Madam Mayor Rita Ali is intently driven with plans, passion, and pride. She will dig in her polished black heels, roll up her sleeves, and ponder the hours it takes to push the city of Peoria to its highest pinnacle. Madam Mayor Rita Ali Peoria is celebrating its 185th year and the election of its … Continue reading Rita Ali becomes Peoria’s First Woman and First Black Mayor By Cassiette West-Williams

As Minister Loreece Hightower prayed, she shared the similarity of how the Biblical Queen Esther’s spirit saved her people and how they rejoiced in it. Humble, Esther respected God's covering and listened to the people and the Lord. The first thing Madam Mayor did was thank God for winning the election and gave respect to … Continue reading Queen Esther Saved her People, as Peorians Look to Mayor Rita Ali to Transform Our City By Cassiette West-Williams 

City Clerk Stefanie Tarr administering the Oath of OfficeTo Chief Deputy City Clerk / Deputy Town Clerk Trina Bondson May 5, 2021. Bonds is the first African American womanto serve in that position. Photo By Robin Grantham

Mrs. Evelyn Serena Stafford turned one hundred years old on April 19, 2021. Mrs. Stafford’s husband of 79 years is Dr. James B. Stafford, Jr. She has two children, Sylvia V. Thompson and James B. Stafford, III, four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Mrs. Stafford is a long-time resident of Peoria, moving here with her family … Continue reading Evelyn Serena Stafford turns 100 years old!

Ms. Fannie Washington Ms. Fannie Washington (seated) with her three daughters, Rev. Beola Walls, the late Mother Ella Norris, and Rev. Barbara Hunter. Fannie Mae Washington was born in Norwood, Louisiana on April 22, 1921, to Mattie Roberts. On April 22, 2021, she celebrated her 100th birthday with loved ones representing six generations. She married … Continue reading Happy 100 Years, Ms. Fannie Washington!

On December 31, 2020, my mom calls us kids to wish everyone a Happy New Year. Yes, we were getting rid of a challenging year because of COVID-19. It was time to set new goals, work on our bucket list, and enjoy family. On January 1, everything started to change for our family. My mom … Continue reading Advocacy and Health for Aging Adults By Michelle Danage-Sanders

Dr. Dawn Harris Jeffries The Tri-County (Peoria) Urban League Board of Directors is pleased to announce the selection of Dr. Dawn Harris Jeffries as the new President and CEO of the organization. The current president, Laraine Bryson, previously announced her retirement late last year. "On behalf of the Tri-County Urban League Board of Directors, we … Continue reading Tri-County Urban League Announces New President – Dr. Dawn Harris Jeffries