Author Archives: Marti Wilkinson

On Civil Unions with Kevin and Brandon Bowersox-Johnson

Posted on 06/17/2011 by Marti Wilkinson

Residents in Illinois now have the opportunity to apply for and be joined in a civil union, which recognizes a legal commitment between two adults who wish to have the same rights and privileges afforded to married couples. However, this … Continue reading →

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Champaign Farmers Market

Posted on 06/17/2011 by Marti Wilkinson

Fresh produce, award winning barbecue, and a Prosperity Garden run by the Boys and Girls Club are amongst the attractions that residents can enjoy at the Champaign Farmers Market on Thursdays from 3PM to 7PM. Located on a city parking … Continue reading →

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Power Without Accountability?

Posted on 10/04/2009 by Marti Wilkinson

IN FOLLOWING THE NEWS coverage and comments made regarding the murder of Kiwane Carrington-Williams, I am disturbed to see how many people are quick to jump to the defense of an officer who took the life of a 15 year … Continue reading →

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Pezzullo Interview On Fifth & Hill

Posted on 04/01/2008 by Marti Wilkinson

Phaedra C. Pezzullo, is Assistant Professor of Communication and Culture at Indiana University. What are your thoughts on Fifth and Hill? It’s important to recognize that environmental racism or environmental pollution has been disproportionately placed in communities of color and … Continue reading →

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Will Free Speech Double Speak Stifle Healing?

Posted on 02/26/2008 by Marti Wilkinson

My parents moved to Champaign, IL when I was a small child in the early 1970’s and they have lived here since. One of the ways in which they have managed to make this community their “home” is through following … Continue reading →

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Environmental Justice an Overview

Posted on 01/26/2008 by Marti Wilkinson

TOXIC TOURS IN THE CHAMPAIGN community have placed a local focus on the site of the former coal to gas plant on the corner of 5th and Hill. Under this quiet grassy surface and beneath the white building with peeling … Continue reading →

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Breast Cancer Survivor

Posted on 10/26/2007 by Marti Wilkinson

In the year 2003, I am 35 working, raising a child, trying to get by. I go to the women’s clinic for my yearly probe. It becomes more than a matter of routine when the nurse says, “Hey you’re 35 … Continue reading →

Posted in Healthcare, Human Rights, Women | Leave a comment

Toxic Tours

Posted on 09/26/2007 by Marti Wilkinson

Neighborhoods that are occupied by the poor and people of color face many challenges that remain hidden from public view. Lack of grocery stores in walking distance, the policing of Douglass Park, and the location of a former coal to … Continue reading →

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A Garden Hills Resident Responds

Posted on 08/26/2007 by Marti Wilkinson

A recent shooting in Garden Hills has generated several news reports and concerns within the community. On July 14, 2007 an article appeared in the News Gazette where it is said that community leaders met with the resident and police … Continue reading →

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How Does the Criminal Justice System Work in Champaign County?

Posted on 04/26/2007 by Marti Wilkinson

On March 13, 2007, members of the community showed up at the Urbana Civic Center to learn how the criminal justice system works. A panel comprised of Sheriff Dan Walsh, States Attorney Julia Rietz, Public Defender Randy Rosenbaum, Associate Judge … Continue reading →

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