PeoriaStory

Women's March/Rally RESCHEDULED

PEORIA, IL -- From a news release: 

The Third Annual Women’s Rally and March will take place at 11 am on Sat., March 9 outside at the Gateway Building in downtown Peoria, IL. (It has been rescheduled because of a bad weather forecast for Sat. Jan. 19.)

This organizers of the march stated: "This is a local march, organized by a coalition of women and allies across the central Illinois region. We come to this event and this movement with an understanding of and an appreciation for the perspectives and experiences that have shaped us collectively as well as individually. Our movement is made richer by our differences of culture, race, ethnicity, religion, orientation, and more.  As a grassroots effort, this day is a celebration of what unites us as women.  On this day we stand in solidarity in our shared value for social justice."

The event will begin with music by Sarah Marie Dillard, followed at 11 AM with a welcome by Sherry Cannon a song, "King of Anything"  by Dillard, Mega Maroney,  & Emilele.  

The keynote speaker with be Illinois Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth (D-Peoria.).  

Other speakers will include:

• Chama St. Louis - Civil Rights/Poverty and Women

• Katie Jones/Moms Against Gun Violence - Safety

• Catalina Zavala - Immigration

• Nicole Livsey - LGBTQ Civil Rights

• Tracy Meints Fox - Environmental Issues

• Rhamat N'allah - Health Care

• Music, "Glory"  by Ciara Parks and DeShawn Brown
  

• Sherry Cannon will present closing remarks.

Here is information on the speakers:

Chama St. Louis is the Central Illinois Coalition Organizer for the Peoria People’s Project. She’s the founder of the Black Justice Project and the Communications Director for Change Peoria. She owns Euphoria Aerial & Dance Academy in Peoria. She spent 12 years at the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce and was the Marketing & Public Relations Director. She was the youngest president of the Peoria Black Chamber of Commerce at age 26 and the youngest Chairwoman of the same organization at age 28. She is currently the co-chair of the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce’s sports and entertainment committee with Harry Lennix, actor on NBC’s Blacklist. She is also Chama is the assistant director and entertainment director of the Central Illinois Black Expo. Chama has worked as a political consultant to various campaigns across Illinois, she was the spokeswoman for the successful re-election campaign of the Honorable Dorothy Brown, Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court. She is an elected Peoria County Democratic precinct committeewoman for West Peoria, and on the board of directors of the East Bluff Community Center. She has been featured in national news publications such as In These Times and US News and World Report.  

Nicole Livsey is President of Peoria Proud and  a Community Support Counselor for the Southside Office of Concern.  She also serves as a board member for the Illinois Valley Fuller Center and Hand Up Peoria, is a Commissioner for the City of Peoria Fair Employment Housing Commission, is Co-Chair of the United Presbyterian Church Mission Committee, and Steering Committee and mentor for the Coming Together to Get Ahead Program. 

State Representative JehanGordon-Booth, (D-Peoria), was elected in 2008,  the first African-American from Central Illinois elected to the Illinois General Assembly. While she also was one of the youngest state representatives ever elected, and wasted no time making her mark for her constituents in the 92nd  District. Her top issues include economic inclusion, injustices, women and children, education and mass incarceration policies. She helped pass the Neighborhood Safety Act, the most comprehensive, and expansive criminal justice reform bill to ever pass in Illinois. The bill reduced over 1,000 mandatory sentence minimums; created sentencing credits to reduce the Illinois Department of Corrections headcount by double digits; created trauma recovery centers in communities devastated by crime and violence; and give judges sentencing discretion.  Representative Gordon-Booth hosts yearly Expungement Summits to help hundreds of her constituents get a fresh start and a new opportunity for a greater life by connecting them with lawyers who seal their records which often hold them back from employment. She is widely respected for her ability to develop strategies for successful passage of legislation; her bipartisan approach to complex issues, and her unwillingness to accept the word ‘NO.’

Tracy Fox is active with a number of environmental groups including the Central Illinois Healthy Community Alliance, Global Warming Solutions Group of Central Illinois, Illinois People’s Action and the Sierra Club Heart of Illinois Group. She represents the Central Illinois environmental community in the Clean Jobs Coalition, a statewide group that helped draft and pass the Future Energy Jobs Act which is responsible for solar projects here and around the state.

Dr. Rahmat Na’Allah, MD,MPH:  Physician, mother, immigrant and public health advocate.Passionate about health equity, universal health and increased reproductive health care access for all.

Catalina Zavala is a Program Manager at Friendship House and has been working with immigrants for 40 years, the last 24 at Friendship House in Peoria's north end.  She has helped individuals and families through the legal process for citizenship, work visas, financial issues, social support, and a variety of other problems.  = 30 =

 

Maybe interesting event

PEORIA, IL -- Here's an event that looks interesting:

PEORIA, IL -- This looks to be interesting.

From a news release: Media advisory for The Land Ethic Program

Sponsored by the Illinois Humanities 

Illinois Humanities works to build dialogue across all sectors of society to examine issues important to democracy in the focus areas of public policy, media & journalism, economy, and art. Using the humanities as a tool to stimulate discussion, we create experiences across Illinois through programming, events, and grant making to engage a diverse public on ideas and issues that matter. 

“Land Use and Environmental Ethics I” – Illinois State Museum-Dickson Mounds, 10956 North Dickson Mounds Road, Lewistown, IL 61542 – Thursday, November 15, 2018 – Doors open and refreshments available: 5:30 PM – Discussion: 6:00-8:00 PM 

https://www.ilhumanities.org/events/land-use-and-environmental-ethics-i/

 THE LAND ETHIC
This event is part of “The Country and the City program: Common Ground in the Prairie State?,” a year-long, statewide initiative will feature text-based discussions of issues that affect both rural and urban Illinois communities, involving panelists who are well-versed in those issues from both perspectives.

Can environmental stewardship and sustainability be balanced or integrated with the pursuit of employment opportunities and other economic needs in urban and rural communities?

If so, how?

Urban and rural communities throughout Illinois regularly confront circumstances in which they must decide how to balance environmental stewardship and sustainability with economic needs such as employment opportunities, affordable energy, and affordable food. Six panelists – three from rural settings, three from urban settings – who have addressed such issues in their communities will discuss them from a variety of perspectives.

In doing so, they will draw upon their own experiences as well as excerpts from “The Land Ethic,” the concluding chapter of A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold (1949). Members of the audience will have opportunities to participate in the conversation, as well. The urban counterpart to this event will take place at the American Indian Center in Chicago on December 6, 2018.

Doors open and refreshments available: 5:30 PM - 30 -

TODAY, rally for Mueller

UPDATE -- This was a good rally. Here's a photo of the crowd.

 

PEORIA, IL - From a news release:

Indivisible Peoria Area Will Rally to Protect the Mueller Investigation

Federal Building, Peoria, Nov. 8 at 5:00 p.m. (Main and Monroe Streets)

In Response to Whitaker Appointment and Ousting of Rosenstein

For Immediate Release: November 7, 2018

Contact: Jean Sloan, fortuunate@gmail.com, 309-678-8099

Peoria, IL - November 7, 2018 - The Justice Department stated today, Wednesday, that acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker will overtake supervision of special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation from Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. Whitaker has publicly called for limits on the Mueller investigation, even for ending it or sealing it’s results. Given these publicly expressed biased views, Justice Department ethics require that he recuse himself. We must protect the integrity of the Mueller investigation and stop this ‘slow motion Saturday night massacre’ – reminiscent of the Nixon/Watergate era – which is a clear attempt to obstruct justice.

No one in our democracy is above the law. The Mueller investigation must be allowed to proceed unimpeded. We protest this attack on the rule of law. We demand that our lawmakers pass legislation protecting the integrity of the investigation. We demand that Whitaker be replaced by a director who is unbiased and that Whitaker withdraw or recuse himself.

WHAT: Rally to Protest Obstruction of Justice and Protect the Mueller Probe

WHO: Indivisible Peoria Area and concerned citizens

WHEN: Thursday, November 8, 5:00 p.m.

WHERE: Federal Building/Courthouse, 100 NE Monroe St. Peoria

If you would like more information, or would like to speak to the organizers, please contact: Jean Sloan, Co-Organizer, Indivisible Peoria Area, 309-678-8099, fortuunate@gmail.com

 

A great event: Rocky Glen is open

PEORIA, IL -- From a news release:

Peoria Park District, Friends of Rocky Glen to Celebrate Grand Opening of Local Park

A grand opening celebration has been planned to commemorate the completion of renovations at Rocky Glen Park.

On Saturday, October 20, 2018, from 10am to 4pm, the Peoria Park District and the Friends of Rocky Glen will host a grand opening celebration to commemorate the completion of the hiking trail, trail signage, and trailhead kiosk at Rocky Glen Park.

The trail signage, trailhead kiosk, and grand opening celebration are funded by the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation through a Public Amenities and Events grant to Friends of Rocky Glen.

Rocky Glen Park is 125 acres of natural area owned by the Peoria Park District. The park features a single box canyon with 60 foot sandstone walls, two small waterfalls, a number of prairie meadows, and hundreds of carvings, some dating back over 130 years.

The event will feature a brief ceremony at 10:30am. There will also be free guided hikes for those interested.

The Peoria Park District and Friends of Rocky Glen invite the public and members of the media to attend this celebration! With limited parking at the small parking lot, a free shuttle service will run from Jimmy's Bar, 2801 W. Farmington Road beginning at 9:30am.

ABOUT FRIENDS OF ROCKY GLEN
Friends of Rocky Glen (FORG), is a Federal non-profit organization of volunteers working to protect and promote Rocky Glen. Partial funding for the Celebration and trail signage was provided by the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation. For more information, please visit the FORG website
at www.friendsofrockyglen.org, visit Friends of Rocky Glen Facebook or contact President David Pittman at 309-573-2354.

ABOUT PEORIA PARK DISTRICT
Public stewards of nearly 9,000 acres of park and greenspace and another 185 buildings, the Park District's mission is "To enrich life in our community through stewardship of the environment and the provision of quality recreational and leisure opportunities." To learn more, please visit
PeoriaParks.org.

Peoria Park District | 309.682.1200 | ppd@peoriaparks.org | www.peoriaparks.org- 30  -

Bees -- cool event

PEORIA, IL -- From a news release:

 Internationally Known Author and Conservationist Thor Hanson to Speak October 3

At Peoria Public Library North Branch, 5 pm and 6 pm

Thor Hanson, Internationally known Author, Guggenheim Fellow, Switzer Environmental Fellow, speaker, biologist, researcher and conservationist will present both a children’s program and adult program on Wednesday, October 3 at Peoria Public Library North Branch.

A reception, talk and book signing with Thor Hanson will take place from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The public is invited to this free event and will enjoy refreshments and meet the author as well as hear him speak. His books, including his latest, Buzz, will be available for sale and signing. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Friends of the Library.

The main program will be preceded by a Children’s Program at 5:00 p.m. in the Beehive. Thor’s book for children, Bartholomew Quill, uses the explorations of a quizzical young crow to explain biodiversity. The book is also available for sale and signing at the event.

Hanson’s research and conservation activities have taken him around the globe. Thor’s research interests include birds, plants, primates, insects, endangered species, and the interface between human and natural systems. He has studied Central American trees and songbirds, nest predation in Tanzania and served as a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer in Uganda where he helped establish the mountain gorilla tourism program in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

He has studied the effects of habitat fragmentation on rare plant communities, avian nest predation, and the reproductive ecology and genetic diversity of rainforest trees. Thor is currently involved in projects on Tufted Puffins and native bees, and his work on the interface between warfare and biodiversity conservation has been covered by news outlets around the world, including Reuters, Scientific American, The New York Times, The Huffington Post, and The Times of India.

This program is provided through the generosity of Edward J. Barry, Jr.

Books by Thor Hanson

Buzz: the Nature and Necessity of Bees

Bees lie at the heart of relationships that bind the human and natural world. Buzz shows up why all bees are wonders to celebrate and protect.

The Triumph of Seeds

Explore how seeds have influenced everything from the voyages of Christopher Columbus to the Industrial Revolution to the shape of the human face. Winner of four major book awards.

Feathers: The Evolution of a Natural Miracle

Feathers are an evolutionary marvel: aerodynamic, functional, and beguiling. Discover the sweeping history of this common object with uncommon abilities. Winner of five major book awards.

Bartholomew Quill: A Crow’s Quest to Know Who’s Who

Follow the journey of this young crow as he tries to figure out who and what he is. This fun read-aloud for the whole family is a whimsical mix of science and poetry.

The Impenetrable Forest: Gorilla Years in Uganda

Get a rare glimpse into the world of mountain gorillas and the human cultures that surround them. Thor’s two year odyssey is a must-read for anyone interested in endangered species.

For more about Thor Hanson’s work visit www.thorhanson.net.  For more about this program, call (309)497-2000.

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Peoria, IL -- Here's an interesting event:

Trivia Night!!!

Friday, September 28 - 6:30pm

All proceeds go to benefit the Peoria ACLU Chapter

 

Peoria Pizza Works 3921 N Prospect Rd Peoria Heights, IL 61616

 

Registration Begins at 6:30pm

Trivia Begins at 7pm

Trivia tickets: $10/person or $50 for a team of six!

***20% of food orders donated!***

Raffle Prizes – buy tickets for chances at great prizes from local businesses and artists! 

 

Hosted by Peorians Against Modern-Day Slavery, a local group committed to help end slavery and oppression in our world today. Talk to any of the team about ways you can help!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rally Aug. 26

PEORIA, IL -- UPDATE: About 75 people, maybe more, attended the rally, in 93 degree temperature.  But good speeches, and good networking prevailed.

Here's a scene from those who dressed as the handmaids, in the Tale film.  After all, that's what Kavanaugh want to do to women: make them slaves to their bodies.

From a news release:

Local Activists Will Gather to “Unite for Justice” in Peoria to Urge Senators to Vote No on Brett Kavanaugh

On August 26th at 1:00 p.m., local activists, leaders, and champions for women’s reproductive freedom, including Helen King from the local NAACP chapter, Robin Sledge from SEIU Local chapter of the Service Employees International Union, Dana Garber from Planned Parenthood, Robert Jorgensen from the Heart of Illinois Sierra Club, poet/performer Beckett Kenny will gather for a Peoria “Unite for Justice” event.

Donald Trump has long promised to only nominate a justice who will end Roe v. Wade and criminalize abortion. Trump has found his man in Brett Kavanaugh. We can’t and won’t go back to the days when abortion was illegal in this country. We know what’s at stake in this fight: our most precious and fundamental rights.

Brett Kavanaugh will not only work to end Roe and criminalize abortion, he will rule to gut health care, voting rights, LGBTQ rights, environmental protections, workers’ rights, and immigrant rights. And his record of arguing for extreme executive privilege, such as suggesting that the Supreme Court was wrong to compel the Watergate tapes from President Richard Nixon, creates the real threat that confirming Kavanaugh will help Trump put himself above the law.

We're rallying to urge our senators to vote No on Kavanaugh and protect the freedom and agency of Illinois women and families.

WHAT: Unite for Justice Peoria Event

WHO: Indivisible Peoria Area, and Peoria National Organization for Women

WHEN: Sunday, August 26^th, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

WHERE: Federal Courthouse, 100 N.E. Monroe St. Peoria, Illinois

My take:  Be there! Your life could be at stake with Kavanaugh on the court. He's a right wing extremist, and would end medical care for millions. 

Elaine Hopkins

Rally pn Monday June 30, with a cake

PEORIA, IL -- From a news release: 

WHAT:   Medicare/Medicaid 53^rd Anniversary Event/Protest

WHEN:   Monday, July 30^th, 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m.

WHERE: Federal Bldg. 100 NE Monroe St. Peoria IL

VISUALS: Anniversary Cake, signs

 

INDIVISIBLE PEORIA AREA TO HOLD EVENT PROTESTING PROPOSED CUTS TO MEDICARE/MEDICAID DUE TO TRUMP-GOP TAX LAW

Peoria, IL  – As the nation marks the 53^rd anniversary of the adoption of Medicare and Medicaid July 30, Indivisible Peoria Area, with other local organizations, will hold a birthday event to highlight Rep. Darin LaHood’s voting record and to release a new report showing how vital health care services for millions of Americans, including over 4.5 million elderly, disabled and low-income people in Illinois, are threatened by severe budget cuts to pay for new tax breaks for the wealthy and big corporations.

The Trump-GOP tax plan that became law in December added nearly $2 trillion to the national debt. To make up the difference, President Trump and the GOP in Congress have targeted Medicare and Medicaid, along with the Affordable Care Act (ACA), for steep cuts. If adopted, these cuts will take health care away from millions of seniors, children, veterans and people with disabilities.

Rep. Darin LaHood voted against the interests of seniors and working families by voting in favor of the tax plan, last December, and by voting in favor of repealing the Affordable Care Act in May last year.

The report prepared by the Alliance for Retired Americans, Americans for Tax Fairness and Health Care for America Now, shows how over 4.5 million Illinois citizens enrolled in Medicare or Medicaid face threats to their coverage because of the cost of the Trump-GOP tax cuts that mostly benefit the state’s wealthiest families and most profitable corporations.

These cuts are already raising premiums and out-of-pocket costs under the Affordable Care Act and causing millions to lose their health care. Additional proposed cuts to Medicaid and Medicare and repeal of the ACA could make life-saving medicines costlier for seniors and families eliminate key protections for people with pre-existing conditions and roll back Medicaid coverage for 2.8 million people in Illinois.

 

Contact: Jean Sloan, Indivisible Peoria Area 309-678-8099

                Admin1@indivisiblepia.com

Rally on Saturday, June 30

PEORIA, IL -- From a news release:

 

 

On Saturday June 30th, the ACLU of IL, Peoria Area Chapter will hold a rally in Peoria to protest the vicious, inhumane, and unjust treatment of undocumented immigrants and asylum seekers by the Trump Administration.

In this we will be joining our voices to people all over the country who will also being doing this in a National Day of Action. In addition to this, we will also be calling on the Peoria City Council to adopt the Welcoming City Ordinance that has been submitted to it by the Peoria Chapter of the ACLU so that we can help protect the local undocumented population and also allow them to report crimes and access city services without fear of disclosing their status.

Speakers from a diverse range of local organizations and faith groups will also speak to the affects of both national and local policies in this area.

This event will be held at 11 am in front of the Federal Building and US Courthouse at the corner of Main and Monroe.

For further information, please contact Anthony Walraven at 309-229-4122 or anthonywalraven@gmail.com

 

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