On October 29, the Peoria Branch NAACP was able to return in person to its only fundraiser, the Annual Freedom Fund Banquet, at the Par-A-Dice Hotel. More than 450 guests participated in this 60th-year celebration which featured dynamic speaker Tiffany Hightower, Executive Director of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus. She highlighted the importance of knowing … Continue reading NAACP 60th Annual Freedom Fund Banquet Highlighted the POWER OF US: Past, Present, and Future By Lorene King

History has come to life in downtown Peoria! With a groundbreaking combination of art and technology, local arts nonprofit Big Picture Peoria recently launched a new series of “Portraits of Peoria” murals. Displayed prominently on the windows of the downtown Peoria Public Library (107 NE Monroe, Peoria), each of the eight large-scale portrait installations were … Continue reading Augmented Reality Murals in Downtown Peoria by Dr. Mae Gilliland Wright, Big Picture Peoria

Public Employees for Community Concerns has chosen Eric Holder, Former United States Attorney General, to give the keynote address at the January 16, 2023, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Luncheon. The luncheon takes place at the Peoria Civic Center, with the doors opening at 11 a.m. and the luncheon beginning at Noon. Tickets to … Continue reading Eric Holder, Former United States Attorney General to speak at the 31st Annual MLK Luncheon

Women and people of color have traditionally represented what the government has defined as "affirmative action policies" for college-bound scholars, as stated by Best Colleges. These guidelines are used for certain college campuses where one’s race has been considered in the college application process. While trailblazers like James Hood and Vivian Malone integrated the University … Continue reading Race-based or qualified by school merits? Scholars ponder the question By Cassiette West-Williams

By the time you are reading this article, one of two emotions will have swept across our Nation. We will be ecstatic that in the 2022 mid-term elections, the Democratic party has not only maintained their majority in the House and US Senate, thus allowing President Biden to move aggressively forward and codify long-overdue policies, … Continue reading Where Do We Go from Here? By Mark Lampkin

It's holiday time again, and the search is on for a super drink creation that will amaze your guests. This year why not plan something healthy and great tasting you can serve hot or cold, with or without spirits? Hibiscus tea is the go-to drink for seekers of wellness all over the world, and yes, … Continue reading Tasty Garden Goodness │ Hibiscus Tea – An Oldie but Goodie by Candy Webb

Are you looking for a party location to hold for birthdays, anniversaries, a baby shower, or a business meeting? A new facility opened in August 2022 called Timeless Events Social Studio, located at 6816 N. Frostwood Parkway in Peoria. While most facilities charge a fee for each table, chair, tablecloth, chair cover, and sash, not … Continue reading BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT │ Timeless Events Social Studio │ By Jannise Bush