In a town with immense potential yet overshadowed by deep-rooted distrust, prejudice, and bigotry, PCCEO, The Community Action Agency, rose to bring transformative change to Peoria County. Unlike other local organizations, PCCEO was essential, not just needed. It confronted the critical issues others ignored, challenging long-standing, unquestioned authority.

PCCEO’s impact began in the heart of the community, establishing a school where students taught each other. From HeadStart through kindergarten and onto first grade, a foundation for growth was built. Under the leadership of Ms. Juliette Whitaker, first graders left with a vocabulary of 60 Spanish words, paving the way for future success. This was the PCCEO Community Action Agency in Peoria, IL.

Beyond education, PCCEO created youth programs that opened doors to success, transforming young boys into men and nurturing musical talent with groups like The New Breed Band and ABB Plus, who gained experience and even toured within the music industry. Young girls also benefited, excelling in business, cheerleading, and the arts, with many crediting PCCEO for launching their careers.

PCCEO also pioneered Peoria’s first alcohol and drug treatment program in Warner Homes and led right-to-work initiatives for former offenders and returning citizens, providing opportunities where there were none. These programs brought real, lasting change to people in our community.

Despite its many achievements, PCCEO has faced criticisms and unfounded reports over the years, yet it has continued to uphold its mission of change in Peoria County. However, it now feels as though we’ve lost our way. Where creativity and drive once thrived, there is now dependency on handouts. Since the departure of the last CEO and President, Mr. McFarland Bragg Jr., true leadership appears to be missing. A revolving door of interim personnel has filled the top position, but none have delivered tangible progress. This raises important questions: Is the current governing board capable of fulfilling its responsibilities?

What vision do these leaders have for our community? Who genuinely represents us within this small, compromised group, and what is their agenda? Most critically, what’s our path forward?

We demand the following:

• Immediate removal of the current board members.
• Resignation of the sitting board members.
• Appointment of McFarland Bragg Jr. for a six-month term to restructure the organization.
• Establishment of a search committee to select a qualified candidate for permanent leadership.