The Jelani Day Foundation

04/13/2026

The Jelani Day Foundation’s 4th Annual Fundraising Gala is officially underway! This is an official save-the-date and further information regarding location and time will be announced in the near future. We can’t wait to see you there.

02/23/2026

We are proud to announce our 2026 Jelani Day Foundation Scholarship is officially open! Jelani Day is a true example of academic success and a history devoted to higher education which is reflected in the scholarship criteria. This application is for all 2026 graduating seniors of Danville High School only. Please be sure to adhere to all requirements listed to their entirety. The award will be given directly to the recipient’s college/university of their choice Fall 2026.

02/02/2026

During Black History Month, we don’t just honor the past, we fight for justice in the present. Justice for Jelani Day is not a hashtag, it’s a commitment. We will not stop demanding answers, accountability, and transparency until Jelani and my family receive the justice they deserve.

The Jelani Day Foundation was created to fight the racial disparities families of color face when a loved one goes missing and to provide financial, emotional, and professional support during the search. Supporting this work means helping other families avoid the neglect and indifference Jelani’s family experienced.

11/14/2025

A SPECIAL THANK YOU, CENTRAL ILLINOIS!

The Jelani Day Foundation extends our deepest gratitude to everyone who came out to support the Central Illinois HBCU Fair last Thursday. We had an amazing turnout! students, families, educators, and community members all came together to celebrate opportunity, education, and legacy.

To every college, university, and organization that took time out of their busy schedules to inspire our students and speak on the importance of higher education.

Thank you again for making this year’s fair such a success. We look forward to seeing you all next year for even bigger and better!

11/13/2025

Thank you VermilionCountyFirst.com for this highlight of our 2025 HBCU Fair! Also be on the lookout for our upcoming events and make sure to come out next year for an even better experience at our HBCU Fair for 2026! 🙏🏾

Carmen Bolden Day promised that the foundation would be hosting more events, as they continue to seek "Justice for Jelani."  Speaking with us after she addressed the fair crowd,  Day told us what she felt Jelani would have done with his life.

11/13/2025

A special thank you to our amazing sponsors, we couldn’t have done any of this without your help. You all have made the atmosphere warm, inviting, and memorable for not only the students but for all individuals that were in attendance. The Jelani Day Foundation has the goal of it doing our work with every action we take to continue elevating Jelani’s legacy and this event did not fall short. This event continues the important work and legacy of Jelani Day, a proud product of a Historically Black College and University who excelled and embodied the excellence we want to see in every student who follows in his footsteps. We are honored to receive your support, donations. And contributions and look forward to the many endeavors that will come along in the near future. With warm hearts and gratitude we thank you.

Your unwavering support, commitment, and belief in our mission: to provide vital resources that address the disparities faced by people of color who go missing in the United States. Together, we are bridging the gap for families who too often go without the attention, support, or media coverage they deserve.

Chick-fil-A-Champaign
Royal Donut
Jimmy John ’s-Danville
Legacy History Pride (LHP)
Smitty’s Car Wash-Danville
Raising Cane’s-Champaign
Danville School District 118
Alpha-Lit
Selfie Trap
Nothing Bundt Cakes – Champaign

08/31/2025

We would like to start this Sunday off with prayer, from Jelani Day himself. He was articulate, well mannered, loved music, loved food (cooking and eating), loved to travel, and most importantly he loved life. This is a young man that had so much to live for and so much to achieve, but in his absence we will carry him. We will fight for him until the battle is won and justice is served and it will be received one day. His voice is powerful and should be heard by all and never forgotten. Jelani Day, you deserve to be here!

08/06/2025

It is with great honor that we officially announce our keynote speaker for our upcoming 2025 Fundraising Gala to be none other than Jesse Louis Jackson Jr. He served as the U.S. representative from Illinois’s 2nd congressional district from 1995 until 2012. A member of the Democratic Party, he is the son of activist and former presidential candidate Jesse Jackson and, prior to his career in elected office, worked for his father in both the elder Jackson’s 1984 presidential campaign and his social justice, civil rights and political activism organization, Operation PUSH. His prominent role as an advocate for the people, specifically those of Chicago, use of his platform and self-titled show have shown he is an agent of change and willing to stand on the front lines to fight for the right. We are grateful for your support and cannot wait to see you share your insight and influence with our audience. Click the link in our bio to purchase your tickets while you still can!!

08/06/2025

We would like to formally introduce our official entertainment for our upcoming fundraising gala to be none other than Honey Water Live! Led by Marquita Gatling or better known as Miss Honeywater, a Chicago vocalist that is a force driven by intention, emotion and an innate desire to heal. Mixing house, R&B, hip-hop, jazz and storytelling, Miss Honeywater ministers through music and we are extremely excited for her to share her talents with you all. Click the link in our bio to grab your tickets while you still have time!!

08/06/2025

We would like to formally introduce our official entertainment for our upcoming fundraising gala to be none other than Honey Water Live! Led by Marquita Gatling or better known as Miss Honeywater, a Chicago vocalist that is a force driven by intention, emotion and an innate desire to heal. Mixing house, R&B, hip-hop, jazz and storytelling, Miss Honeywater ministers through music and we are extremely excited for her to share her talents with you all.

Click the link in our bio to grab your tickets while you still have time!!

07/29/2025

Since day 1 of this family’s nightmare, Carmen Day has been resilient and brave in making sure that and became a national call to action. Although Jelani’s case is still ongoing there are families out there that need help and support but don’t know where to turn - that is where the Jelani Day Foundation comes in. To ultimately prevent the prolonged agony the Day Family has and still is enduring, from happening to anyone else. This foundations upcoming fundraising gala is for the families that are experiencing such traumatic events to have the village in their corner that the Day Family had to become on their own. Get your tickets now while you still can for an event of elegance, excellence and fundraising.