Healing Solutions for Healing Communities Summit
On March 14-15, 2025, staff from the Equity and Engagement Department and the Police Department attended the Healing Solutions for Healing Communities Summit at the I Hotel. This event, sponsored by the Champaign County Community Coalition, Healing Illinois, and the University of Illinois School of Social Work, focused on community building, healing, and resilience. The […]
“Secret Reader” at King Elementary
On November 19, Mikal Washington (Equity and Engagement Department) participated as a “secret reader” at King Elementary School’s Family Reading Night. He engaged students by reading to them while offering encouragement and support to promote literacy. The event provided an opportunity for students and their families to come together to celebrate reading and inspire a […]
Academic Night at Booker T. Washington
On September 26, 2024, Tracy Parsons and Mikal Washington from the Equity and Engagement Department, in addition to City Council member, Will Kyles, attended the Family Academic Night at Booker T. Washington Elementary School. This event brought together parents and children to foster meaningful connections with school staff and enhance academic support. Parents received valuable […]
“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.
Immigrant Business Showcase
On Saturday, September 21, 2024, City staff from the Equity & Engagement Department hosted the first ever Immigrant Business Showcase on Market Street as a part of the City’s involvement in Welcoming Week 2024. The event showcased immigrant-owned businesses, featuring food trucks, live music, and family-friendly activities. The event was a resounding success, drawing a […]
Government 101: Resource Expo
On Wednesday, September 18, 2024 City staff from 6 different departments came together to execute the first ever Government 101 Resource Expo at the Champaign Public Library! This event was a collaboration between the City of Champaign and City of Urbana to be a low pressure way for community members to learn about City resources, […]
Community Gun Violence Response Meeting
On August 5, a Community Gun Violence Response Meeting was held at Garden Hills Elementary School from 4 to 5:30p.m. The meeting was hosted by the Equity and Engagement Department in collaboration with the CU Trauma and Resilience Initiative. The meeting was attended by City Council members Vanna Pianfetti, Will Kyles, Kathy Shannon, and Jamar […]
GLAM Etiquette Dinner
On May 15, 2024, Tracy Parsons (Equity and Engagement Department) attended the GLAM Etiquette Dinner. GLAM is a young women’s high school group that has partnered with Urbana Freedom School for the last 2 years. GLAM supports teens by spotlighting their self-identity, providing positive affirmations, and increasing etiquette and morale by helping them understand their […]
CAACI Community Event
On April 20, 2024, City staff from the Equity and Engagement Department and the Police Department attended a community event hosted by the Chinese American Association of Central Illinois (CAACI). This event allowed members of CAACI and community members to learn more about the organization and meet their newly elected board members. The event featured […]
The Chancellor’s Call to Action to Address Racism & Social Injustice
On April 5, 2024, Community Relations Manager, Janel Gomez, attended a symposium for the Chancellor’s Call to Action to Address Racism & Social Injustice. In 2020, Chancellor Robert J. Jones announced a $2 million annual commitment to support research that examines racism and social injustice. Over two dozen projects have been sponsored by this year’s […]