Equity & Engagement Joins Community for “Sons and Daughters in Heaven” Gala
On September 28, 2025, members of the City of Champaign’s Equity & Engagement Department joined Champaign Police Chief Timothy Tyler, Council Member Shauna Clayborn, Senator Paul Faraci, officials from the City of Urbana, and Blueprint partner First Followers to attend and present at the Sons and Daughters in Heaven Gala, hosted by the community organization […]
City Hosts Community Events Against Gun Violence
Over the past week, members of the Equity and Engagement team participated in three impactful community-led meetings focused on creating change and finding solutions to end gun violence in our community. Notable attendees included Council Member Shauna Clayborn and Champaign Police Chief Timothy Tyler. The first event, titled “Stand Together Against Injustice,” took place on […]
Blueprint Partner Meeting
On Tuesday, October 8, 2024, the Equity & Engagement Department, Community Safety & Justice Division hosted a Blueprint partner meeting. Blueprint partners are a diverse group of more than 20 entities committed to addressing the root causes of gun violence within the City of Champaign. These leaders were introduced to the new Justice Victim Advocates, […]
Day of Forgiveness
On December 13, 2023 community members were invited to participate in the first ever ‘Day of Forgiveness’ in Champaign County. This Day of Forgiveness began the night before when families impacted by gun violence were able to have a meal with Dr. Tony Davis, a gun violence survivor himself, to discuss grief and the journey of forgiveness. The following […]
City Staff Present Community Gun Violence Reduction Blueprint at Social Science Club
On February 15, Deputy City Manager Joan Walls and Equity and Engagement Director/Chief Equity Officer Rachel Joy presented information on the Community Gun Violence Reduction Blueprint during a meeting of the Social Science Club of Champaign and Urbana. The presentation was part of the Club’s 135th year of events. The presentation provided an overview and […]
Justice Victim Advocates Canvass Neighborhoods in Response to Shooting Incident
Justice Victim Advocates Jarrel Young and Eric Toga (Equity and Engagement Department) canvassed Heritage Rd., Clayton Blvd., and Pomona Dr. in Champaign for a Community Gun Violence Response Meeting scheduled for September 15th at 6:00 p.m. at Parkland College. The meeting is in response to a recent shooting incident in the neighborhood. Door-to-door canvassing helps […]
City Staff Respond to Recent Incidents of Community Gun Violence
On September 7, 2022, staff from the Community Safety and Justice Division (Equity and Engagement) hosted a community meeting at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in response to a series of recent shootings near the Garden Hills neighborhood. Residents were informed of Community Gun Violence Reduction Blueprint resources to help address issues and find solutions […]
Champaign Police Report 51% Reduction in Shooting Incidents in 2022
The Champaign Police Department is dedicated to promoting public safety, preventing and solving crime, and strengthening community relationships. Through July 11, 2022, Champaign Police reported a 51% reduction in shooting incidents in Champaign compared to the same timeframe last year. During the same period in 2021, there were 145 shooting incidents in Champaign, but so […]
Champaign Coalition’s CVRT Hosts Violence Response Meeting
On October 7, the Champaign County Community Coalition’s Community Violence Response Task Force hosted a Violence Response Meeting to support the residents in the neighborhood where 17-year-old Jonathon McPhearson was killed last week. Community Relations Specialist, Mary Catherine Roberson facilitated the event with CU Trauma and Resilience Initiative (CU TRI). City staff, church, and community […]
Champaign Coalition’s CVRT Hosts “Healing Communities” Open House
On Monday, September 20th, the Champaign County Community Coalition’s Community Violence Response Task Force hosted a “Healing Communities” open house at the American Legion for community members interested in assisting in efforts to address community violence. Community Relations Specialist Mary Catherine Roberson facilitated the event with Karen Simms of CU Trauma and Resilience Initiative (CU […]