PEORIA, Ill. – “Not a flattering account.”
That’s how one member of the Peoria Racial Justice and Equity Commission describes their first report, showing more than obvious disparities in virtually every category involving white, black, and Hispanic residents not just in Peoria but throughout the county — disparities the commission will now work to try and solve.
“Our second phase, which we are moving into now, is to begin to develop strategic plans at a high level for how we’re going to address the racial disparities within our community,” said Tim Betrschy, Steering Committee co-chair.
That will be followed by implementation of a plan, and then making sure there’s accountability.
“We’re not going to say ‘this is what’s happening to you.’ We’re going to say ‘the data says this is what’s going on in our communities,'” said Mary Peterson, Steering Committee co-chair. “‘Do you agree, or do you disagree? And, if you agree, how do we go about changing that? If you don’t agree, then what is it that you see as being some of the issues?'”
The commission is made up of dozens if not hundreds of local residents in eight different sub-committees.
Peterson says local community organizations will be key to reaching the city’s minority populations.
“Organizations that have as their target populations, people of color: working with them because they’re trusted. Entities into those communities, working with them to help facilitate these forums, these town hall meetings,” said Peterson.
The public meetings and forums are being planned for the summer.
CLICK HERE to read the full report (PDF).
(Peoria Racial Justice and Equity Commission)
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