Joint Commission on Racial Justice and Equity

Commission members around a podium in Peoria City Hall ChambersOur community, like all communities in our country, struggles with the legacy of slavery and prejudice. That legacy is harmful not just to people of color, but to all our community members and jeopardizes the future successes of our community. We are committed to changing the impact of that legacy.

On July 15, 2021, the City of Peoria and the County of Peoria launched the Joint Commission on Racial Justice and Equity (RJE). Rather than hire outside consultants, our governing bodies decided to assemble a racially diverse group of over 160 Peoria City and County residents to investigate and propose action plans on issues related to racial justice and equity.

Vision

To End Racism in City and County Government and To Achieve Racial Equity and Justice Across Our Community.

Mission

Accelerate Efforts to Institutionalize Racial Justice and Equity within County and City Government and to Advance its Adoption Throughout the Region.

Meeting Agendas and Minutes

Work to Date

Release of 2022 Annual ReportRed cover with State of IL on it Opens in new window

Presentations to Peoria City Council and Peoria County Board

Current News

Peoria City/County Joint Commission on Racial Justice and Equity co-chairs explain next steps to addressing disparities - https://www.wcbu.org/local-news/2023-04-25/peoria-city-county-joint-commission-on-racial-justice-and-equity-co-chairs-explain-next-steps-to-addressing-disparities

The Co-Chairs of the Peoria City/County Joint Commission on Racial Justice and Equity share some insights from their 30-page report -  https://www.wcbu.org/podcast/on-deck/2023-04-24/on-deck-monday-april-24-2023

Peoria report evaluates effects of systemic racism on residents - https://will.illinois.edu/21stshow/story/peoria-report-evaluates-effects-of-systemic-racism-on-residents

Almost ten times more Black juveniles arrested than White ones, PPD data shows - https://www.25newsnow.com/2023/04/07/almost-ten-times-black-juveniles-arrested-than-white-ones-ppd-data-shows/

Q&A: Mayor Ali addresses affordable housing, racial disparity, talent attraction -  https://www.wcbu.org/local-news/2023-04-06/q-a-mayor-ali-addresses-affordable-housing-racial-disparity-talent-attraction

New report reveals grim quality of life for Blacks in Peoria County -  https://www.25newsnow.com/2023/03/29/new-report-reveals-grim-quality-life-blacks-peoria-county/

'The gap is large': Joint Commission on Racial Justice and Equity issues report on disparities in Peoria County -  https://www.wcbu.org/local-news/2023-03-29/the-gap-is-large-joint-commission-on-racial-justice-and-equity-issues-report-on-disparities-in-peoria-county

Peoria City/County Racial Justice and Equity Commission releases report -  https://wmbdradio.com/2023/03/29/peoria-citycounty-racial-justice-and-equity-commission-releases-report/

First report from Peoria Racial Justice Commission finds disparities -   https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/local-news/first-report-from-peoria-racial-justice-commission-finds-disparities/

City Council hears 'sobering' report on racial disparity in Peoria - https://www.pjstar.com/story/news/local/2023/03/29/report-reveals-significant-racial-disparities-in-peoria/70058193007/

Calls for action as panel releases data showing deep racial disparity in Peoria -  https://wmbdradio.com/2023/03/29/calls-for-action-as-panel-releases-data-showing-deep-racial-disparity-in-peoria/

Peoria Council working to make city attractive and equitable -  https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/local-news/peoria-city-council-working-to-make-city-attractive-and-equitable/

Calls for action as panel releases data showing deep racial disparity in Peoria -   https://www.25newsnow.com/2023/03/29/calls-action-panel-releases-data-showing-deep-racial-disparity-peoria/

City of Peoria Mayor Rita Ali

How to Support Our Work

Community Members
Individuals are encouraged to join the commission. There are multiple subcommittees to serve on, each focusing on a different part of racial justice and equality in our community. Apply Here

Organizations