Category: Community_outreach - Unity Partnership

Unity Partnership Events & News

Welcome to the official Unity Partnership blog! This blog reflects events and activities that we sponsor or participate in in support of our mission--including Law Enforcement, Youth Engagement, and Community Outreach. We occasionally include worthwhile news and opportunities that reinforce our mission. Please browse through these articles to see how we engage with our communities. Our members often participate in events sponsored by other organizations which promote greater cultural awareness and social change. We will also include links to these events as well.

Naperville Rally for George Floyd

5/30/2020

Unity Partnership hosted a Naperville rally for a call to action in response to what happened to George Floyd and racial incidents in the community. See the video above and click this article link for more details and views from some of those who participated. Several members of the community spoke. Hear a few of their heartfelt stories and pleas for change.

Marcus Towns and Marquel Olliver

L

Woodridge Ecumenical Gathering

10/7/2018

In the midst of all the recent controversy nationally and locally, Mayor Gina Cunningham‘s recent Ecumenical Gathering could not have been more timely. The event was held on Sunday, October 7th, at St. Scholastica Church in Woodridge, and included clergy from across the western suburbs, representing a wide diversity of faith traditions. While each speaker had a unique perspective reflecting their own culture and religious beliefs, they all reinforced a basic message of unity, peace, and the importance of loving your neighbor as yourself.

Several of the members of Unity Partnership participated, and our President, Regina Brent, was also invited to speak. She stressed that In order to counter the negative and divisive forces that have surfaced in recent months, we need to take action, stating; “we must be about it and not just talk about it.” Regina also referenced the Unity Partnership motto, “Change begins with ordinary people,” and challenged those in attendance to take that message to the larger community. We commend Mayor Cunningham, Chief Brian Cunningham, the Woodridge Board of Trustees, and St. Scholastica Church for hosting this impactful and inspiring event.

Unity Partnership’s Annual 2018 Backyard Party

8/10/2018

It was a hot day, 95 degrees, as I unloaded food, fun giveaways, and literature for our Backyard Party,” Love Thy Neighbor,” event. I could see our volunteers and vendors already hard at work setting up tables and arranging their products and informational items. There were representatives from North Central College and Aurora University and several local businesses including, the Association of Government Accountants, Chico’s, Kilimanjaro, Lotus Grooves, GFS, and Texas Roadhouse. As things got underway, Yogo the clown entertained the crowd with his antics and face and body painting. Our disc jockey, Jason Robinson, from Radio.com provided us with uplifting music. Our board members pitched in throughout the day, setting up and serving a delicious array of food from different cultural traditions and welcoming guests. Our film producer, Mr. Andrew Tyler from Tyler Mann Films and Mr. Ted Mckee from McKee Photography captured every moment as community residents and members from law enforcement mingled. The conversations and laughter were a testament to how much the guests enjoyed being together. Our “Love thy Neighbor” theme was really evident. One of the officers requested a tattoo of a heart with his wife’s name, and commented, “this will make my wife fall in love with me all over again.” I couldn’t help but feel that his words reflected by own desire for the event, to promote love.

At the end of the day, I had some time to reminisce about a young man’s vision of such a gathering and was pleased to see his family there, as his dream was realized. I saw white officers enjoying the music of a group of black teens playing jazz, and people from different cultures enjoying each other’s food, art and traditions. I saw citizens listening attentively to the message of a couple of young woman representing, “Walk for Our Lives,” as they expressed their passionate plea for students to be safe in school. It was and will always be a day to remember, a day full of joy and smiles. For a moment, our differences disappeared and we were one.

I want to thank each and every board member who worked tirelessly to bring this event to fruition. There are no words that can express our appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Darrell Echols who is a phenomenal leader and educator...he walks the talk. And to our donors, we could not have done this without you...you gave us an opportunity to show the community you really do care about us. We want to thank the City of Aurora, Richard Irvin, Mayor; Alderman Sherman Jenkins and the Aurora City Council Members for such a wonderful contribution. And to Cantigny Park, Mr. Matt LaFond, and Mr. Lou Marsico for your generous donation... and most of all, to our friend, Mr. Will Buhlig for spending the day with us.

We hope to see you all at our next event.
From the President’s desk,
Regina Brent,
Unity Partnership, NFP

Backyard Party 2018 News Article

8/2/2018

Love Thy Neighbor party at Metea Valley HS being planned by Unity Partnership

Unity Partnership outreach group is hosting a backyard party to unite Naperville-area residents and area police officers from 2 to 7 p.m. Aug. 4 at Metea Valley High School in Aurora.

Backyard Party - August 4, 2018

7/11/2018

Please join us at our second annual Backyard Party.

Job Fair - June 20, 2018

7/11/2018

The Chicago Urban League hosted the fifth annual Citywide Job Fair on June 20, 2018. Chief Robert Marshall and Commander Michaus Williams of the Naperville Police Department sponsored a booth with Unity Partnership. The department reached out to the Chicago community to recruit minority applicants in order to promote greater diversity. Last year there were 70 employers and more than 8,000 job seekers at the fair. This year the attendance was even larger.

Sargent Michael Son and Regina Brent manned the table and greeted several job seekers from all over the Chicago area. Sergeant Son warmly welcomed each potential applicant and patiently explained the qualifications and the application process for both sworn and non-sworn law enforcement positions. He was a great representative of the department and his efforts were much appreciated. It was a good day!

50th Anniversary -- Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Legacy

4/9/2018

Luncheon with Mrs. Naomi King

3/13/2018

ILACP Law Enforcement & Unity Partnership, NFP
host a private luncheonTuesday, January 16, 2018
12:30 PM
At
The Craftsman Restaurant in Naperville, IL 60563
In honor of The 50th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King's Birthday
Featuring Guest Speaker

Mrs. Naomi Ruth Barber King

And
Law Enforcement Speaks!
Master of Ceremonies: Mr. Art Norman, NBC Chicago Anchor/Reporter
We proudly invite you to attend this private luncheon hosted by the Illinois Association Chiefs of Police and Unity Partnership. This luncheon will serve as a spark to start collaboration and commitment to reconvene for the first Unity Partnership Law Enforcement and Community Summit in April of 2018. You will also have an opportunity to meet and greet Mrs. Naomi Ruth Barber King, the sister-in-law of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. She is a trailblazer and activist who comes with a historical background that entails the experiences and resolutions utilized to build relationships between citizens and law enforcement during the civil rights movement.
Our law enforcement departments have expressed their desire regarding the need for change in certain policies, training and education. Thus, we thought it apropos to invite none other than Mrs. King who can share first-hand the civil rights journey of her brother-in-law, Dr. King and her husband the late Rev. Albert D. King better known as "A.D." also an activist who worked alongside Dr. King. As a public servant with a history of creating change, you have been selected to attend this private luncheon to partner with us for a community and law enforcement summit planned for April 2018.

OUR SPEAKERS

OUR GUESTS

Backyard Party 2017

10/12/2017

Backyard party

Shop with a Cop 2017

10/12/2017

Shop with a cop

Texas Roadhouse Luncheon 2017

10/12/2017

Texas Roadhouse