Peoria Standard

In honor of Black History Month, Representative Weaver is shining a spotlight on influential Black Americans from Central Illinois who have made a significant impact on our world. The first installment of her #BlackHistoryMonth Spotlight focuses on a group of 55 black residents from Kewanee who took a stand against racial discrimination in 1964.

The incident occurred when a black girl, who had been invited to a white 13-year-old's birthday party, was denied entry to a roller rink in Kewanee. Outraged by this injustice, the 55 residents, 45 of whom were teenagers, organized a protest outside the rink on May 4, 1964.

The owner of the roller rink defended his decision, claiming that the party was a private event and he had the right to refuse entry. However, the City of Kewanee's Human Relations Commission stepped in to mediate the dispute. They were joined by the city attorney, an assistant attorney general, and the head of the Illinois Commission on Human Rights.

Through their investigation, it was determined that roller rinks were covered under the new civil rights law, and an event could not be considered private if its purpose was to exclude people of color. This landmark ruling affirmed the rights of individuals and set an important precedent for future cases involving racial discrimination.

Representative Weaver commends the bravery and resilience of these 55 individuals who stood up against injustice. She emphasizes the importance of remembering their actions and the impact they had on shaping our society. In a statement, she says, "Their protest serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference."

To learn more about the courageous individuals from Kewanee and their fight against racial discrimination, please visit the following link: [Kewanee's Black Community Once Had a Voice](https://www.starcourier.com/story/news/2020/07/08/kewanees-black-community-once-had-voice/114338188/)

Rep. Weaver's Black History Month Spotlight aims to shed light on often overlooked stories and individuals who have played a vital role in shaping our nation's history. Through this series, she hopes to inspire others to learn from the past and work towards a more inclusive and equal future.