Peoria Kids Celebrate Black History Month by Honoring Trailblazers

Children as young as 4 presented on African American leaders, innovators, and heroes at a community event.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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At a Black History Month event in Peoria, Illinois, children from preschool through 5th grade presented on their favorite African American trailblazers, from Rosa Parks to Kamala Harris. The event, hosted by the Tri-County Peoria Urban League and the Jack and Jill of America Inc., Greater Peoria Chapter, aimed to teach kids valuable public speaking and presentation skills while also celebrating Black history and inspiring the next generation.

Why it matters

Sharing Black history and highlighting the achievements of African American leaders, innovators, and role models is essential for empowering children, especially children of color, and helping them see the possibilities for their own futures. Events like this one in Peoria help build confidence, self-expression, and a sense of pride in one's heritage.

The details

At the Black History Month event, children as young as 4 years old and up to 5th grade took the stage to present 1-2 minute speeches on their favorite African American heroes. The students covered a range of historical figures, from civil rights pioneers like Rosa Parks to contemporary leaders like Vice President Kamala Harris, as well as lesser-known innovators like Alfred L. Cralle, the inventor of the ice cream scoop. In addition to the student presentations, the event featured a message on confidence and positivity from 25News Director Leon Hendricks.

  • The Black History Month event took place on February 8, 2026.

The players

Tri-County Peoria Urban League

A community organization that co-hosted the Black History Month event in Peoria.

Jack and Jill of America Inc., Greater Peoria Chapter

A family organization that co-hosted the Black History Month event in Peoria.

Leon Hendricks

The 25News Director who delivered a message on confidence and positivity at the event.

Nikki Romain

The president of the Jack and Jill of America's Peoria chapter.

Prudence Mortoti

A Peoria mother from Ghana whose children, 4-year-old John and 11-year-old Evan, participated in the event.

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What they’re saying

“It teaches our children presentation skills, how to talk and present themselves, and also of course to know, of course, about their Black history.”

— Nikki Romain, President, Jack and Jill of America's Peoria chapter

“As a mother of African American kids, I want them to know that African Americans have a part and have been influential, because it's hard to see people like you doing things.”

— Prudence Mortoti, Peoria mother

What’s next

The Tri-County Peoria Urban League and Jack and Jill of America Inc., Greater Peoria Chapter plan to continue hosting the annual Black History Month event to empower local youth and celebrate African American history and achievements.

The takeaway

Events like the Black History Month celebration in Peoria are crucial for instilling pride, confidence, and a sense of possibility in children, especially children of color. By highlighting the accomplishments of African American trailblazers, these programs help the next generation envision their own paths to success and leadership.