Meet Marcellus Sommerville, a local Peorian. Marcellus found his passion in basketball. From courts in Peoria, Illinois to overseas playing with big NBA names. He gave the game up to be a full time father and he hasn’t looked back since. Marcellus now puts his passion into the community as the head of Peoria’s Friendship House. Listen in as we look through the journey of a kid who loves the game, his community but more importantly, his family! 

Meet Marcellus Sommerville, a local Peorian. Marcellus found his passion in basketball. From courts in Peoria, Illinois to overseas playing with big NBA names. He gave the game up to be a full time father and he hasn’t looked back since. Marcellus now puts his passion into the community as the head of Peoria’s Friendship House. Listen in as we look through the journey of a kid who loves the game, his community but more importantly, his family!

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 9 Marcellus Sommerville

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 9 Marcellus Sommerville

In 1 playlist(s)

KZ Community Beat

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips