Du Sable Summit
On February 1, 2024, Community Relations Manager, Tracy Parsons (E&E) participated in the Du Sable Summit hosted by the Illinois Office of Minority Economic Empowerment. The purpose of the event was to convene black business organizations, leaders, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders. Participants were able to build connections, share ideas, participate in world-class matchmaking, and receive firsthand […]
Healing Invisible Wounds Conference
On December 2, 2023, Equity and Engagement manager, Tracy Parsons, attended the Healing Invisible Wounds Conference hosted by Stop The Violence program. This organization serves veterans and their families with a specific focus on the effects of PTSD on veterans and trauma informed care. This conference was designed to shed light on trauma’s affects on […]
News, Brews, and Beatz
On October 26, 2023, Tracy Parsons of the Equity and Engagement Department co-hosted News, Brews, and Beatz hosted by the Illinois Public Media. This installment discussed the health, wealth, and challenges of black owned businesses in Central Illinois. Special guests Matthew J. Simpson, of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and Tricia D. […]
Cline Symposium
On October 27, 2023, Tracy Parsons of the Equity and Engagement Department presented at the Cline Symposium hosted by the University of Illinois. The Cline Symposium is an annual event that address the campus community on topics of great public importance. This year’s topic was focused on Reducing Gun Violence in American Communities. Tracy had […]
Southwest Organizations Unifying Resources for Community and Employees Conference
On October 3-5, 2023, Council Member, Alicia Beck and Community Relations Manager in the Equity and Engagement Department, Tracy Parsons, attended the Southwest Organizations Unifying Resources for Community and Employees (SOURCE) Conference. The goal of SOURCE is to provide non-profit employee support for organizations to navigate resources and work one-on-one with employees to help resolve […]
Safe States Annual Injury & Violence Prevention Conference
September 11-14, 2023, the Equity and Engagement Department sent Community Relations Managers, Jorge Elvir and Tracy Parsons, to the Safe States Annual Injury & Violence Presentation Conference in Denver, Colorado. The Safe States Alliance is a national non-profit membership association dedicated to strengthening the practice of injury and violence prevention through an anti-racism and health […]
Innovation and Self-Determination Webinar
On August 16, 2023, the Equity and Engagement Department participated in Innovation and Self Determination: Creative Programs to Spur Black Business Development in Your Community. This webinar hosted by Matthew Simpson of the Illinois Office of Minority Economic Empowerment, was an opportunity for community leaders to share creative initiatives that have worked and been implemented […]
Doing Business with the University
Tuesday, April 4, 2023 Community Relations Manager, Tracy Parsons, attended the “Doing Business with the University.” event. This was engaging half-day session to connect with university purchasing decision makers, gain access to resources, and learn more about university procurement processes.
City Staff Attends Illinois Black Legislative Caucus Annual Conference
Community Relations Manager Tracy Parsons attended the Illinois Black Legislative Caucus Annual Conference from October 13-16, 2022. The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus works to assure that the interests of African American citizens are given equitable representation in the General Assembly and that legislative action is directed to address those interests. The annual conference is an […]
Community Coalition Returns to In-Person Meetings
On March 9, 2022, the Champaign County Community Coalition hosted its monthly meeting in person at the Champaign Holiday Inn. Law enforcement leadership from Champaign, Urbana, Champaign County Sheriff’s Office, University of Illinois, and Parkland Police Departments shared updates and events, including Coffee with a Cop. Retiring Urbana Police Chief Bryant Seraphin participated in a […]