URBANA – El Dia De Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, originated in Mexico to remember those who have passed away. The holiday takes place on November 1st and 2nd. Although the holiday originated in Mexico, it has started to be developed in other countries. La Casa Cultural Latina was able to share a…
When immigrants arrive in Urbana-Champaign, local organizations ensure those without resources receive beds, baby clothes and diapers. The Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc. and I-CAUSE, a student organization that supports DACA students, hosted an event on November 2nd to educate peers about the immigrant community outside of campus. Visitors at the event were able…
ARCOLA – Drive a half-hour south of I-57 from Champaign and you’ll arrive in Arcola. The small town is in a part of the state known for its Old Order Amish community, centered around the nearby town of Arthur. Now, Latinos in Arcola are increasing in population and power. It’s close to lunchtime, and doors…
A Champaign-based leasing company, Fairlawn Real Estate, is revitalizing their apartments with a new arts initiative. The initiative is called Fairlawn for the Arts, according to project manager for Fairlawn Real Estate Tom Hagensick. He says the initiative both supports the arts and brings a fresh look to apartments in the Champaign-Urbana area. “I think…
After three months of planning, two local groups have created a safe space for Latinos to celebrate Mexican Independence Day. University YMCA and Champaign-based restaurant Maize collaborated to commemorate El Grito. El Grito, or the “Cry for Dolores,” is the battle cry and the start of the liberation of Mexico from Spain on September 16,…
CHICAGO — A kinesiology professor at the University of Illinois recently explored how Latin Dance can benefit the memory of older Latinos. Susan Aguiñaga is a kinesiology professor at U of I. Along with a team, she explored how Latin Dance can benefit the memory of older Latinos. Aguiñaga explained that there were two groups…
URBANA – A recent University of Illinois study that asks what positive aging means to Latino elders has opened a discussion on how to cater to their needs. Positive aging consists of having a healthy lifestyle going into older age, according to U of I Social Work Professor Lissette Piedra. More than 100 Latino residents,…
URBANA – The Autism Program at the University of Illinois continues to provide an online summer camp for prospective students on the autism spectrum. The I-Ready Summer Camp is a weeklong online experience that encourages and promotes college readiness for students on the autism spectrum. This is the second year that high school students can…
URBANA — The University of Illinois’s Krannert Center for the Performing Arts is showing “The Neverland” through Saturday. It’s an adaptation of the original “Peter Pan” play that’s more inclusive to minority groups. Although there are some changes from the original version of “Peter Pan,” “The Neverland” includes some of the original characters, such as…
CHAMPAIGN – The Refugee Center helped more than 50 people from Kabul settle in the Champaign-Urbana area after the Taliban took over that area in August of 2021. They continue to help their clients settle in their new homes in different ways. One of which includes obtaining a job at Guardian West manufacturing. Lisa Wilson…
URBANA – The 39th Insect Fear Film Festival at the University of Illinois continues to try to change people’s perspectives on insects. The online festival will include insect films, a virtual petting zoo, and much more. One graduate student has volunteered to be stung live while explaining his reaction in real-time. Entomology Graduate Student Association…
URBANA – A study by the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools finds that 88 percent of schools say they have a teacher shortage. Seventy-seven percent report the problem is getting worse. And more than 90 percent of Illinois districts expect it to get worse for the next two years. Champaign and Ford County…
A University of Illinois research team has published a study on the impact of assistance programs on vulnerable families. According to a new report from the Project for Middle Class Renewal at U of I, extending the child tax credit program beyond 2021 could promote financial stability in low-and-moderate-income families. Dylan Bellisle is a postdoctoral…
Champaign Unit 4 School District and the City of Champaign have launched the Leading Individuals and Families to Transformation program, also known as LIFT. LIFT will focus on African American students and families who are experiencing academic and personal challenges. The program provides trauma-informed care through intensive support from both school-based and community resources. Anthony…
A University of Illinois’ dorm tradition of singing through the phone still continues after dealing with the pandemic. After the absence of singing live to callers last year, Dial-A-Carol at Snyder Hall is back with on-air performances. Dial-A-Carol is the longest-running tradition in University Housing, which has been hosted by Snyder Hall since 1960. Groups…