Pekin Coalition for Equality

In 1989, a group of citizens gathered to discuss racism in our community and how the problem could be addressed. The number one priority resulting from this meeting was the formation of a Human Rights Commission. The YWCA took the lead role in bringing together individuals from different areas of the community to create the Commission, which quickly became known as The Pekin Coalition for Equality.

Over the years, a small but dedicated group of volunteers have kept the Coalition active with their efforts.

In 2003, the Coalition once again is returning to its original home at the YWCA. We are committed to making Pekin a community where all individuals are welcome, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, familial status, or disability.

The Coalition for Equality has sponsored a number of important projects and events. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast since 1993, and many members of the community look forward to this annual celebration of Dr. King’s memory.

The Coalition has regularly provided funding for the purchase of diversity resources for area schools as well as grants awarded to teachers interested in expanding their diversity curriculum's.

Also, several poster, poetry, and theme contests for students have been sponsored by the Coalition in area schools. The Coalition has several times brought children from other areas of the State to visit with families in Pekin.

The Coalition’s activities are funded by the generous individuals and companies in our community who believe in the purpose of the Coalition:

To foster a spirit of human understanding;
To promote equal opportunity; and
To eliminate discrimination.

To participate, simply download the sponsorship application here, fill it out and return it to:

Coalition for Equality
315 Buena Vista
Pekin, IL 61554

Or call 309.347.2104