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.

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

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