Support Byron Clark

Join Friends of Byron Clark to lift up and support our friend in his time of need. Byron is facing a disabling condition while struggling to access the disability benefits needed to support himself. We are raising funds for his short-term living expenses, as well as fees for an attorney to help with his disability case.

Byron has been on unpaid leave for severe depression, anxiety, and PTSD since 2021 as the Director of Development in the Vice Chancellor’s Office for Student Affairs at the UI. He recently lost seven close family members including his son, daughter, brothers, mother, and father — losses that compounded the mental health challenges he was already facing.

For decades our brother Byron has given so much to this community: coaching and mentoring youth, advocating for economic empowerment for minorities, registering voters, working on police and community relations, and serving as President of the Champaign County Chapter of the National Council of African American Men. He was the honoree for the City of Champaign STAR Award, NAACP Chapter’s “Freedom Fighter” award, and was recognized by the News-Gazette as the “Best Of The Decade” tribute to difference-makers of the 2010s. 

Thank you for offering what you can to support our friend Byron Clark, and providing him resources and space to work on his healing.