Welcoming New American Citizens
On November 30, 2023, staff from the Equity and Engagement Department attended the Naturalization Ceremony at Parkland College Theatre. The event was hosted by the Honorable Eric I. Long, United States Magistrate Judge, Central District of Illinois, Urbana. There were 113 community members, from 36 countries, that Naturalized to become United States citizens. The process […]
Welcoming Week Partner Thank You Reception
On October 24, 2023 the New American Welcome Center (NAWC) held their Welcoming Week Partner Thank You Reception. This event allowed all of the participants of Welcoming Week to come together in community and celebrate the success of the week. Champaign Police Chief and staff from the Equity and Engagement Department were in attendance. From […]
City Celebrates 2023 CU Pride Fest and Parade!
On September 30, 2023, the City of Champaign joined the CU Pride Fest and Parade to celebrate everything that makes us fabulous! Council members, Alicia Beck, Matthew Gladney, Kathy Shannon, Michael Foellmer and City Staff from the Equity & Engagement Department, Public Works, Neighborhood Services Department, and Planning Department all came out to walk in […]
10th Annual Immigrant Welcome Awards Ceremony and Celebration
The Cities of Champaign and Urbana, the CU Immigration Forum, and the Urbana Free Library are proud to co-sponsor the Immigrant Welcome Award Ceremony and Celebration. This event is held in conjunction with Welcoming Week, a national week of events that brings both immigrants and U.S.-born residents together in a spirit of unity and raises […]
Welcoming Week 2023!
On September 8 -17, 2023, Welcoming Week is celebrated across the county! Here in Champaign County, the New American Welcome Center’s coordinated nearly 30 events for foreign and native born community members to come together and celebrate the diversity of our community. These events included music/dance performances, ally training, arts education, entrepreneurship, cultural festivals and […]
Performance Showcase
On August 31, 2023, Blueprint Partner DJ Silkee, Entertainment LLC held their performance showcase at Douglass Library. DJ Silkee hosts a “She Spins” program designed to provide an educational and creative experience for middle and high school girls. The 12-week program provides access for participants to the world of becoming a DJ through recording sessions, […]
CU Days 2023!
On August 12, 2023, the Equity and Engagement Department participated in CU Days at Douglas Park by distributing school supplies, City information, and engaging with residents to inform them of upcoming City events. This could not have been accomplished alone; the Champaign Police Department, Champaign Fire Department, Neighborhood Services Department, METCAD, Human Resources, Public Works, […]
‘Thank You’ Celebration!
Through the University of Illinois and Champaign Community Unit 4 School District, the City welcomed 19 interns and Youth Employment Services (YES) students to join our staff this summer. These students were able to see the ins and outs of how the City works while getting hands on experience in eight different departments. On July […]
Summer Kickoff Celebration at Hedge Pop Park
On May 26, 2023, the City of Champaign came together to host a Summer Kickoff Celebration at Hedge Pop Park. The City’s Equity and Engagement Department, with the assistance and support of the Police, Planning, Public Works, and Neighborhood Services Departments were there to make sure this was the best event possible. Multiple Blueprint partners, community organizations, […]
Farewell Celebration
On May 15, 2023 Equity and Engagement Department hosted a Farewell Celebration for Citizen Review Subcommittee members, Demario Turner and Melissa Keeble. The Citizen Review Subcommittee is responsible for promoting public confidence in the professionalism and accountability of the Champaign Police Department through unbiased review of the investigation of citizen complaints. The subcommittee is also […]