THE QUEEN HAS JOINED OUR ANCESTORS By Cassiette West-Williams

Clinging to the news reports, fans internationally waited and prayed for Queen Aretha Franklin's health to improve. However when word came regarding her visitors coming to say farewell, people knew in their hearts that her time was quickly slipping away. She was "family", because you knew Aretha could throw down on a special Sunday … Continue reading THE QUEEN HAS JOINED OUR ANCESTORS By Cassiette West-Williams

R.E.S.P.E.C.T. By Cheryll Boswell

August of 2018, we said farewell to two American legends, Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin and Senator John McCain. It was somewhat mesmerizing that on the same day and almost simultaneously in Detroit Michigan, Aretha Franklin was being eulogized in a ceremony befitting a queen, while John McCain was being memorialized with presidential honors in … Continue reading R.E.S.P.E.C.T. By Cheryll Boswell

Valerie Jarrett Selected As The 2019 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Luncheon Speaker

Public Employees for Community Concerns announced that Valerie Jarrett will be the guest speaker for the 2019 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Luncheon. The luncheon will be held at the Peoria Civic Center on January 21, 2019 at Noon. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.mlkluncheon.com Questions, please call 309-453-4070 Valerie B. Jarrett is senior … Continue reading Valerie Jarrett Selected As The 2019 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Luncheon Speaker

Defeat Hate . . . VOTE – Peoria NAACP Branch 56th Annual Freedom Fund Banquet – October 27, 2018

The Peoria NAACP branch will be hosting its 56th annual Freedom Fund Banquet on Saturday, October 27, 2018 at the Par-A-Dice Hotel & Conference Center, in East Peoria. Social hour will begin at 5:30 pm and dinner at 6:00 pm. The theme for this year’s event is “Defeat Hate……VOTE. The keynote speaker for the banquet is … Continue reading Defeat Hate . . . VOTE – Peoria NAACP Branch 56th Annual Freedom Fund Banquet – October 27, 2018

A Man after God’s Own Heart: an Interview with Anthony Rush Jr.

Reprinted from By Your Fruit, Young Christian Magazine (August 18, 2018) In this interview with Anthony Rush Jr., we discussed his life as a man who is in active pursuit of God. Anthony discussed his experiences with marriage, college, and career. He also talked about the biggest lessons he’s learned in his walk with Christ … Continue reading A Man after God’s Own Heart: an Interview with Anthony Rush Jr.

Jeffery L. Nance Retires from EP!C after 45 Years of Servic

Jeffery L. Nance, a life-long Peorian, retired from Empowering People, Inspiring Capabilities (EP!C) on Friday, August 31, 2018 after 45 years of service. EP!C is a community of families, staff, volunteers and community members working together to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families with unique educational, residential, employment, and care programs … Continue reading Jeffery L. Nance Retires from EP!C after 45 Years of Servic

The Onyx Connect: Student Publication Promotes Minority Excellence on College Campus By Tiffany Jackson-Skinner

When speaking of excellence with reference to the black community, often times it is categorized into two groups: sports and entertainment. This stereotype developed during the Jim Crow era, as African-Americans were prevented from gaining any opportunity to advance. With an oppressive mindset, it is easy to understand why many began to use their environments … Continue reading The Onyx Connect: Student Publication Promotes Minority Excellence on College Campus By Tiffany Jackson-Skinner