Jettie Rhodes Day News & Archives
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Champaign News-Gazette, "Connecting the Community" June 24, 2018
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Smile Politely, “Who is your neighbor?”: Jettie Rhodes Day defines Community June 22, 2017
Champaign News-Gazette, "Good Neighbors gather in Urbana" June 24, 2022
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Champaign News-Gazette,
"Like a Good Neighbor"
June 21, 2023
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Jettie Rhodes Day YouTube Videos
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Jettie Rhodes Day Covid Vaccination Clinic
In 2021, as the world grappled with the devastating impact of COVID-19, we faced the sobering reality that our cherished annual MLK Jettie Rhodes Day celebration could not proceed as usual. The pandemic, particularly rampant within the black community, posed significant challenges, exacerbated by hesitancy towards vaccination among minorities. However, amidst these trying times, the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District recognized the potential of our small Executive Committee, deeply rooted in the community, to play a pivotal role in the vaccination effort.
Embracing the spirit of Jettie Rhodes, had she been alive today, and honoring her legacy, we eagerly accepted the responsibility. For weeks, a dedicated team tirelessly worked to register 400 individuals, predominantly from minority backgrounds, for vaccination. With unwavering support from the Urbana School District, we strategically chose to host the event at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School, situated in the heart of a predominantly black neighborhood.
The response from the community was remarkable. Volunteers, moved by the urgency of the situation, generously contributed essential supplies—masks, wipes, sanitizer, snacks, and beverages, bandaids, gauze —and, most significantly, their invaluable time. The inaugural MLK Jettie Rhodes Day Vaccination Clinic took place on Saturday, March 27, 2021, from 9 am to 1 pm, at King Elementary School, marking a momentous occasion. Serving 398 individuals on the first day alone, we achieved an impressive 93.7% representation of people of color.
Both encouraged and excited by this success, we organized a second vaccination clinic on Saturday, April 24, 2021, where 358 individuals, again predominantly people of color, received their vaccines, totaling 91.9% of the attendees. The demographics of our efforts reflect the diverse fabric of our community and met the goal that was set forth when we took on this responsibility:
Embracing the spirit of Jettie Rhodes, had she been alive today, and honoring her legacy, we eagerly accepted the responsibility. For weeks, a dedicated team tirelessly worked to register 400 individuals, predominantly from minority backgrounds, for vaccination. With unwavering support from the Urbana School District, we strategically chose to host the event at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School, situated in the heart of a predominantly black neighborhood.
The response from the community was remarkable. Volunteers, moved by the urgency of the situation, generously contributed essential supplies—masks, wipes, sanitizer, snacks, and beverages, bandaids, gauze —and, most significantly, their invaluable time. The inaugural MLK Jettie Rhodes Day Vaccination Clinic took place on Saturday, March 27, 2021, from 9 am to 1 pm, at King Elementary School, marking a momentous occasion. Serving 398 individuals on the first day alone, we achieved an impressive 93.7% representation of people of color.
Both encouraged and excited by this success, we organized a second vaccination clinic on Saturday, April 24, 2021, where 358 individuals, again predominantly people of color, received their vaccines, totaling 91.9% of the attendees. The demographics of our efforts reflect the diverse fabric of our community and met the goal that was set forth when we took on this responsibility:
- 58% Black
- 27% Hispanic
- 7% Asian
- 7% White
- 0.5% Native American
- 0.5% preferred not to disclose
Local Doctors Spreading Encouragement...
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Tiffani C. Dillard, MD
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Dionne V. Smith, MD
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Ifeanyi Opoku, MD
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James L. Shepherd, MD
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Imani Anwisye-Mashele, MD, MPH
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