With COVID deaths and diagnoses hitting African American and minority populations hard, a new and trusted voice urging vaccinations is emerging: the Black barber. Nationwide, African American barbers are recognized as trusted counselors, friends and advocates for their community. Some…
When “Railroaders: Jack Delano’s Homefront Photography” opens at Peoria Riverfront Museum on Oct. 9, it will be a return of sorts for Delano, who visited Bradley University in 1988 as the first guest in BU’s Bunn Lectureship in Photography. Delano…
Here’s the question: “Why has the industrial food system, after decades of producing massive quantities of food – 40% of which goes to waste – failed to eliminate hunger in the world? And not just in ‘poor countries,’ but in…
Former Congressman and Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, speaking at Riverfront Museum on the 20th anniversary of 9/11, said he was on the U.S. House intelligence committee when terrorists struck America, but neither the House nor Senate intelligence committees had…
Date: September 11, 2021. Location: Somewhere near Nowhere. Journal Entry: 9112001 It’s been 20 years since the attack that changed the world as we know it. At 8:46 am, the first tower was hit. At 10:28 am, it was down,…
Fifty-two years ago this fall – weeks after anti-war protests roiled U.S. campuses and 18 years after a basketball scandal tarnished Bradley’s image – the university returned to the country’s spotlight by becoming the first undefeated school in the 1969…
Hollywood could not have created a better setting for the ceremony honoring Peoria’s Academy Award winner Tami Lane. City of Peoria and Peoria Public School officials, along with family and friends, gathered Thursday, Sept. 9, near the entrance to Hines…
It’s easy to understand workforce diversity helps with product development because it takes into account all demographic perspectives. Mazda neglected to take into account the Spanish population when it named a car model the Mazda Laputa. Laputa can be translated…
In a June column in the PJS, George Will objected to progressives’ goal of equity, which he interprets as governmental efforts to improve the conditions of favored groups. He argued that “merit” is the antonym of “equity.” He agreed when…
Sam Polk worked his way up the ranks of the City of Peoria’s Public Works Department. But he built his legacy in the Peoria branch of the NAACP. He was the sturdy and steadfast bridge between the NAACP of the…
According to the Brennan Center for Justice, between Jan. 1 to July 14, 18 states enacted 30 laws that will make it harder for Americans to vote. In particular, Black and brown Americans will be disenfranchised, because many of these…
On Aug. 10, Peoria City Council discussed old tires, which are costly to the city when dumped. The initial resolution required businesses that dispose of tires to register, pay a $50 fee and keep records. Fines were to defray costs.…
Over many years, book artist, naturalist, wood engraver, and printer Gaylord Schanilec has built a solid reputation in the world of fine press artists’ books. I recently visited Schanilec in his loft studio in St. Paul, Minn., to learn more…
“Out the Other Side: A Post-Pandemic Celebration?” is a faculty exhibition at Bradley University’s Heuser Art Gallery through Oct. 8. “Temple” by Michael Aldag through Jan. 29. Closing reception 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Jan 29. Time Gallery, East Peoria.…
Every year, a gloriously colored mushroom pops up at the base of an oak tree in one of our parks. It’s pumpkin colored top and other-worldly shape, makes it look like something that would be more at home on a…
How are you doing with keeping track of your life? Do you know where your keys are? Your wallet? Your head? If you answered OK to maybe to yes, you are doing well. In fact, you are great. There is…
For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease. Though the root thereof wax old in the earth … through the scent of…
Choosing favorites, whether the categories or items are colors, candy, food, vacation destinations, songs, shoes, or almost any other of the multiple choices is not something I do well. I like a variety of things, places, activities, etc. and I…
Through the cleanup initiative started by the Public Safety Committee, West Peoria is looking to strategically place garbage cans/receptacles in the city. West Peoria would like citizen input and participation and is looking for volunteers from businesses and organizations to…
Workers demanding more – and getting it. The halting-but-improving post-pandemic economy has a little good news for some people, according to the Labor Department, which reported wages increasing 4% this summer, and even major low-wage companies including Walmart, Chipotle and…
The pandemic robbed hope from countless students across the country, but 26 young people in Peoria who had been struggling with remote learning got back on track during a special summer program. Then they got an added surprise with an…
The arts are vital to America, and many culture groups were hit hard during the pandemic, according to Brookings Institution which reported the sector lost $150 billion in revenue and 2.7 million jobs. Fortunately, Washington saw that helping such organizations…
