
Filmed in Central Illinois, ‘Moses the Black’ brings new film opportunities to the area
The film premiere marked a turning point for Central Illinois’ growing film industry, as sources from local studios said productions like “Moses the Black” show the region can support large-scale projects once limited to major cities.

U of I students react to Illini Republicans controversial ICE social media post
An Instagram post made by the Illini Republicans depicting the recent federal agent shooting and killing of Alex Pretti has garnered negative feedback towards the group. U of I officials say the post has been reported to the Title IX Office.

‘Voices for Change: Youth Action Expo’ centers Danville youth’s ideas for gun violence prevention
Danville residents gathered to discuss gun violence in their community and initiatives to reduce it. It featured presentations from middle school through college-aged students.

Honorary street unveiled to celebrate Dean Clarence Shelley’s 50-year legacy at Illinois
Honorary Dean Clarence Shelley Way, unveiled Sept. 14, memorializes a man who spent 50 years working to foster a learning community where everyone, regardless of background, could strive for excellence.

Harry Breen Way honors an artist known for his paintings of Illinois’ countryside
The 400 block of Clark Street, between Prairie and Elm, is designated Honorary Harry Breen Way. Breen was a noted painter, an art professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a liturgical designer.

Protesters in Champaign join a national walkout on the anniversary of Trump’s inauguration
Protesters took to the streets of downtown Champaign on Jan. 20 to protest against ICE agents and current immigration policies.

Honorary Chabad Way honors over 20 years of Jewish life and community
The Chabad Center for Jewish Life was founded in 2003. Now, an honorary street sign stands across the street, marking over 20 years of the organization’s service to Champaign-Urbana’s Jewish community.

Honorary Mark Rubel Way recognizes the local music legend who founded Pogo Studio
Taylor Street between Market Street and Walnut Street in downtown Champaign is named in honor of Mark Rubel, the late music legend who devoted his life to pursuing arts and music.

Danville’s NAACP honors Martin Luther King Jr. with morning march and memorial
The march is an annual event that honors the life and message of King by keeping his name fresh in the memories of the community.

Honorary Walter Smith Way celebrates a man who devoted his life to young people in Champaign
Walter Smith studied kinesiology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the late-1960s. Smith dedicated his life to the Douglass Community Center.

WBCP Radio Way honors central Illinois’ first Black-owned radio station
When a stretch of Fourth Street from Tremont Street to Grove Street was designated as WBCP Radio Way in 2018, the sign marked the legacy of central Illinois’ first Black-owned radio station — a cultural home for music, community and conversation that lasted nearly three decades.

From Illini Hillel to a national movement: the Abram Sachar story
At the corner of John St. and Fifth in Champaign, an Honorary Street is designated to Abram Sachar, who established a Hillel movement at universities across the country.

