For Immediate Release
Date: August 20, 2025
Issued by: Speak Out Illinois LLC
This afternoon, tragedy struck Peoria once again. A 15-year-old juvenile was shot during school pickup at Manuel High School, another heartbreaking reminder of the violence that continues to rise across our city.
In response to escalating violence, Speak Out Illinois LLC had scheduled a press conference for Friday, September 5, 2025, at 1:15 p.m. to bring attention to this crisis and demand concrete steps from our leaders. Regrettably, we were forced to cancel after no county or state officials agreed to attend. This includes Illinois State Representative Jehan Gordon-Booth and State Senator David Koehler of the 46th District.
The absence of leadership at such a critical time is deeply concerning. Our community cannot afford silence or inaction from those sworn to serve the public. Peoria families deserve to see their representatives stand with them, listen to them, and take meaningful action.
Speak Out Illinois LLC will not be deterred. While elected officials may refuse to come to the table, we will continue to raise our voices, mobilize our neighbors, and press for accountability. The violence consuming Peoria is not an isolated issue—it is a public health crisis, a civil rights issue, and a test of our leaders’ commitment to justice and safety.
We call on all residents, organizations, and media partners to join us in demanding more. Our youth deserve safe schools. Our families deserve safe neighborhoods. Our city deserves leadership that shows up when it matters most.
Speak Out Illinois LLC remains steadfast in our mission: to amplify community voices, to speak truth to power, and to fight for solutions that put people first. We will not be silenced, and we will not give up on Peoria.
Media Contact:
Jacob Partee
CEO/Owner
press@speakoutillinoisllc.com
