Blog Posts - 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.

Cantigny Community Trees Display

11/14/2018

Unity Partnership is delighted to have been asked to participate in this year’s Cantigny Community Trees Display in the McCormick House. Seven nonprofit organizations are chosen each year. Each organization receives a $2,500.00 donation. Several members of Unity Partnership met Wednesday to decorate the tree. We had great fun adorning the tree with symbols that we felt illustrated our multicultural makeup and our organizational mission of bridging the gap between the police and the community. The trees will be on display until December 30th. Please come and check out the tree and show your support for our efforts by signing a gift tag. We’ll add your tag and an ornament (we have both on hand for you) to the tree making you a part of our community too!. Visitors can also vote for their favorite tree. The organization’s tree that gets the most votes receives another $2,500.00. Cast a vote for Unity Partnership! For more information about the event, here’s an article from the Chicago Tribune Beacon News which includes a beautiful glimpse of our tree. (Beacon-News Article)

Traffic Stop Workshop

11/8/2018

On Thursday, November 9th, from 7:00-9:00 pm, at the Lisle Village Hall, Unity Partnership hosted its third workshop on Traffic Stops. Paul Scott, a member of the Law Enforcement Committee, introduced the program and the Police Chief of Lisle, David Anderson facilitated. The session was well attended and was also live streamed. Chief Anderson explained protocol and explored the challenges of traffic stops from both the civilian and police perspective. Video segments demonstrated routine stops and an investigative stop, i.e., a driver stopped because her car matches the description of a car involved in a retail theft. The video segments and the presentation prompted lively discussion and questions, and participants also recounted some of their own past experiences with police. Following the session, participants graciously provided written feedback about what they had learned about best practices as a driver when being stopped, and about the complaint process. Sample comments included, “a complaint about the reason for the ticket is different from a complaint about the behavior of the ticketing officer,” and “the police department welcomes a complaint.” We also asked participants about specific topics that they would like to see addressed in future sessions. While there are several, one in particular stood out: improving police and civilian engagement. Our goal is to promote that engagement by continued outreach and training. Please plan to join us for our next workshop to ensure that your voice is heard.

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 Supports SMILE Project

9/4/2018

The DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church shares its commitment to social justice with and interfaith potlucks to immerse the culture of DuPage UU Church in the myriad racially-based injustices that exist in our community. We translated our passion into action by developing the SMILE (Students, Mentors, Internships with Local Employers) project from a model we learned about from a group of Proviso Township African-American ministers.

Our SMILE project engages high school students with mentors in workplace environments. Students intern with their mentor for 16 hours per week for a total of 4 weeks, learning aspects of a business they are interested in, at no cost to the mentor. Students are paid an honorarium by the Social Justice Committee with funds raised by the DuPage UU Church congregation. Contributions came directly from members and from a variety of fundraisers.

Unity Partnership actively supported the SMILE project by offering two internships with local police departments. The student interns accompanied officers on “ride alongs,” and observed basic police procedures. The officers also modeled appropriate dress and demeanor in the workplace. Both the students and the officers reported that the experience was positive.

In keeping with the local departments and Unity Partnership’s goal of increasing diversity, all the SMILE project interns were young people of color. We hope to add additional departments next year, and again match students who express an interest in policing. We hope that other churches and groups will follow our lead and set up their own SMILE projects. We know that a positive relationship with a committed mentor at a critical point in a teen’s development can truly be transformative.

Cheryl Clayton
Co-Chair DUUC Social Justice Committee
Second Vice President, Unity Partnership

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.

Bowlero Bowling - June 28, 2018

7/11/2018

Unity Partnership sponsored a magnificent bowling event to gather police and the youth in the community for a round of bowling just to get to know one another. There were approximately 62 people in attendance who were paired up to face off in a competitive game that was just about unstoppable...they were to become a team!

The kids were bowling with laughter and appreciation of the fact that police were their partners! In the end, we all came together for a conversation about how much we enjoyed each other's company and awards were given to everyone. The awards were donated by a man who understands "change begins with ordinary people."

Several officers were there from various police departments, such as Naperville, Aurora, DuPage & Kane counties sheriff department, and Westmont police. Our volunteers came to assist in any way possible. We are forever grateful to everyone for their participation.

We had lots of food and drinks...everyone took pictures and the waiters were extraordinary. Every time I witness such collaboration and unity, it warms my heart and it validates the reason for what we do, how we do it, and why we should all be involved. ---Regina Brent, Founder & President

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

Unity Partnership Mission Statement

10/24/2017

Unity Partnership Informational Flyer

10/16/2017

Please view our latest flyer here.

ILCAP

10/12/2017

Description here

Memorial for Dallas Officers 2016

10/12/2017

Dallas Memorial

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

Bowling Bolero 2017

10/12/2017

This was an evening of fun and laughter as our surrounding DuPage and Kane counties police officers and youth squared off in a game of bowling against their neighboring departments. The purpose of this event was to familiarize our young people with law-enforcement off-site and to establish a friendship based on the point of humanity. We wanted to build trust between one another for the safety of our communities. Many of our youth have not had non-service contact with police officers who serve and protect in their neighborhoods. It was a great opportunity to develop relationships as public servants and citizens to ensure a continuance of accountability and safety for our communities in DuPage County.

Regina Brent--BIBO Honoree

9/28/2017

Regina Brent - 2017 Outstanding Community Change Agent- Regina Brent instills positive change in district leadership. Regina served in administration and advocacy positions under four City of Chicago Mayors and four Illinois Attorney Generals. She is also the founder of Unity Partnership, which builds positive relationships between the police and the youth in the local community.

Unity Partnership History

8/1/2017

Who we are...
We are dedicated community advocates working to increase trust and confidence between law enforcement and the community so that together we can address current issues and face future challenges as partners.

Our story...
In recent years, a series of highly publicized police-related shootings around the country have created tension between law enforcement and the African-American community, resulting in an increase in violence against police officers. At the height of this socially tenuous time, Regina Brent and Ronald Allen successfully brought forth a proclamation through the DuPage County Board, recognizing African-Americans’ humanity, freedom,and basic civil rights.

Wishing to expand their work, Ms. Brent and Mr. Allen formed Unity Partnership to address concerns about the growing dissension be tween law enforcement and the diverse community. Unity Partnership grew to include an advisory board representing disenfranchised groups, giving voice to those who often can not self-advocate. In the spirit of community collaboration, Unity Partnership’s advisory board includes law enforcement officials
and community leaders. Unity Partnership continues to grow its mission, working with non-profit organizations, faith-based groups, and small business owners to facilitate meaningful dialogue between the community and its police departments.

Regina Brent, Founder and President

8/1/2017

Regina Brent is a native of Chicago born and raised on the south side and a sibling of 16 children. She attended DuSable High School and has a degree in General Studies from the College of DuPage. She has one son who served in the US Navy for 14 years; two grandchildren, one of which attends Law School and the other a high school student.

Regina Brent is a 2014 retiree from the Illinois Attorney General's office. She served four Attorney Generals for 30 years as an Advocate and Supervisor for the Consumer Fraud Bureau; She had previously served for 14 years in various positions under the leadership of four Mayors of the City of Chicago. Regina have resided in DuPage County since the year 2000. She is a Committeewoman for the Naperville township and Founder & President of Unity Partnership, NFP.

“I can remember the first time I became an activist….it was June of 1971. I was 17 years old living in the Chicago Housing Authority project where the elevators continued to be inoperable due to lack of maintenance. The elderly and pregnant women had to carry groceries up 16 flights of stairs in order to feed their families. The women who were the head of their households became fed up, turned our notebook paper into petitions and led us teenagers in a march straight to the office not far from our home, but to no avail. We figured out screeching wheels get the oil if you go to the corporate office. Most of them were hard working women without degrees but managed to coordinate a successful picket outside the Chicago Housing Authority’s downtown office in order to demand better services and we won.

Winning against all odds instilled an abundance of faith in me. We had championed a system we felt was not only unjust but untouchable. However, we persevered until we were satisfied with the results and resolutions for all parties concerned because we realized change begins with ordinary people. Years later, I had no idea a vision would lead me to try and bring peace among law enforcement and the community.

After witnessing so many unfortunate incidents between police and civilians all across America, I’m proud to serve as president of an organization whose members are bridge builders that want to establish trust and relationships needed on both sides. We created this organization to eradicate the myths and stereotypes about one another. Also, Unity Partnership along with the police departments work diligently together to help us reach our goals and to fulfill our mission statement. We want to elevate the morale and lessen the tension between law enforcement and our residents who live, serve and protect us in our community. We must all come together and work together right now.”

Calendar

7/25/2017

360 Barbecue 2017

5/31/2017

This event was an evening of fun and laughter to become familiar with the 360 youth and our surrounding law enforcement officers from the Lisle and Naperville Police departments. We dialogued with the youth about their dreams and aspirations regarding their future. What's happening now? What are their plans for the upcoming summer vacation? Our goal was to build relationships and partnerships with the surrounding police and civilians for the betterment of our community!