Why we need change: Research Based Statistics

Racism is a public health crisis…

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) the State Health Improvement Program has declared that racism is a public health crisis in Peoria.

Peoria’s Unemployment and Poverty

Peoria faces significant challenges for its Black community, unemployment is at 14.7% which is double the city average, and 34.8% of Black residents living below the poverty line compared to 16.9% citywide

Peoria County Demographics

73.5% White , 18.8% Black , 7.7% Other

Graduation Rates in Peoria County

Only 79.6% of Black students graduate high school compared to the 92.9% graduation rate for other students in the city. This is one of the largest such attainment gaps in the entire country.