Illinois Must End Youth Incarceration, Not âTransformâ It
An incarcerated youth at Illinois Youth Center at Warrenville, the state s maximum-security prison for girls, reads on her bed on June 27, 2007.
Heather Stone / Chicago Tribune / Tribune News Service via Getty Images
By
Even amid a deadly pandemic, in the U.S., there are over 37,000 children currently detained or incarcerated in environments where social distancing is impossible. The most recent update from Chicagoâs Juvenile Temporary Detention Center was in November, when the chief judgeâs office announced that at least 63 youth and 73 adult staff had been infected with the coronavirus.
Those who have managed to avoid this deadly disease are still forced to endure the torturous conditions that are inherent to incarceration and are exacerbated by the lockdown conditions imposed to stop transmission of the coronavirus.
Nominations sought for UHS Distinguished Alumni
The deadline is Monday, March 15, for nominations for the Urbana High School Distinguished Alumni Award.
Those making nominations must be UHS graduates. Nominees, dead or alive, must have graduated from UHS at least 10 years ago, been recognized in their field of endeavor and demonstrated leadership and service to their community.
The nomination form and information about the nomination process can be found at the Urbana City Schools website.
Forms also can be obtained at the Urbana City Schools Central Office, the Chamber of Commerce, the Urbana High School office, the Champaign County Library and the Senior Citizens Center.
Urbana Youth Center to open for first time Thursday afternoon
By Brenda Burns - Managing Editor
Previously a book storage area of the old library building, new paint. decor and an abundance of electrical outlets have combined to make the room into a study and homework assistance space. The room will be overseen by an adult who can help youths find resources for enhancing their studies.
Andrew Grimm | Andrew Grimm Photography
Justin T. Weller, executive director and lead project manager of the Urbana Youth Center, explains the various resources of the center while standing in the “Hangout” area.
Staff photo
Urbana seeks Distinguished Alumni Award nominations
Submitted story
Once again, we are asking for nominations for the Urbana High School Distinguished Alumni Award. Those who wish to nominate someone must be graduates of UHS.
Those nominated must have graduated from UHS at least ten years ago, have been recognized in their field of endeavor, and have demonstrated leadership and service to their community. They may be living or deceased. Please visit the Urbana City Schools’ website for further information, including the nomination process and the nomination form.
Forms are also available at the Champaign County Library, the Chamber of Commerce office, Urbana City Schools Central Office, and the Senior Citizens’ Center. Deadline for nominations is March 15, 2021.
The pandemic has strained the cultural bonds that connect us to our people and traditions. As Darya Shahgheibi, program administrator of Uniting Pride, says, “Culture cannot be experienced in solitude.” While the coronavirus has severely restricted our ability to safely gather together, especially during the cold, gray days of winter, our common need for connection with people who share our values, tastes, and lived experiences has compelled many of us to rethink how we share culture and community, especially during times of solitude. Three Champaign-Urbana residents who identify with multiple cultures and communities shared how they’re safely connecting with the people and practices that bring them light and joy during the coldest and darkest months of the year.