Equity & Engagement Staff Participate in Welcoming Week 2025
Equity & Engagement staff proudly represented our department at several events during this year’s Welcoming Week, a national initiative celebrating inclusive communities that fully embrace immigrants and recognize their valuable contributions. This year’s celebration took place from September 12 to 21, 2025, and featured more than 20 events, including cultural performances, educational workshops, community dialogues, […]
City of Champaign Invites Residents to the Welcoming Week Family Festival on September 21 in Downtown Champaign
The City of Champaign invites residents and neighbors of all ages to come together for the Welcoming Week Family Festival – a family-friendly event celebrating immigrants in our community. The Festival will take place on Sunday, September 21, 2025, from 12:00–3:00 PM at the Downtown Champaign Plaza (corner of Neil and Main Streets). The Festival […]
Welcoming Week Kickoff Event
On Friday, September 13, 2024, the community welcomed the second annual Welcoming Week Kickoff Event! Over 40 vendors and 600 people participated in the Welcoming Week Kick-Off Celebration where Mayor Feinen and Mayor Marlin read a proclamation designating Welcoming Week 2024. The theme for this year’s Welcoming Week is We’re All In! and the City […]
Steps to Starting a Small Business
On Monday, September 16, 2024, Janel Gomez, Community Relations Manager (E&E) presented a the Champaign Public Library. This event focused on workers and human rights at the Welcoming Week Event: Steps to Starting a Small Business. The event was hosted in partnership with the Small Business Development Center and The Refugee Project. Attendees learned about […]
Welcoming Week 2024 | Get Involved!
Welcoming Week is a week of cultural celebration across the country! Welcoming Week 2024 is happening from September 13-22nd with numerous opportunities to get involved. Through Welcoming Week, communities come together to strengthen their bonds and promote a culture of inclusivity, underscoring the importance of embracing diversity for a brighter future. On Thursday, Sept 5, […]
Welcoming Week Partner Thank You Reception
On October 24, 2023 the New American Welcome Center (NAWC) held their Welcoming Week Partner Thank You Reception. This event allowed all of the participants of Welcoming Week to come together in community and celebrate the success of the week. Champaign Police Chief and staff from the Equity and Engagement Department were in attendance. From […]
Welcoming Week 2023!
On September 8 -17, 2023, Welcoming Week is celebrated across the county! Here in Champaign County, the New American Welcome Center’s coordinated nearly 30 events for foreign and native born community members to come together and celebrate the diversity of our community. These events included music/dance performances, ally training, arts education, entrepreneurship, cultural festivals and […]
Welcoming Week Thank You Reception
On October 28th, Equity and Engagement staff member, April Faulkner, attended the Welcoming Week Thank-You Reception. This was social event for participants of Welcoming Week to come together and share what the week’s events meant to them. There was music from the Jasmine Field Orchestra, and more than a dozen organizations were in attendance.
2022 Immigrant Welcome Awards
On September 17, 2022, Welcoming Week culminated with the 9th Annual Immigrant Welcome Awards which recognized the contributions of individuals and organizations that have created a welcoming atmosphere for immigrants in the Champaign-Urbana community. The Communications Division recorded the ceremony, including speeches from award winners and a cultural performance. The video plays regularly on CGTV […]
City and Partners Celebrate Welcoming Week 2022
Celebrated September 9 – September 18, Welcoming Week is an annual campaign to showcase the movement of communities striving to be more welcoming places for all, including immigrants. Welcoming Week provides individuals and communities the opportunity to proclaim welcoming values through events and local initiatives that foster mutual understanding between immigrants and non-immigrants, as well […]