afaulkner

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.  

Continue Reading

In February 2023, the IL Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE) released results of its Illinois Black Business Survey.

This first-of-its-kind statewide Black Business Survey solicited information directly from Black-owned businesses to provide empirical context to better understand the unique challenges facing Black-owned businesses across the state. The City of Champaign welcomed Matt Simpson from the IL OMEE office to present the findings of the survey and share important insights to supporting both Black business development and overall economic growth. Hosted at the Champaign Public Library, more than 50 people attended this event and were able to network with one another and take advantage of business resource organizations that were in attendance.

You can catch the entire meeting at CGTV ON Demand here!

Continue Reading

On July 12, the Equity and Engagement Department hosted the monthly Community Coalition meeting. The Race Relations Committee reviewed their 2023-2023 activities, including their collaboration with the Grand Prairie Museum and the African American Heritage Trail to educate residents about the rich cultural history of people whose stories have been largely ignored and unrecognized. They also provided updates on their partnerships, educational seminars, and community meetings, as well as upcoming programming for 2023-2024.

The Community Coalition shared information related to their strategic action activities for 2023-2024 involving upcoming events such as a luncheon to understand the State of Illinois’ Black Business survey, an upcoming Black Mental Health and Wellness Conference, work with the Campus Community Compact, and new activities for Fall 2023. The Coalition also announced a new radio station centered around celebrating black voices and the black experience as well as their work with the Campus Community Compact.

Police officials from our local police departments provided updates on recent crime activity within our community and promoted their efforts related to the recruitment of new officers. The Champaign-Urbana Trauma and Resiliency Initiative (CU TRI) also provided updates on their community violence response teams game plan for the upcoming year.

Continue Reading

On June 14, the Champaign County Community Coalition gathered for their monthly meeting at the Holiday Inn. These monthly meetings are a chance for local organizations to connect with one another to share information, resources, and plans for upcoming events.

The June meeting featured updates from local police chiefs concerning the recent spikes in gun violence. Then the Champaign Christian Health Center was excited to showcase their new location and an upcoming open house. First Followers, an organization designed to support formerly incarcerated community members, showcased their expansive programs and what drives their passion for the work that they do. Former University of Illinois football player Tailon Leitzsey presented information about The Leitzsey Foundation’s upcoming Orange and Blue Camp, a free youth football camp for kids ages 6-13. Finally, attendees were able to hear from multiple local organizations about upcoming events and opportunities available to the community.

The Communications Division records all Community Coalition meetings and this week’s meeting will soon be available on the City’s website for on-demand viewing.

Continue Reading