Yes, when compared to Peoria, Tazewell’s diversity sucks. That is a real issue, because we live in a diverse, multi-ethnic society, and that diversity is only increasing as the years go on. However, my original point still stands: when compared to other communities in Tazewell, Pekin is similar or more diverse.

Roman, you might want to check your facts. Based on 2000 Census data, easily accessible to all in the Demographics sections of the community Wikipedia entries, Pekin has the highest percentage of African-American residents compared to any other community in Tazewell County – 2.55% African-American out of a total population of 33,857. East Peoria – 0.47% African-American out of a total population of 22,638. Now, that’s nothing compared to Peoria (about 25% African-American), but Pekin is more ethnically diverse than any other community in Tazewell or Woodford Counties.

Those aren’t specific recommendations? I’m sorry that you think I’m just “picking at the scab.”

Maybe I am “leading the horse to water”, as you say. I think it’s better to point out these flubs so that maybe they won’t be repeated in the future … so that people THINK about what they’re doing before they poke Pekin in the eye again. Going “shhhhhhhhhhh … let’s hope nobody notices” isn’t a wise policy, IMO. I also think it’s better if someone in Pekin points these things out, rather than waiting for someone from Peoria to do it.

I have no idea what the deal was with Tuesday. I would like to point out that the kids had just missed three days of school due to weather, plus the holiday, so while I would have liked all the kids to watch, because of that, I’m not going to second guess the district or individual schools. I’m pretty sure this doesn’t make me racist or a religious zealot (nor do I judge your agnostic or liberal views).

I did read your post. You don’t say racism. You just lead the horses to water. If you don’t get that, I don’t know what else to say. I consider you to be a friend, but on your way of confronting the issue, we’ll just have to agree to disagree.

It’s not that people don’t want to confront it, but what is it exactly that you want? Since you’ve started your blog, you’ve talked about “things not working” and “needing to do something.” But do what? Do you want Pekinites who are accepting and who do care… to somehow make up for history and the people that continue with racist attitudes? Is that even realistic?

I’M NOT SAYING I HAVE THE ANSWER, BUT I’M NOT THE ONE WHO HAS BEEN PICKING AT THE SCAB.

So what do you want? I have found who we interact with is much more dependent on geography and common interest than race and I don’t expect people here to change or be any different than anyone else because you/others feel like they’re not doing enough to change the town’s reputation.

Take me for example? Should people here who don’t know me, search me out… have me (or other minorities) over to dinner or whatever to prove they’re not racist? Maybe they hated the way I read the news or feel what I’m doing to grow soccer might hurt other sports. Or maybe they just think I’m a jackass, which is entirely possible. There are lots of reasons to dislike me… I can’t just jump to racist conclusions, the way your “what reason will people come up with” type statements lead people.

Have I encountered racism in my personal and professional life? Absolutely. But to chalk it up to, “it’s the town” would be short sighted and a slap in the face of the people who supported me through the Hale incident, or embraced me when Dave died or who have made me feel like a part of the high school family.

So what do you want? Should there be regular “we’re not racist” rallies down Court Street? Should Pekinites drive to predominantly minority neighborhoods outside of town with signs that say “Pekin: It’s not as bad as you think?” Maybe “outward stance against racism” should be on everyone’s to do list just after “pick up the kids from school, laundry, groceries.” Though somewhat sarcastic, I think your readers get my point.

I admire your idealism, even when I disagree with your ideas. Always have. But you need to accept that without a specific plan and solid philosophy, that writing about it and saying things aren’t working and consistently focusing on the negative… it’s just going to tick people off. And more often it’s going to tick people off who actually do care (I don’t think racists read any this and say, “oh yeah, we’ve had it wrong… we should change.”)

I’m glad that it’s turning out that many students in District 108 did watch the inauguration. From what I’ve learned since posting this, the entire student body of one of the middle schools and at least some classes at one of the junior highs DID watch the inauguration, but the children in the classes attended by Shannon & Edgar Sandoval’s children at C.B. Smith did not. I still need to clarify what actually happened at Sunset that day. Either the school secretary made a mistake in what she told my wife, or “Truth” is not living up to their pseudonym.

Sam, I agree with pretty much everything you said, with one big exception: “Unless you work in the district, it’s time to bow out of the conversation, because you really have no idea what you’re talking about.”
I’m sorry, but I’m a PARENT. These are my children, and other than ensuring their health and safety, there is NOTHING more important than their education. I have every right to criticize the schools if I think something is being done wrong.

Edgar, I completely disagree that confronting Pekin’s reputation head-on, openly and honestly, is a bad thing that only perpetuates the racist image of this community. The long-used method of ignoring and dismissing this image problem and hoping it goes away will ensure that it will stay in place for at least another GENERATION, if not more. Pekin’s negative reputation certainly hasn’t ebbed any since I grew up in Peoria in the ’80s. The current method IS NOT WORKING. It’s time to try a different direction.