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Community Coalition changes format to emphasize connections; announces MLK events, awards and mentoring opportunities
Summary
The Community Coalition opened its first 2026 meeting with a new interactive format, a Building Connections activity led by the CU Schools Foundation, announcements about the countywide MLK celebration at Krannert Center and award winners, and a push for mentor recruitment during National Mentor Month.
Tracy Parsons opened the Community Coalition’s first meeting of 2026 by saying the group would try a different, more interactive format and invited attendees to a Building Connections exercise later in the session. "We are going to do things a little differently today," Parsons said.
Micah Washington announced the 25th annual Dr. Martin Luther King countywide celebration taking place Sunday at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts (doors 4 p.m., program 5 p.m.) and a unity breakfast at Vineyard Church at 8:30 a.m. He named several award recipients to be honored at the event, including Martell Miller (outstanding achievement), Dr. Jeffrey Trask (James R. Burgess–Susan Freeberg humanitarian award) and Dr. Stephanie Cockrell (Doris Hoskins community service award), and asked the room to recognize both current and past honorees.
Michelle Gonzales of the CU Schools Foundation explained a "Building Connections, Getting to Know You" activity—three-minute timed exchanges with prompts—to help attendees learn about one another and share resources. Gonzales asked attendees to bring business cards, flyers or brochures and noted accommodations for participants with mobility concerns.
Parsons and other speakers promoted local initiatives: Illinois Soul 101.1 FM was introduced as a community radio station amplifying Black voices and promoting a Feb. 7 performance at Krannert, and Lauren urged attendees to sign up mentors for CU 1 on 1 mentoring during National Mentor Month. Parsons also introduced Regina Parnell as returning to city work and said co-responder pilot programs for mental-health calls are being implemented across city departments.
The meeting combined event announcements, community-building exercises and service opportunities; no formal votes or policy changes were taken.
