Chambana Sun

On August 5, 2024, a Community Gun Violence Response Meeting was held at Garden Hills Elementary School from 4-5:30 pm. The meeting was hosted by the City of Champaign’s Equity and Engagement Department in collaboration with the CU Trauma and Resilience Initiative. Deputy Chief Coon, City Manager Dorothy David, Deputy City Manager Joan Walls, and Champaign City Council members Vanna Pianfetti, Will Kyles, Kathy Shannon, and Jamar Brown joined community members to discuss their thoughts on the gun violence incident that claimed the lives of two 18-year-olds the previous week.

Residents split into small groups to discuss their concerns and collaborate on possible solutions to reduce gun violence in the City of Champaign. Residents were also able to enjoy pizza and other refreshments provided by the Unit 4 School District as they shared their ideas with members of the community.