. Juneteenth commemorates the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865, to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half […]
LIFT Black History Month Annual Program
On February 26, 2024, Deputy City Manager, Joan Walls and Equity and Engagement Department staff, Rachel Joy and Tracy Parsons, attended the LIFT annual Black history month event held at Neil St. Blues. The event was an opportunity for families and students to review historical facts with a focus on the Harlem Renaissance, engage with […]
Welcoming Plan ‘Thank You!’ Luncheon
On January 20, 2024 staff from the Equity and Engagement Department, in collaboration with the New American Welcome Center, hosted a ‘Thank You!” luncheon at the Illinois Terminal. This luncheon provided leaders, collaborators, and supporters of the Champaign County Welcoming Plan to come together and celebrate the milestones that have been reached thus far. With […]
Champaign County Community Coalition: A Year in Review
On December 13, 2023 the Champaign County Community Coalition hosted their “Year in Review” meeting with a special guest Dr. Tony Davis. This end of year event was a celebration with music and holiday treats. Community members heard from the various local police departments on accomplishments achieved during 2023 including increased staff hiring, reduced gun […]
Martin Luther King Jr. Countywide Celebration
The Martin Luther King Jr. Countywide Celebration is set to be hosted January 14, 2024 at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts at 5:00 PM. This event honors the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., while acknowledging organizations and individuals upholding his ideals and principles to better serve our community. The […]