The Beat Kicked Off In a Big Way!
May 31 was the official kick off for The Beat Downtown Champaign! The Beat is a new campaign to bring more music, entertainment, and culture to Downtown. The Beat aims to attract residents and visitors from diverse backgrounds, provide a safe and inclusive space to enjoy entertainment, to showcase Downtown’s unique shops and businesses, and […]
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 […]
Welcoming Week Joint Proclamation at the Kickoff Celebration
On September 8, 2023, Champaign County kicked off Welcoming Week in a big way! Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen and Mayor Diane Wolfe Marlin came together to read the Welcoming Week Joint Proclamation during the Kickoff Celebration. This proclamation continues to show both Cities’ commitment to the inclusion and flourishing of our foreign born community members. This was […]
Pledge of Allegiance Remix
On May 5, 2023, Justice Victim Advocate, Jarrel Young (E&E) collaborated with Unit 4 Schools to premiere a new pledge of allegiance. Booker T. Washington STEM Academy students have been working with Jarrel to create a new school pledge that was remixed into a hip hop song. This project took place during the school’s Fab […]
Hip Hop Workshop
April 20, 2023 Justice Victim Advocate, Jarrel Young, (Equity and Engagement) continued to facilitate a hip hop workshop at Kenwood Elementary School. Jarrel teamed up with Emily Kuchenbrod’s 5th grade class to create a song about social justice which included songwriting, beat making, and video production. This 5th grade class is prepping to perform these […]
Library’s Music CD for Kids Receives Recognition
What I Like! A Kid’s Collection of Songs and Smiles, produced by the Champaign Public Library, was included in a list of” Best Music For Little Ones” compiled by School Library Journal. The list appears in the July 2014 issue. The CD includes original songs by David Howie and features library staff members and local musicians. It was […]