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...

KZ Community Beat - Peoria 50501 - The Power of The People

This episode is about representation, resistance, and real talk.

Ross sits down with Christell Frausto and Andy Fremac, the host of El Morning Chou — Peoria’s first Latino-programmed radio show — for a bilingual, boundary-breaking conversation about the rise of the Latino community in Central Illinois, and the weight of being seen and heard.

Together, they explore:
- The power of Latino voices in local media
- The growing Latino population in Peoria
- The heartbreaking cancellation of El Fiesta en el Rio due to fear from ICE activity
-  And why the microphone, in the right hands, can change everything

This episode was recorded in both Spanish and English to reflect the culture, the emotion, and the truth of this community — and to break the barrier of “us vs. them” across radio brands, audiences, and assumptions.

It’s not just a podcast.
It’s a moment.
It’s history.
And it’s still being written.

This episode is about representation, resistance, and real talk.
Ross sits down with Christell Frausto and Andy Fremac, the host of El Morning Chou &mdash; Peoria&rsquo;s first Latino-programmed radio show &mdash; for a bilingual, boundary-breaking conversation about the rise of the Latino community in Central Illinois, and the weight of being seen and heard.
Together, they explore: - The power of Latino voices in local media - The growing Latino population in Peoria - The heartbreaking cancellation of&nbsp;El Fiesta en el Rio due to fear from ICE activity -&nbsp; And why the microphone, in the right hands, can change everything
This episode was recorded in both Spanish and English to reflect the culture, the emotion, and the truth of this community &mdash; and to break the barrier of &ldquo;us vs. them&rdquo; across radio brands, audiences, and assumptions.
It&rsquo;s not just a podcast. It&rsquo;s a moment. It&rsquo;s history. And it&rsquo;s still being written.

KZ Community Beat - El Morning Chou - The Voice of Peoria's Latino Community

Ross sits down with Daryl Carlson of the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter to talk about the disease that affects millions — including Ross’ own family. His grandmother passed in 2009 after battling Alzheimer’s, dementia, and cancer. So this isn’t just a spotlight — it’s a tribute.

Together, they dive into the emotional toll this disease takes on families, how to recognize early warning signs, and the resources available right here in Peoria. They also talk about the upcoming Walk to End Alzheimer’s, where Ross will serve as emcee.

This episode is for the generation watching their parents — or grandparents — slowly change, unsure of what to do, who to ask, or how to even talk about it.

Ross sits down with Daryl Carlson of the Alzheimer&rsquo;s Association Illinois Chapter to talk about the disease that affects millions &mdash; including Ross&rsquo; own family. His grandmother passed in 2009 after battling Alzheimer&rsquo;s, dementia, and cancer. So this isn&rsquo;t just a spotlight &mdash; it&rsquo;s a tribute.
Together, they dive into the emotional toll this disease takes on families, how to recognize early warning signs, and the resources available right here in Peoria. They also talk about the upcoming Walk to End Alzheimer&rsquo;s, where Ross will serve as emcee.
This episode is for the generation watching their parents &mdash; or grandparents &mdash; slowly change, unsure of what to do, who to ask, or how to even talk about it.

KZ Community Beat - KZ Cares - Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter

This episode isn’t about basketball — it’s about legacy, identity, purpose, and power.

Ross sits down with filmmaker Creston Coleman to discuss Orange and Black: Beneath the Numbers, a new documentary that dives into the soul of Peoria’s Manual High School basketball dynasty. But this isn’t just nostalgia — it’s a look at what it meant to be young, Black, and full of promise in a city that’s changed around you.

Creston speaks with raw honesty about Coach Wayne McClain, a towering mentor who shaped generations of boys into men, and about how sports became one of the only safe spaces for young men to express emotion and find direction.

And one message rings loud:
“Community isn’t a word — it’s an action.”

This episode isn&rsquo;t about basketball &mdash; it&rsquo;s about legacy, identity, purpose, and power.
Ross sits down with filmmaker Creston Coleman to discuss Orange and Black: Beneath the Numbers, a new documentary that dives into the soul of Peoria&rsquo;s Manual High School basketball dynasty. But this isn&rsquo;t just nostalgia &mdash; it&rsquo;s a look at what it meant to be young, Black, and full of promise in a city that&rsquo;s changed around you.
Creston speaks with raw honesty about Coach Wayne McClain, a towering mentor who shaped generations of boys into men, and about how sports became one of the only safe spaces for young men to express emotion and find direction.
And one message rings loud: &ldquo;Community isn&rsquo;t a word &mdash; it&rsquo;s an action.&rdquo;

Orange and Black - Legacy, Loss, and the City That Changed

In this episode of KZ Community Beat, Ross Martinez sits down with Marilyn Woods to talk about a powerful first for Peoria: a free girls flag football clinic sponsored by the Chicago Bears. Marilyn breaks down how the clinic came to life, what it means for local girls in grades 5–12, and how this event is about more than just football—it’s about creating a safe, exciting space for young women to play, learn, and thrive. From community volunteers to Bears swag and beyond, this is one conversation that shines a spotlight on opportunity, inclusion, and a growing movement in youth sports.

In this episode of KZ Community Beat, Ross Martinez sits down with Marilyn Woods to talk about a powerful first for Peoria: a free girls flag football clinic sponsored by the Chicago Bears. Marilyn breaks down how the clinic came to life, what it means for local girls in grades 5&ndash;12, and how this event is about more than just football&mdash;it&rsquo;s about creating a safe, exciting space for young women to play, learn, and thrive. From community volunteers to Bears swag and beyond, this is one conversation that shines a spotlight on opportunity, inclusion, and a growing movement in youth sports.

Empowering the Next Generation – Marilyn Woods on Peoria’s First Girls Flag Football Clinic

In this powerful episode of KZ Community Beat, Ross catches up with a returning voice and friend of the pod, Brett Brooks — now two years stronger. Together, they dive into the significance of Juneteenth, the meaning behind the Miss Juneteenth Pageant, and the reality of being minority in a city still learning to face its reflection.

They unpack the beautiful chaos of Peoria’s legacy, the echoes of racism locally, and the internal struggles minorities face even within media spaces. This one gets honest — talking about systemic silence, microaggressions, local pride, and the future goal of launching a scholarship rooted in community empowerment.

It’s not performative. It’s not corporate. It’s the kind of conversation that might make some uncomfortable… and that’s exactly the point.

In this powerful episode of KZ Community Beat, Ross catches up with a returning voice and friend of the pod, Brett Brooks &mdash; now two years stronger. Together, they dive into the significance of Juneteenth, the meaning behind the Miss Juneteenth Pageant, and the reality of being minority in a city still learning to face its reflection.
They unpack the beautiful chaos of Peoria&rsquo;s legacy, the echoes of racism locally, and the internal struggles minorities face even within media spaces. This one gets honest &mdash; talking about systemic silence, microaggressions, local pride, and the future goal of launching a scholarship rooted in community empowerment.
It&rsquo;s not performative. It&rsquo;s not corporate. It&rsquo;s the kind of conversation that might make some uncomfortable&hellip; and that&rsquo;s exactly the point.

KZ Community Beat - BLOOM: Juneteenth, Race, and the Reality We Live In

In this powerful episode of KZ Community Beat, Ross Martinez sits down with NFL offensive lineman Marques Cox, a proud son of Peoria who's now suiting up for the Denver Broncos. Marques opens up about his roots, the grind behind the glory, and what it means to carry the hopes of a community on his shoulders. From the fields of Peoria to the bright lights of the league, this is more than a football story — it's a blueprint for any young dreamer wondering if they’ve got what it takes.

In this powerful episode of KZ Community Beat, Ross Martinez sits down with NFL offensive lineman Marques Cox, a proud son of Peoria who's now suiting up for the Denver Broncos. Marques opens up about his roots, the grind behind the glory, and what it means to carry the hopes of a community on his shoulders. From the fields of Peoria to the bright lights of the league, this is more than a football story &mdash; it's a blueprint for any young dreamer wondering if they&rsquo;ve got what it takes.

KZ Community Beat - Marques Cox - From Peoria to The NFL

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In this episode of KZ Community Beat, Ross sits down with Brent Oest, Development Director of Crittenton Centers, to talk about how the nonprofit has been changing lives in Peoria for over 125 years. From crisis nurseries to early childhood education, Brent shares the heart, hustle, and hope behind the mission — and how you can help make a difference today.

In this episode of KZ Community Beat, Ross sits down with Brent Oest, Development Director of Crittenton Centers, to talk about how the nonprofit has been changing lives in Peoria for over 125 years. From crisis nurseries to early childhood education, Brent shares the heart, hustle, and hope behind the mission &mdash; and how you can help make a difference today.

 KZ Cares May Spotlight- Crittenton Centers

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

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