We are all grieving with the families of those killed recently in Tulsa and Charlotte and with the communities now left to pick up the pieces in the aftermath.

With our students and our campus we share in the sadness, frustration and anger at another round of encounters that end with the deaths of African Americans and community unrest that leads to even more tragedy. This epidemic of violence is profoundly disturbing whether it manifests thousands of miles away or just next door. The staff at the Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center and the Counseling Center are available for help and advice if you feel in need of some additional support.

Campus leadership and our UI police department are working with Champaign County Coalition to build strong and positive relationships among community members, the university, law enforcement and others to create an environment where we address problems and concerns in peaceful, productive and safe ways.

There are two rallies scheduled for this weekend.

• No More Stolen Lives
  Friday, September 23rd, 6-7 pm
  Champaign County Courthouse
  Organized by Black Lives Matter: Champaign-Urbana
  Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/431653483671527/ 

• Call to Action
  Sunday, September, 25th, 5 pm
  Main Quad, Anniversary Plaza
  Organized by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Gamma Chapter
  Organizers ask that participants please wear all black.

Racism, violence and intolerance have no place in a nation that should be a model for the ideals of hope, equality and opportunity. Together, right here, we can work toward the change necessary to build a safer and more inclusive world for all of us.

Renee Romano
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

Assata Zerai
Associate Chancellor for Diversity