City Council members Will Kyles and Davion Williams, along with staff from the Police and Equity and Engagement Departments, participated in back-to-school clap-in events at Booker T. Washington Elementary and Centennial High School on August 12 and 13, 2025. The purpose of these events was to welcome students as they returned for the new school year.
The gatherings included several community partners such as Senator Paul Faraci; Dr. Sullers, Lead Evaluator for the Community Violence Reduction Blueprint; Michelle Gonzales, Executive Director of the Champaign Urbana Schools Foundation; as well as representatives from CUPHD and First Followers. School principals and staff were also present to help create a welcoming atmosphere for students.
According to organizers, the events aimed to demonstrate community support for local students at the start of the academic year.
