Meet Brian M. Gorsich and Nicole Stephens, two members of our community who live with multiple sclerosis. If there is one thing I can say is, they each have had their struggles.. their crosses.. set backs and continued moments of peaks and valleys.. yet they face life with laughter and optimism! The great work of National Multiple Sclerosis Society Central Illinois Community Council and lived in experience of MS is the focus of the podcast, but what I walked away with is… a greater perspective and understanding of resilience.

Meet <a href="https://www.facebook.com/brianmgorsich?__cft__[0]=AZVmW-7UJJeg3inbrFGoBhaXLQdnlii_RI3yulh20WAX2ShnvAwQhXLIyyLOxMbbuq9uBgJiE-cUD7JGakP4J4GEINrvhHBziLr11ERO_7NMu0sYT-FMu7MDIIlEtQJAH6ZPGcI65qkMSvZXx7Y12boubg3ekavo79oLEE0DmzGxz2RmSuABzdneeCU-XT2oYmuL7KBPrp68jzVsPtLgObqN&amp;__tn__=-]K-y-R">Brian M. Gorsich</a> and Nicole Stephens, two members of our community who live with multiple sclerosis. If there is one thing I can say is, they each have had <a></a>their struggles.. their crosses.. set backs and continued moments of peaks and valleys.. yet they face life with laughter and optimism! The great work of<a href="https://www.facebook.com/NMSSCICC?__cft__[0]=AZVmW-7UJJeg3inbrFGoBhaXLQdnlii_RI3yulh20WAX2ShnvAwQhXLIyyLOxMbbuq9uBgJiE-cUD7JGakP4J4GEINrvhHBziLr11ERO_7NMu0sYT-FMu7MDIIlEtQJAH6ZPGcI65qkMSvZXx7Y12boubg3ekavo79oLEE0DmzGxz2RmSuABzdneeCU-XT2oYmuL7KBPrp68jzVsPtLgObqN&amp;__tn__=-]K-y-R"> National Multiple Sclerosis Society Central Illinois Community Counci</a>l and lived in experience of MS is the focus of the podcast, but what I walked away with is… a greater perspective and understanding of resilience.

A Conversation with Peoria's Community Leaders, Activists, Artists and Storytellers

A Conversation with Peoria's Community Leaders, Activists, Artists and Storytellers

KZ Community Beat

EP 16 Brian Gorsich and Nicole Stephens

This week on Community Beat, Ross sits down with Gregory Wilson, the President of the Peoria Public Schools Board of Education, for a conversation rooted in leadership, transparency, and unity.

From his beginnings as the youngest African American elected to the board to now leading it, Gregory opens up about what drives him, his passion for equity, his commitment to students, and his vision for a stronger, more connected Peoria.

Together, they talk about the real challenges shaping local education, from academic performance and absenteeism to trust, safety, and community involvement,  and how change starts with communication, not confrontation.

The conversation also takes a powerful turn toward hip-hop’s influence on youth development, reflecting on how artists like KRS-One, De La Soul, and Chance the Rapper uplift and inspire, while exploring the flip side, how drill rap’s pain and realism mirror what young people are living through today.

This isn’t a debate. It’s a dialogue,  a reminder that when schools, parents, and culture work together, the future starts to sound a whole lot better.

This week on Community Beat, Ross sits down with Gregory Wilson, the President of the Peoria Public Schools Board of Education, for a conversation rooted in leadership, transparency, and unity.
From his beginnings as the youngest African American elected to the board to now leading it, Gregory opens up about what drives him, his passion for equity, his commitment to students, and his vision for a stronger, more connected Peoria.
Together, they talk about the real challenges shaping local education, from academic performance and absenteeism to trust, safety, and community involvement,&nbsp; and how change starts with communication, not confrontation.
The conversation also takes a powerful turn toward hip-hop&rsquo;s influence on youth development, reflecting on how artists like KRS-One, De La Soul, and Chance the Rapper uplift and inspire, while exploring the flip side, how drill rap&rsquo;s pain and realism mirror what young people are living through today.
This isn&rsquo;t a debate. It&rsquo;s a dialogue,&nbsp; a reminder that when schools, parents, and culture work together, the future starts to sound a whole lot better.

KZ Community Beat - President of The Peoria Public School Board - Dr Gregory Wilson

This episode, Jinette and Emily stop by to talk about their organization GBC Autism Services. This conversation centers around what ABA therapy is, some common misconceptions regarding Autism and why community is important and they can help you and your loved ones!

This episode, Jinette and Emily stop by to talk about their organization GBC Autism Services. This conversation centers around what ABA therapy is, some common misconceptions regarding Autism and why community is important and they can help you and your loved ones!

KZ Community Beat - GBC Autism Services

In this episode, we sit down with Melissa and Jim, co leader's of Peoria's 50501, and organizers of The No King's Protest happening here in Peoria on October 18th! We touch topics regarding the current climate politically, immigration and the fear community members are experiences and what the price of remaining silent will cost you...

In this episode, we sit down with Melissa and Jim, co leader's of Peoria's 50501, and organizers of The No King's Protest happening here in Peoria on October 18th! We touch topics regarding the current climate politically, immigration and the fear community members are experiences and what the price of remaining silent will cost you...

EP 16 Brian Gorsich and Nicole Stephens

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