Extraordinary tasks were accomplished by an extraordinary woman, Elise F. Allen, known for the fiery editorials she wrote in her newspaper, The Traveler Weekly and her passion for helping others in need. The widow of James O. Allen and mother of eleven children, Mrs. Allen was the daughter of seamstress Florence Harrison and Dr. Cecil … Continue reading Centenarian’s Legacy Encompasses Community’s Gratitude By Cassiette West-Williams

By the time Chajuana Trawick completed her doctoral dissertation on Annie Turnbo Malone and her Poro College in 2011, she had compiled one of the most extensive documents of Malone’s legacy available. Yet, when Trawick visited Peoria recently, she learned even more about the godmother of the Black haircare industry. She met Malone’s great-great-nephew, Peorian … Continue reading Riverfront Museum Exhibit Helps Bring Annie Malone Out Of The Shadows By Pam Adams

Peter Pasquel with Upward Bound Students from Illinois Central College, June 2019 As a native Peorian, I have been familiar with George O. Pasquel food/equipment distribution company for quite some time. It’s been a landmark in South Peoria for more than 75 years. But just four years ago, I got a chance to meet the … Continue reading Peter Pasquel – 1940- 2021 By Denise Jackson, 1st Dist. City Council

On August 6th, 2021 Peoria and Peoria Public Schools made history by being the first school district to honor Dr. C.T. Vivian with a school named in his honor. Al Vivian, Jo Anna Walker and Gregory Wilson  Photo by Michael Riley This was an important step toward social equality and justice for all individuals. I believe … Continue reading The Marathon Continues By Gregory Wilson, Peoria Public Schools Board President

Students across the country are returning to school throughout the next month. For some, this will be the first time they’ve entered a school building in seventeen months. Many have been learning virtually for that period of time. While we return to normalcy, it is important to keep in mind that it will take time … Continue reading “Back” to School By Dr. Latasha Schraeder

Last year we started Tasty Garden Goodness as a new addition to The Traveler. Our wish was to inspire simply great food ideas through sharing gardening tips and more. We hope you have enjoyed following along through the year. To mark this first anniversary of Tasty Garden Goodness, we asked our readers for their best … Continue reading TASTY GARDEN GOODNESS By Candy Webb – Best Summer Sharing Recipe

Experiencing the Covid-19 pandemic for a year and a half has taken its toll on the school experience. Whether students learn better in a physical building or via online learning, positive partnerships are needed for all parties: students, families, the community, and schools. Here are some useful tips to start and maintain a great school … Continue reading All Hope Is Not Lost with Loss of Learning By Katherine Young