Speaker at the Police Training Institute
On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, Community Relations Manger, Tracy Parsons (E & E) spoke at the Police Training Institute. During his remarks, city staff emphasized the critical importance of fostering strong relationships throughout the community, promoting active engagement, and supporting the principles of community policing. City staff also highlighted the need for accountability and the […]
11th Annual Power of the Purse
On May 1, 2025, City Manager Joan Walls and Equity and Engagement Director Rachel Joy participated in the 11th Annual Power of the Purse held at Pear Tree Estates. This significant yearly fundraiser, organized by the United Way through its Women United group, harnesses the generosity of attendees via engaging silent and live auctions specifically […]
City Staff Present at UIUC
On Friday, March 28, 2025 Community Relations Manger Janel Gomez and intern Terra Salgado (Equity and Engagement) presented at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. They were invited by the Department of Animals Sciences to highlight the work done at the Equity and Engagement Department, specifically within the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The presentation […]
Center of Hope Food Pantry
On March 8, 2025, Justice Victim Advocate Andre Davis and Impact Outreach Worker Kellen Brown (E&E) participated in the Center of Hope Food Pantry, located at the Center of Hope Church, 1109 North Fourth Street, Champaign. Once a month the church holds the food pantry, which feeds 65 families in the surrounding community. Elder Cameron […]
Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce Convention and the Outstanding City for Procurement Award
On August 7, 2024, Mikal Washington from the Equity and Engagement Department and Adonis Fuller from the Finance Department attended the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce Convention in Peoria, IL. City staff participated in a matchmaking session, where they discussed the benefits of joining the Champaign Diversity Advancement Program (CDAP), the process for becoming a […]
Country Brook Canvasing
On March 20 & 21, 2024, Justice Victim Advocate, Eric Toga (E&E) and the Neighborhood Ambassadors (NSD) canvassed the Country Brook Apartments area for education and outreach after a gun violence incident. The goal was to provide resource and service information that the City of Champaign has to assist with issues of gun violence. Additionally, […]
Resource Fair
On October 26, 2023, The Equity and Engagement Department and Neighborhood Services Department collaborated on a resource fair for Champaign residence. This fair took place from 4:00pm-6:00pm, in the parking lot of the commercial area shared with Blueprint Partner, Y on the Fly. There were more than 3 dozen people in attendance, even in midst […]
National Make a Difference to Children Month
During the month of July we recognize National Make a Difference to Children month! Staff from the Equity and Engagement Department decorated the City Building display case to highlight just a few of the many wonderful organizations in the CU area that work to make a positive impact in children’s lives. A great way to celebrate this […]
Illinois Municipal Human Relations Association
April 19, 2023, the City’s Equity and Engagement Department hosted the quarterly meeting of the Illinois Municipal Human Relations Association (IMHRA) at their new office at 205 W Park Ave. The human relations officials from throughout central Illinois discussed outreach and education around the State of Illinois’ new source of income protection law, updating municipal […]
Human Relation Commission Meeting
Human Relation Commission Meeting Jesse Rose from The Immigration Project spoke at the Human Relation Commission meeting on Monday, February 5, 2018. The Immigration Project is a legal aid organization based in Normal, Illinois, with a satellite office in Champaign. They provide direct legal services for immigrants residing in Central and Southern Illinois. The Immigration […]