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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 violence incidence, and a massive increase in community engagement. During the year in review, key events were lighted that showcased the mission of the Community Coalition, including, amongst many, the Black Mental Health and Wellness Conference, summer initiatives to support youth, and youth employment services. Lastly, during this special Day of Forgiveness, the Community Coalition invited Dr. Tony Davis to discuss his story and journey of forgiveness and play the trailer of his movie “I Forgive.”

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On November 8, the Champaign County Community Coalition held its monthly meeting. First Followers shared information regarding their upcoming Families of Resilience event. Attendees also received updates from local Police Chief’s about recent crime activities and crime statistics throughout the year. Juan Huerta, the Deputy Director of Public Engagement for the Secretary of State, was also in attendance to discuss his role and promote the office’s mobile clinics for residents to receive their driver’s license.

The Illinois Education Association shared information regarding their LoveWorks initiative. Additionally, Parkland College provided information about National Apprenticeship Week with attendees. There was also an opportunity for information sharing regarding upcoming events and initiatives. Multiple organizations participated during this portion of the meeting, including the CU Reparations committee and ReDeploy. Attendees also learned of the Coalitions Day of Forgiveness before next month’s meeting. 

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On October 11, 2023 the Equity and Engagement department hosted the monthly Champaign County Community Coalition meeting. Information regarding the importance of gun safety was shared by Moms Demand Action, Unit 4 discussed the importance of school attendance, and the Community and Residential Services Authority shared information regarding children with behavioral needs and assisting parents with navigating their education.

Participants also were able learn about upcoming events for the Stop the Violence Program and News, Brews, and Beats and local Police Chiefs provided information on crime statistics throughout the area. Participants also learned about the Chancellor’s Compact community grant opportunity aimed at accelerating social justice in Champaign County and then heard about the successful Black Mental Health and Wellness Conference held on September 30.

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On September 30, 2023 the Champaign County Community Coalition hosted the Black Mental Health and Wellness conference at Parkland College. The conference aimed at addressing the challenges of mental health in the black community and assisting those affected and their families on a path to wellness.

Sessions included in-depth conversations about understanding mental health and mental illness, realizing and recognizing racialized trauma, the journey of grief, the black church and mental health, how to have difficult conversations about mental health, the journey of grief and pursuing wellness.

Thanks to the help of Parkland College, Champaign School District #4, Urbana School District #116, Carle Hospital, Urbana Rotary, University of Illinois, Regional Planning Commission, Housing Authority of Champaign County, and CUPHD the conference able to provide resources and information to participants.

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On August 12, 2023, the Equity and Engagement Department participated in CU Days at Douglas Park by distributing school supplies, City information, and engaging with residents to inform them of upcoming City events. This could not have been accomplished alone; the Champaign Police Department, Champaign Fire Department, Neighborhood Services Department, METCAD, Human Resources, Public Works, and the City Managers Office came together to make the event a success. Departments provided items to give away for back to school while CPD, CFD, and NSD provided support on the day of the event to keep residents safe and engaged with community members about information related to their department.

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On August 9,the Champaign County Community Coalition held it’s monthly meeting at the Holiday Inn. The Coalition partnered with United Way for a Walk as One Even called  ‘Read. Talk. Play’. This event brings volunteers together to handout kindergarten readiness supplies to families in the Champaign County Community.  Donna Tanner-Harold gave some more insight into the upcoming Black Mental Health and Wellness conference on September 30, 2023. Police from around the county provided updates on their work and we were able to get a sit down to welcome Urbana Police Chief, Larry Boone. Stop the Violence for Veterans and Their Families, is an organization providing wrap around care for veterans suffering from PTSD within our community. Osher Lifelong Learning Institute provided information on their robust facility, programming, and community for lifelong learners 55 and up.  

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