Chambana Sun

On December 13, 2023, Champaign County held its first-ever "Day of Forgiveness," bringing together community members to discuss the power of forgiveness in healing from gun violence. The event began with a meal where families impacted by gun violence shared their experiences and had a chance to engage in a dialogue about grief and forgiveness with Dr. Tony Davis, a survivor of gun violence himself.

The following day, Dr. Davis made an appearance as a guest star on the radio program "A Penny for Your Thoughts" to share his story and discuss the journey of forgiveness. Later, a luncheon was held at the Douglas library, providing an intimate setting for community members to interact with Dr. Davis and discuss the impact of forgiveness. The discussion revolved around the 'I Forgive' film, which depicts the traumatic day when Dr. Davis was shot and left for dead, and his subsequent journey towards forgiveness.

The highlight of the Day of Forgiveness was a free screening of the 'I Forgive' movie, organized by the Community Coalition. The film, based on Dr. Davis' story, portrays his remarkable account of the afterlife and his refusal to let violence and hatred consume him, choosing instead the path of forgiveness. Following the screening, a panel discussion featuring Dr. Davis and local faith leaders provided an opportunity for the community to delve deeper into the themes of forgiveness and its impact on their daily lives.

Mayor Deborah Feinen, Mayor Diane Marlin, City Council members Will Kyles and Kathy Shannon, City Manager Dorothy David, Deputy City Manager Joan Walls, Champaign County Sheriff Dustin D. Heuerman, Chief of Police Timothy Tyler, as well as various city staff and community organizations, were present at the event. This community celebration of forgiveness aimed to bring people from all over the community together to emphasize the importance of forgiveness in healing and building a stronger community.

In the words of Dr. Tony Davis, "Forgiveness is not a feeling but a choice." The Day of Forgiveness in Champaign County served as a platform for individuals to explore the transformative power of forgiveness and its potential to create positive change within communities affected by gun violence.

To find out more, go to this link: https://champaignil.gov/2023/12/15/day-of-forgiveness/