If my weather app is telling me the truth, it seems like spring is maybe, possibly here to stay. April in Champaign-Urbana may not have the most consistent weather but you can always count on a calendar packed with things to do (especially if you like the Arts). My goal is to get outside as much as possible, so here are four ways you can get out of your house and support some of the amazing people in our community this month.
Feel a little bit like a secret agent
Indigenous people have been fighting for their rights pretty much since the America’s were first taken from them. Since then, treaties were created to appease them, but these promises are broken all the time. Working with specialists from the University of Illinois and artificial intelligence you can learn how to track violations to treaties, the First Amendment, and the Civil Rights Act and then create a plan of action based on your findings.
Tracking Violations: Treaties, Civil Rights, and the First Amendment
The Spurlock Museum of World Cultures
600 S. Gregory
Urbana
Sa, April 13
Noon to 2:00 p.m.
Free
Support Reproductive Justice
Urbana-Champaign Reproductive Justice Week is back. Each year UCRJ gathers speakers to talk about all facets of reproductive health and this year is no exception. The entire event list is here and includes, traditional talks, but also, book clubs, zine making, and a drag show. The week concludes with a party at Rose Bowl Tavern.
UCRJ Week 2024
Various locations
April 19th -28th
Free
Help with a little Spring cleaning
The Champaign Park District is hosting a community day to clean up Boneyard Creek, which runs through Champaign, Urbana, and Campustown. There is a full list of cleanup sites on the website and a free lunch will be provided following the clean up at Scott Park. People of all ages are welcome, but make sure to wear appropriate clothing. You can register online before April 13th or in person at the event.
Boneyard Creek Community Day
Scott Park
207 E. Springfield Ave.
Champaign
April 20th
9 a.m. to noon
Free but registration is required
Cheer on some athletes
There are some very cool things we get access to by living in C-U. Because of the U of I, we have the ability to watch some incredible athletes compete in a wide array of sports. Softball, Baseball, Women’s and Men’s Tennis, and Track and Field all have free games/matches that you can go see this month. Tennis will have some fun giveaways and clinics and I can’t think of a better way to enjoy the weather, than watching someone else run around, while I eat a hotdog.
The second very cool thing is the Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend. This will be the first race with a new route that goes through Savoy. All of the races, but especially the marathon, are truly inspiring to watch. There will also be plenty of events leading up to the race, so make sure to check the schedule. And if you’re curious you can read more about the race in my interview with Director Jan Seeley.
Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend
Various locations
April 25th- 27th
Prices vary by race, free to watch
