Local ministers urge students to work hard in school

Education--K-12--Central High School, Social Services, Religion--New Hope Chuch of God, Religion--Salem Baptist Church, Religion--Free Will Baptist Church

CHAMPAIGN – The Rev. Charles Nash was standing at a table full of boys in the Central High School cafeteria Monday, struggling to be heard over the din.

Nash talked about college, what the students need to focus on in high school, and what happens to those who don't take education seriously. The boys laughed and joked with each other. But they listened too.

"They were a little goofy at times, but they were listening to what he had to say," freshman David Quarles, one of those at the table, said of his classmates.

Nash, of the New Hope Church of God in Christ, was one of several local ministers who were visiting Champaign high schools Monday to kick off "Operation Graduation," an effort to get community members more involved in the school district and encourage students to stay in school and work hard at their education.

The plan calls for the ministers to visit the high schools twice a month and talk with students. They'll also put messages in their church bulletins and talk with their congregations about topics such as being a good role model, helping children learn from everyday experiences, helping with homework, talking with teachers and encouraging children to ask for help when they need it.

Robin McClain, the district's attendance improvement coordinator, said the district is also working with social service agencies to get information into the schools about the services available for families, and it will be working with the business community next to get more people involved in the schools.

"I think it's invaluable for kids to see the community has an expectation for them to do well in school," said Central Principal Bill Freyman.

Nash was not put off by the rowdiness in the cafeteria on Monday.

"They are basically good kids. Their behavior a lot of times is a front," he said.

Several students said they appreciated the ministers taking an interest.

"I'm glad they're letting everybody know they care about young black kids trying to do better in their lives," said David, who shook hands with Nash before heading off to class.

"It was kind of cool for them to come here and give us advice on life," added sophomore Denzel Stewart. "I hear that stuff every day from my mom, but this was the first time hearing it from someone other than my mom."

The Rev. Zernial Bogan of Salem Baptist Church talked with a group of upperclassmen, asking how they felt about lunch, the police officer assigned to the school and their overall interactions in high school. He wanted to get the students' points of view.

"To hear from them on a one-on-one level gives a broader picture of what's going on," Bogan said.

The Rev. Evelyn Underwood of the New Free Will Baptist Church knows the families and pastors of many Central students. She was using that to make connections with students. Several girls who know her came up and hugged her, including senior Diamond Sturkey.

"I think it's very necessary," Diamond said of having the ministers visit the school. She said their presence may help calm things down and reduce conflicts. Students "still have some type of respect for people coming in and trying to change things," she said.

Jodi Heckel

News-Gazette

January 29, 2008

Document

Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church - Media

Church History, Sermons, Newsletters

Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church posts on its website church sermons and newsletters on a regular basis. The Church also features an online history.

Church History: he Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church was organized on May 7, 1925 in Champaign, Illinois as a prayer band. Reverend R.H. Hayden was the first Pastor. Tisdale Hall, 411 East Grove Street was the church's first location, and the first day of worship was Christmas Day (December 25, 1925).

Pilgrim's first permanent site was purchased for $700. Records indicate that Sis. Nellie Shawcraft (deceased) and Mother Beulah Townsend (deceased) were among Pilgrim's first members. Excavation for the next structure, located at 609 North Ash Street, begun on October 10, 1930. The late Brother Jack Butts participated in the actual labor of laying the bricks. On November 29, 1932, worship was conducted in the sanctuary. Our next Pastor, Reverend C. Charity, spearheaded a very aggressive, involved spiritual program destined to advance the cause of Christ through this local body.

The next Pastor, Reverend Fred Newbill, served until March 22, 1954. In 1955, Reverend Robert Whitehead took leadership to renovate the church building, and Pilgrim's first parsonage was purchased. This was done through the combined efforts of members such as Sister Clara Stewart, Sister Virginia Bomer, Brother Lonnie Johnson and Brother Nathaniel Butts. Reverend Whitehead tendered his resignation in August of 1962.

Pilgrim's progress continued under the leadership of Reverend A.G. Gregory, who started the next building fund and the fruition of his efforts and membership of Pilgrim came to pass under the Pastorship of Reverend W.B. Keaton in January of 1969. Under Reverend Keaton's leadership the following organizations were added: the Pastor's Ensemble, the Angelic Choir and I.Y.C Choir, Junior Usher Board, Male Chorus, Nurse's Aide, Pastor's Aide, and a Broadcast Club. We were blessed to burn off the mortgage of the parsonage at 1407 Summitridge in Champaign and purchase three 15-passenger vans, and added a ladies lounge.

In 1973, the church history recorded these words: "Pilgrim has reached its finest hour with the completion of this new edifice, with a total construction cost of $125,000, located at 1310 North Sixth Street in Champaign." But with the vision of some, the heartfelt "go ahead" of others, and the "we can't do it" of still others, the church stepped out on the word of Him who died for us and prepared to retire the mortgage of this structure. That was truly one of Pilgrim's finest hours.

In 1996, another expansion project began; new classrooms, men and women's restrooms, and a new Pastor's office. The new expansion was dedicated in the memory of Deacon Eddie "Pepper" Johnson, who was one of Pilgrim's most dedicated deacons.

In January of 1998, the clarion call was given to Reverend Willie Williams, Jr. to become our new leader. Under his leadership, new membership classes were established, along with Marriage, Divorce and Single Life ministries. To encourage more male participation, active Brotherhood and Youth Laymen ministries were developed. In 1999, the Deaconess and Deacon-In-Training programs were developed. In 2000, two new vans were purchased and our parking lot was extended. Pilgrim also implemented Boy Scout and Cub Scout programs.

In January 2008, God blessed Pilgrim with one of his best, Rev. Rickey E. Parks. Pastor Parks have touched our minds, hearts, and soul with his passion and zest for teaching and preaching. In 2009, Kingdom Builders and Close the Back Door Ministries were established. After more than 30 years, the kitchen received a complete remodel. We give God the praise and glory and we look forward to the many wonderful blessings coming our way.

Bethel A.M.E. Church - History

Church history

History
PREFACE

At a Church Conference and Get-together held at Bethel AME Church, July 14, 1938, there arose a discussion of the early history of the Church. In consequence, Rev. Thomas H. Stoner, the pastor, appointed a Committee on Church History for the purpose of making research and securing facts concerning the early history of the Church. The members of the Research Committee were: Mrs. Luana Riley, Mrs. Florence Louis Milan, Mrs. Clara Anderson Allen, Mrs. Mary Blackburn Jones and Mr. Albert R. Lee - Chairman

In 1990, Mrs. Esther P. Kemp under the leadership of Rev. Steven A. Jackson organized committees to pull together and update the rich history of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Accordingly, various committees were formed and the work began. The 1990-91 Historical Committee invited Bethel members, descendants of early members and community members with any written, visual, or oral history to share it with them. That information was used to draft early parts of the church history. The members of the Committee were: Mrs. Estelle Merrifield – Co Chair , Mrs. Erma Bridgewater – Co Chair, Dr. Sandra E. Gibbs – Writer/Editor, Dr. Mildred Barnes Griggs, Mrs. Odelia Alexander, Mr. Nathaniel Banks, Sr., Mrs. Carrie Banks, Mr. George Pope, Mrs. Bernice Pope, Rev. Steven Jackson and Mrs. Esther P. Kemp - Coordinator

In 2004, Mrs. Debrae Lomax, the chair of the 141st church Anniversary, asked organizations in the church to provide brief sketches of their group’s history, in an effort to continue to update the church records and the work of those first committees.

Most of what you will read in the pages to follow about Bethel’s history will be of the work that was done in 1990-91 and the new information acquired in 2004. There may be some added information as it relates to the Bethel’s expansion projects and other activities that Bethel has been involved in since August 2004.

As always, remember that we, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, are a growing church and our history will never be complete.


Early History of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church

Since neither Bethel Church records nor Quarterly Conference minutes before 1800 are available, the time of Bethel’s founding has been determined from the history of Champaign County which shows that the church was organized in 1863. The Quarterly Conference Journal of 1891 stated that the Church was 28 years old. Using this date, the time of origin would be 1863. So in 1864, a small group of people, who had been holding prayer meetings and other religious meetings in their homes, got together and raised funds in the amount of $600 and erected a small frame building on the property of Mr. Jake Taylor at 405 E. Park Avenue.

In 1877, the property at the southeast corner of Fourth and Park Streets was purchased and the frame building at 405 E. Park Avenue was moved to 401 E. Park Avenue, making both building and ground the property of Bethel A. M. E. Church.

First Parsonage

During the ministry of Rev. Charles Holmes, 1880 or 1881, the first parsonage was built in back of the church on Fourth Street. It was a modest, story and a half cottage. Prior to that time, the pastors lived in rented houses.

The New Church

Records for June 1892 show an abstract for the property signed by the church's trustees. On October 5, 1892, a meeting was held to incorporate the church and take action to build a new church. The trustees were authorized to mortgage the lot to secure a loan of $2,000 from Citizens Building Association to build a church. The corporate name of the church was to be “The African Methodist Episcopal Church of Champaign, Illinois.”

Building upon the new church began in early June 1892, and the building was competed in January 1893, at which time the church was dedicated. A Corner Stone laying by Lone Star Lodge No. 18, F. & A. M. featured the early stages of building. The church was financed by a loan from the Urbana Citizen’s Building Association, subscriptions from the members, and generous donations from other citizens. Later a loan was made by the A. M. E. Extension board. Benches and pulpit and the organ from the old church were installed in the new church…..as was an old furnace donated by the First Presbyterian Church of Champaign. The dedication was a special occasion. In the afternoon, a Men’s Chorus from the University of Illinois and the pastor and a large representation from the First A. M. E. of Champaign were present. A large sum of money was donated by members and friends. The dedication was the greatest event in the history of the church.

The new church was a brick building with beautiful stained glass windows. There was an auditorium, lecture room, choir room, often called the Baraca room because of its use as a Sunday School room for the Baraca class, which had an enrollment of 100 at one time. Bethel was the first church in the Twin Cities to have a Baraca-Philathea affiliation with the National Baraca-Philathea Bible Study group.

Parsonage Rebuilt

In 1919, during the pastorate of Rev. R. H. Hackley, the parsonage was rebuilt. At a church meeting held August 19, 1919, members voted to have the Trustees secure a loan of $2,500 for improvement of the parsonage, for painting the interior and exterior of the church, moving the parsonage back on the lot, adding two new rooms, and remodeling the interior to make the building modern. The parsonage was rebuilt and the church painted inside and out.

In 1925, during the second pastorate of Rev. George W. Jones, property at 1010 W. Main Street in Urbana was willed to the trustees of Bethel Church. This property belonged to the late Mrs. Sarah Watson and her husband, Henry W. Watson, who had preceded her in death. Both Mr. and Mrs. Watson had been faithful members of the church. And according to their will, which specified that after burial expenses all proceeds from the sale of the property were to be given to Bethel, the Trustees paid off the mortgage. Bethel was then freed of all its debts for that time.


Membership

The growth of the membership of the church was gradual but steady. Figures for the membership from the beginning are unavailable, but it must have been very small as the number of Blacks in the community was small. In 1888 the membership was 62. In 1938 it was approximately 270.


Bethel Rebuilds

The new Bethel was fast becoming old and in need of extensive repair in the late 40’s. In 1948, the Helping Hand Club served meals in a basement for a Sunday School and Church Conference and they raised $190. Rev. Elsie Taborn, who was pastor at that time, asked them how they would like the money used and they indicated it should be used as a starter for a building fund for a new church. Rev. Taborn added $100 and Mrs. Nellie Bradley added another $100. This was the beginning of a drive to raise $95,000.

In 1953, Rev. Taborn established a Building Committee naming R. M. Scott Chairman. Other members were: Elmer Brown, Eddie Glover, Speedie McDowell, Dawson Banks, Sr., Nathaniel Banks, Eugene Suggs, James Henderson, Nathan Williams, James Trotter, Herman Jordan, E. A. Martin and Cecil Pope.

When Rev. Taborn died, the leadership of Bethel moved to Rev. Parks, and the building program continued. Under the slogan “Let Us Rise Up and Build”, Mr. Scott encouraged Bethel to continue to build. Mr. Scott was still chairman of this committee at the time of his death on January 23, 1957. In 1957 the leadership of Bethel was changed again because of the death of the pastor. Rev. C. M. Curry assumed leadership and continued the building program. Before Rev. Parks' death, he had established a Planning Committee for a new building. Eugene Suggs was elected chairman and other members of the committee were: Erma Bridgewater, Ora Edwards, Herman Jordan, Eddie Glover, Cecil Pope, James Henderson and Kenneth Stratton. Rev. Curry added Arthur Evans, Nathaniel Banks and George L. Pope to the Planning Committee.

On April 6, 1958, ground was broken using the plans of architects Laz and Edwards. After many meetings and exchanges of ideas, the final plans were presented to the church conference and the conference approved the same. Construction began in the fall of 1958, and was completed in early 1959. On April 26, 1959, the church was dedicated.

In 1969, under the leadership of Rev. W. R. Stewart, a church conference voted for the trustee board to buy the property adjacent to the church at 405 E. Park Street. This was done and immediate plans got underway for improving the property. The church suffered a loss by fire to the property at 405 in the summer of 1970. Because of extensive damage, the improvement program was given top priority by the church.

On February 8, 1976, under the leadership of Rev. C. E. Carr, Bethel had its Mortgage Liquidation service with Bishop Howard Thomas Primm officiating. Rev. C. E. Carr also appointed a planning committee to draw plans for a new parsonage to be constructed at 405 E. Park Street. Under the leadership of Rev. Alexander C. Wright, Jr., construction of the parsonage began in August of 1977 and was completed and furnished on December 23, 1977. Rev. Wright and his family took occupancy on December 23, 1977. Open house was held on January 11, 1978. On November 23, 1980, the parsonage was dedicated by Bishop Hubert N. Robinson, the Presiding Bishop of the Fourth Episcopal District.

Rev. Alfred Johnson was appointed pastor of Bethel in 1984 and remained at Bethel until 1988. Under his leadership, the pews were refinished and cushioned, kneeling pads were donated for the altar, the kitchen was remodeled, the lower level was retiled, storm windows were installed, pew bibles and hymnals were purchased and the indebtedness of the church was paid off. Also during Rev. Johnson’s pastorate at Bethel, Rev. Osborne G. Munroe joined the ministerial staff in 1984.

In 1988, Rev. Hiram H. Walker returned to Bethel as pastor for two years. He was followed by Rev. Steven A. Jackson, Rev. John Nettles, Jr. and Rev. Charles B. Jackson. Under Rev. Charles Jackson’s leadership, a new organ and piano were donated to the church in memory of Paul Lawrence Pope by his wife Gladys Pope and other family members, new AME hymnals were purchased by members and friends of Bethel, pew bibles were donated to the church, and a new PA system was purchased by the Adult Choir. Also under his leadership, the church received a grant supporting a Tutorial Program and the church became computerized. In September of 2002 Rev. Gregory Wilson was appointed the new pastor of Bethel. Under his leadership, the Tuesday night Bible class began. In January 2004, Rev. Gregory Wilson passed away and Rev. Roosevelt Lindsey, Jr. was appointed pastor of Bethel in February 2004.

Under Rev. Lindsey’s leadership, Bethel began plans to expand. In the three years that Rev. Lindsey was pastor of Bethel, the church purchased several properties in an effort to build the church’s first ever parking lot.

Bethel Builds A Parking Lot

Whereas Rev. Roosevelt Lindsey laid the foundation for Bethel to build its first ever parking lot by acquiring all of the needed space, he moved to California in January of 2007 before construction preparations were finalized. In March of 2007, Rev. Larry D. Lewis became the pastor of Bethel and immediately continued the work started under Rev. Lindsey. Under his leadership Bethel moved ahead with plans to construct a parking lot. After many meetings and exchanges of ideas, the final plans were presented to the church conference and the conference approved the same. On May 16, 2007, a ground breaking ceremony was held. Butts Construction Company of Champaign, IL was contracted to build the parking lot. It was completed in July of 2007. The parking lot was dedicated on July 29, 2007. Rev. Roosevelt Lindsey, the pastor that started it all, was the dedication speaker.


Organizations and Activities

Bethel has a history which includes activity in the community as well as in the church. During the early part of the century when segregation was a fact of life, Bethel maintained a park for the neighborhood children on Ellis Street equipped with volleyball, croquet and tennis. The church also maintained a Reading Center located in the 100 block of East University Avenue in Champaign. The church also established a library, had a church orchestra, and served as a meeting place for Black students attending the University of Illinois. The church has had many active groups which include the Steward Board, the Trustee Board, the Stewardess Board, the Sunday School, the Lay Organization, the Helping Hand Club, the Fleur de Lis Club, the Luana Riley Women’s Missionary Society, the Usher Board, the Willing Workers Club, the Men’s Club, Men’s Bible Study, Biblical Arts Players, Benevolent Committee, the YPD, Adult/Youth/Young Adult Choirs, Women’s Ministry, Temple Shapers, Fitness Club, Calendar Club, S.O.L.D.I.E.R.S. (Step Team), Imani Liturgical Dancers, Stewardship & Finance Committee, Allen Christian Fellowship, and Scholarship Committee.

We can look back and be proud of our Bethel Family and the progress made. We continue to move onward and upward, so that the future generations will be proud of us, following in our footsteps and fully enjoy the blessings and glory of God our Heavenly Father.


Bethel Ministers

1863-1892 – First Church
Rev. Knight Rev. Derrick Rev. Henry Depugh Rev. Rinehart
Rev. J. W. Jackson Rev. William J. Davis Rev. A. Burleigh Rev. Campbell
Rev. Richard Holley Rev. Charles Holmes Rev. E. P. Moore Rev. Harry Lackey

1892-1959 – Second Church
Rev. Harry Lackey Rev. Levi P. Cristy Rev. J. A. Sherman Rev. T. H. Stoner
Rev. Peyton M. Lewis Rev. George Christbrugh Rev. Edward King Rev. M. C. Wright
Rev. Jesse E. Woods Rev. Andrew T. Jackson Rev. George W. Jones Rev. T. S. Henderson
Rev. F. T. Harvey Rev. George W. Jones Rev. J. W. Wiley Rev. John W. Wright
Rev. Peter Cooper Rev. John H. Smith Rev. Charles E. Brooks Rev. Elsie Taborn
Rev. Benjamin Arnett Rev. Henry W. Jamerson Rev. C. O, Mitchell Rev. Andrew R. Parks
Rev. Henry Simons Rev. E. G. Jackson Rev. Isaac S. Stone Rev. C. M. Curry
Rev. J. H. W. Jackson Rev. R. H. Hackley Rev. George T. Shaw

1959-Present – Third & Present Church
Rev. C. M. Curry (1959-61) Rev. Alfred E. Johnson (1984-88)
Rev. Blaine Ramsey (1961-67) Rev. Steven A. Jackson(1990-95)
Rev. W. R. Stewart (1967-70) Rev. John Nettles, Jr.(1995)
Rev. William N. Guy (1970-71) Rev. Charles B. Jackson(1995-2002)
Rev. H.H. Walker (1971-74, 1988-90) Rev. Gregory Wilson (2002-04)
Rev. Clarence E. Carr (1974-1977) Rev. Roosevelt Lindsey (2004-07)
Rev. A. C. Wright (1977-83) Rev. Larry D. Lewis (2007-present)
Rev. John Q. Owens (1983-84)
Ministerial Staff
Rev. O. G. Munroe (1984-2008) Rev. Brenda Wilson (2002-05)
Deacon Charles Butts (1996-?) Rev. Robin Barrow (2003-05, 09-present)
Rev. Eugene Barnes (2001-02)

Bethel A.M.E. Church

School Climate Research Team's School Climate Survey

Schools

Detailed report and appendices prepared by an interdisciplinary UIUC research team, on behalf of the Champaign School District, to study racial/racist climates within the District, as part of the district's consent decree fulfillment. From Sascha D. Meinrath (one of the report authors) personal website.

1999-2001

Ethnography of the Brown v Board Jubilee Commemoration

Schools, Ethnography of the University

The Brown v. Board of Education Jubilee Commemoration is a year-long, multi-faceted, and very ambitious project that bears the distinctive stamp of Chancellor Nancy Cantor’s interest in diversity in higher education. It is not an exaggeration to say that there is hardly a unit at UIUC that has not been touched by, or taken an active hand in the Brown Commemoration. The Ethnography of the University (EOTU) is pleased to take on the Ethnography of the Brown Commemoration (EBC) knowing that the commemoration—its particular shape and life on our campus—offers a window on the university’s diverse understanding of itself at this important historical juncture. Currently there are four paid undergraduate researchers attending Brown Commemoration events, interviewing participants, and writing up field notes that will be used next summer as undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty pull together a lengthy document that assesses the commemoration’s accomplishments.

Although the Brown Commemoration has a distinct origin—namely, the recommendation of a Diversity Committee that resulted in Chancellor Cantor’s appointment of a Brown Commemoration Planning Committee—by today the commemoration is a very dispersed venture that has been realized by many units, constituencies, and individuals. For example, when the Housing Division engaged the Brown Commemoration, it naturally worked through its own chain of command, down to the resident directors, and from them to the resident assistants, and so on. There is, then, neither a single Brown Commemoration, nor a single vision enlivening the Brown Commemoration. Thus, in the day-to-day events and activities comprising the commemoration we find many and competing ideas about what it means to remember the Brown v. Board of Education decision, and what it means to commemorate it here and now. There are in turn the many consumers of the Brown Commemoration, ranging from people who attend commemoration events, to those in classes affected in some way by commemoration programming. Like the Brown Commemoration producers, these consumers bring a broad range of understanding to their encounters with the commemoration, and in turn they participate in the commemoration dialogue in particular ways. Furthermore, the Brown Commemoration takes on life beyond formal events, for example in off-stage conversations, in passions ignited by the events, and in the forging of new social connections. Clearly, the Brown Commemoration’s domain is expansive: in it are represented many and diverse visions, many and diverse consumers, and many and diverse after-lives. EBC aims to capture the life and feeling of some of this; we make no pretense to cover the commemoration exhaustively.

Ethnography of the University students Rene Bangert, Paul Davis, Nicole Ortegón, and Teresa Ramos

ca. 2005

Voices of Great Schools Together

Schools

Great Schools Together is a community-focused, facilitated planning initiative created by Unit Four to assist them in establishing a long-range plan that enables the school district to proactively meet the program, infrastructure and community-partnership needs of the district.

WILL Public Media

2008

Beyond Brown: A Yearlong Look at the Brown Decision

Racism, School Segregation

May 17, 2004 marked the 50th anniversary of the United States Supreme Court decision that unanimously held that racial segregation of public schools violated the 14th Amendment. The legacy of the Brown decision lives in numerous public events, discussions and programs hosted by WILL and the University of Illinois. Beyond Brown explored the significance of this historic decision, the goals achieved and the promises yet unfilled.

Includes:
* audio and video archives on Beyond Brown from WILL and the University of Illinois
* Bridging the Achievement Gap: A Town Hall Meeting

WILL Public Media

2004-2005

UIUC African American Architecture Alumni Project

College, Architecture

This site seeks to list all African-American alumni from the UIUC Architecture program, as well as interview and survey as many living alumni as possible.

Leeswann Bolden

2008

Using Cooperative Efforts between the African American Church and Local Public Libraries To Expand the Use of Library Services by African Americans. Final Report.

Libraries, Churches

Features the Champaign and Urbana Public Library Districts. The African American church has a long history of service to its community. The church in African American life has always served as a source of support, learning, information, and improvement for its members and the community it serves. This project directed its resources and energies toward developing meaningful and effective strategies for working with African American churches to encourage their youth to make better and more extensive use of library services. Topics covered in this document are: an overview of the participants of the project; techniques used to increase communications between the two institutions; an examination of the African American collections at each library; an evaluation of materials purchased by the project; a list of recommended materials for a well-rounded African American collection; descriptions of the project's programs; evaluation of the programs; the questionnaires used in the project; the librarian interviews; the project director's evaluation; conclusions; and the recommendations and products of the project. The appendices include management profiles of the project libraries; a directory of the churches; Urban School Improvement Project church survey documents; library and church newsletters; selected African American publishers; the evaluation questionnaire; and a list of selected children's books and authors.

Frederick A. Rodgers and Elizabeth A. Innes

ERIC Government Reports

September 11, 1992

Report: African-Americans under-represented on Champaign County juries

Law, Crime, Politics and Activism, Research and Data,Community Organizations--League of Women Voters, Education--Higher--University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — While finding no statistical evidence of bias in the selection of jurors, African-Americans were noticeably under-represented on juries in Champaign County.

A report of observations of state and federal courts conducted by the University of Illinois College of Law and the League of Women Voters of Champaign County found “a significant discrepancy between the demographics of Champaign County and the demographics of those citizens reporting for jury service.”

Students at the law school conducted the observations of the Sixth Circuit Court of Illinois and U.S. District Court for Central Illinois between September and December 2004.
While 11 percent of the county’s population is African-American, African-Americans constituted 6 percent of the jury pools during the observation period.

In 17 jury trials in which African-American men were defendants, four African-American men and 10 African-American women (out of 252 jurors and alternates for each jury) were seated. Nine potential African-American jurors were excused in the jury-selection process.

The report recommended that the judges consider revising jury-selection procedures to “make the jury pool more representative of the county’s population demographics.”
The report also faulted the televised arraignment proceedings used by the county courts, saying there were various cases in which defendants “could not hear proceedings and did not understand remarks addressed to them.”

The report further recommended the use of a Spanish interpreter on high-volume court appearance days, such as Mondays, to enhance “the perceived fairness of judicial proceedings in the county.”

More than 130 law students each spent 12 hours of court watching last fall, trained by the League of Women Voters.

Observations were compiled through a Web site created for data input by the project. The students also submitted paper reports, which were used to crosscheck information entered through the electronic database.

A total of 1,657 hours of court-watching data was used in the analysis performed by statistics students under the supervision of statistics professor Adam T. Martinsek.

The report represents a pilot project by the law school and the voters league to compile a large database of courtroom observations.

“In the overwhelming majority of observations, our courtrooms were perceived as places where judges and other participants observed decorum and treated one another with respect,” the report noted.

The project was organized by Joan Miller, the chair of the justice committee of the League of Women Voters of Champaign County; J. Steven Beckett, director of the trial advocacy program in the law school; and C.K. Gunsalus, adjunct professor in the law school and the president of the League of Women Voters of Champaign County.

Mark Reutter, Law Editor

News Bureau, University of Illinois

May 5, 2005