Charles Owen may have been the first African American settler in what we know today as Peoria and perhaps also the oldest person to have died here. Peoria had about four buildings when he arrived here in 1822, just three years after the first European American settlers. His coming was under interesting circumstances, almost as … Continue reading Another Forgotten Mystery of Peoria History By Bob Hoffer

Chicago native Major General Rodney Boyd was recently selected as the highest-ranked officer in the Illinois National Guard. During the last 300 years, no man of color has ever held the title. Illinois Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton, Major General Rodney Boyd and Major General Richard Neely Photo credit Illinois Lt. Governor's Office Boyd credited his family … Continue reading Chicagoan Major General Rodney Boyd Makes History By Cassiette West-Williams

As we embrace this new year of 2023, it was a pleasure for the Heritage Ensemble to present our 23rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Choral Celebration. The pleasure was an acknowledgement of three major themes: the Legacy of Dr. King, the Commitment of the Heritage Ensemble to our Community, and the Sustainability of … Continue reading The 23rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Choral Celebration | Heritage Ensemble Presents Inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award to Thomas L. Cayson By Dr. Francesca Armmer

On Sunday, February 5, 2023, Sean Randle, the son of LA and Linda Fay Randle, turned off the lights and locked the doors to the LA Connection. It was the final curtain call. LA and Linda have left the building!" No fanfare, no band and no press. It was the Randle Way. LA and Linda … Continue reading “LA and Linda Have Left the Building!” By Mae Catherine Godhigh

When you see Katherine A. Young, know that there is more than meets the eye. Katherine is a positive philanthropist who loves to see lives changed for the better. She advocates using her gifts to empower others through self-development. Writing and educating comes naturally to Katherine; it is embedded in her DNA, having come from … Continue reading Author Katherine A. Young Wants You to Shoot Your Shot By Traveler Staff Writer

Retailers and nurseries are changing their shelves from holiday gifts to outdoor garden supplies again since spring officially begins in just a few short weeks, on March 20th. What to plant in early spring is the first question for most garden enthusiasts addicted to trying new plants annually. The answer to what to grow can … Continue reading Tasty Garden Goodness │ What to Plant in Early Spring By Candy Webb

Eyes off the Prize is both an outstanding and disturbing account of how American racism and Cold War paranoia eviscerated an emerging African American human rights movement during the 1940s and 1950s. The book reveals that the “Prize” that African Americans originally pursued was not civil rights but international human rights. The author, Carol Anderson, … Continue reading Eyes off the Prize: The United Nations and the African American Struggle for Human Rights, 1944-1955 | Book Review by Robert L. Hollis