On January 14, 2026 the Champaign County Community Coalition held its monthly meeting at the Holiday Inn Conference Center from 3:30 PM to 5 PM.
The meeting started with representatives from the MLK Advocacy for Justice Committee announced the 25th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Countywide Celebration. Held each year on the Sunday preceding the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Observance, the celebration honors the life and legacy of Dr. King and recognizes three individuals or organizations whose work embodies the spirit of his message. The Unity Breakfast, held on the Day of Observance, was also highlighted as part of the weekend’s events. In addition, several past award recipients were recognized alongside this year’s honorees.
The “Every Student. Every Day.” initiative, a campaign designed to emphasize the importance of consistent school attendance for student success was introduced to participants. The initiative highlights the role that families, educators, and community members play in removing barriers to attendance and creating supportive environments where every student can thrive. The campaign calls for collective action to ensure that every child can fully participate in their education and reach their potential.
Additionally, representatives from local law enforcement agencies shared updates on recent criminal activity and upcoming community events they will be participating in.
Lastly, an interactive activity titled “Building Connections” provided participants with an opportunity to engage and get to know one another. During the activity, each participant had three minutes to respond to a prompt question, followed by three minutes listening to another participant’s response. Afterward, participants rotated seats and repeated the process with a new partner, fostering meaningful conversations and connections throughout the group.
