CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) — Earlier this week, it was announced that the Stratton Academy of the Arts was recognized with a $20,000 grant from Healing Illinois to support a new, arts-integrated initiative designed to foster racial healing, community connection, and a strong sense of belonging for students and the surrounding community.
The grant supports “Healing Through Place”, a collaborative project between the school and Dr. Jennifer Bergmark from the U of I’s School of Art + Design. The initiative looks to engage students in exploring local history, storytelling, and public art through four major components, including a historical zine project, a school mural, a student-led oral history project and website, and a large-scale basketball court mural.
One of the major focuses of the project will be Kenneth Stratton, who is the namesake of the school. In 1961, Stratton became the first Black councilman in Champaign’s history. Through an arts-based research project, students will create posters and zines sharing the school’s history. The research will also support the development of an official heritage marker, as the school is designated as a point of pride on the African American Heritage Trail.
Artist Oscar Joyo will also work alongisde students to design artwork celebrating African American culture and local history through a school mural. His visit to Stratton is scheduled for the week of February 23. Students will also participate in an oral history project led by a local artist-educator, developing interviewing skills and creating audio documentation of community narratives. The project will culminate with the creation of a 58-foot by 101-foot basketball court mural by a local artist, transforming a shared space into a powerful visual symbol of community and pride.
Healing Illinois is funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services in partnership with The Field Foundation of Illinois and United Way of Champaign County. The statewide initiative supports projects that foster racial healing and community healing by honoring the histories, experiences, and voices of Illinois communities.
