We, Julian Carter, the Ubuntu CU Project, the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement CU, and the Coalition for Progress and Liberation, a coalition of multiple local grassroots organizations, are seeking to commemorate the untimely death of 15-year old African American Kiwane Albert Carrington at the hands of Champaign police. On October 9, 2009, an unarmed Kiwane Carrington who was not engaged in any illegal activity was wrongfully shot and killed by a police officer. His killing sparked the largest community protests to abolish police abuse of Black people in Champaign’s history.

On October 9, 2009, an unarmed Kiwane Carrington who was not engaged in any illegal activity was wrongfully shot and killed by a police officer. His killing sparked the largest community protests to abolish police abuse of Black people in Champaign’s history.

This petition is a demand for the Champaign City Council to honor his life, legacy, and impact on our community. It is a call to transform a tragedy into a symbol of hope. Naming Champaign Street after Kiwane will contribute to healing a festering 12-year old wound in the heart and soul of our community. “Kiwane A. Carrington Way” would be a strong step in empowering the voices and lives of Champaign’s African American residents struggling for a transformative future. On October 9, 2009, an unarmed Kiwane Carrington who was not engaged in any illegal activity was wrongfully shot and killed by a police officer. His killing sparked the largest community engagement to transform police mistreatment and abuse of Black people in Champaign’s history.

An important way to uphold the power of Kiwane Carrington’s legacy and the impact his killing had on our lives and the city is to permanently cement his name on a street. We call on the Champaign City Council to honor his life, legacy, and impact on our community. It is a demand to transform a tragedy into a symbol of hope. Naming Champaign Street after Kiwane will contribute to healing a festering 12-year old wound in the heart and soul of our community and city. “Kiwane A. Carrington Way” would be a strong step toward empowering the voices and lives of Champaign’s African American residents who are struggling for a transformative future.