COVID-19 slows BLM's 2021 Kewanee organization plans

Last summer, hundreds of Kewanee residents marched in support of the Black Lives Matter movement following the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers.

It's not known whether warmer weather will bring out protestors to march for social justice in 2021, but last year's event was just the beginning of a local group’s plan to connect with city officials and continue the fight for justice.

Kewanee event organizer Taurean Bond stated publicly that the march was proof that the local group was headed in the right direction and promised future events, as well as exploring the formation of a NAACP chapter, meeting quarterly for town hall meetings and reaching out to local elected officials and school districts.

With the partnership from citizens, local law enforcement and city administration, Bond said he believed that changes could be made to ensure that all citizens received justice.

And while the almost year-long pandemic may have halted progress and stymied plans, it hasn’t stopped Bond from plotting the course.

“Honestly the next step is the forming of a committee,” Bond said in an online exchange. “So many of the volunteers were either college students who are back at school, teachers who are battling their own hurdles with remote learning and Kentrel (Welcome) being in California,” he said, referencing former Kewanee resident, Kentrel Welcome, whose social media post was the catalyst for the Kewanee protest.

Welcome, who lives in California, initially helped plan the local protest but since then has looked to Kewanee residents to carry on with any future activities. As the event coordinator for the protest, Bond has stepped into the leadership role going forward, and it’s one in which he’s completely comfortable.

“Growing up in Kewanee, I’m familiar with the downfalls and strengths. I have a good sense of direction and where I’d like to see it headed.”

But heading in that direction hasn’t been easy and the pandemic has presented nothing but roadblocks.

“Covid has really put a damper on the organizing of future events as to where we’ll be allowed to meet with more than six people,” Bond said about the difficulty of the current logistics. “My vision is to offer a community town hall, something that I feel truly needs to be held in person rather than on a live social media platform. I want to see progress rather than just protest.”

Bond seems pleased by the reaction of local officials to the group’s plans. He’s gotten positive feedback from both City Manager Gary Bradley and Mayor Gary Moore, he said. Moreover, Keith Edwards, director of community development, has offered representatives of the group a spot on the city’s R.A.P. community clean-up program that helps residents who are unable to bring their properties up to code.

“But again, not having the opportunity to have not even a follow-up meeting let alone a meeting to attract new volunteers -- it’s prevented us from being involved in (RAP) as well,” said Bond.

Bond’s future goals do have the support of city officials including both the mayor and the new police chief.

Mayor Moore said he not only supports the group but the movement’s goal of “equality among all races.” And he believes that when BLM works to make positive changes, their input works for everyone.

Before the pandemic, Moore was in the process of reinstating the Community Relations Committee, but the pandemic has placed that in a holding pattern, he said. But it’s not been forgotten.

“This committee has drawn a lot of interest from a wide variety of people,” he said. “That variety of interest excites me because that is part of my vision for this program.”

The Mayor’s vision is one where a committee would help bring education and understanding of people’s differences.

“I am not asking anyone to go out and live under someone else’s culture,” Moore said. “Just take the time to understand their differences. I am still very excited at the idea of getting things up and running. I simply cannot predict when that will be.”

In a statement, Kewanee Police Chief Nicholas Welgat also expressed the department’s continuing support of the local BLM group. Welgat said the KPD “supports any group that strives to bring the community closer together in a positive manner.”

Welgat, who in a recent interview with the Star Courier spoke about his goal of community policing, said he looks forward to meeting with any group in an effort to improve communication and transparency.

“Conversations and discussions to address any issue or concerns is the best course of action to create a positive and trusting relationship between the Kewanee Police Department and the citizens,” the police chief said.

But the future success of the group will not only hinge on outreach to community leaders, it will also require volunteers to help achieve the group’s goals. Bond said he has posted “feelers” on social media to see just how many residents would be interested. In all, over 60 people responded and were eager to help, he said.

And Bond has plenty of ideas for future fundraisers and events including a school supply fundraiser, tutoring, summer hot dog stands at local housing communities, holiday turkey giveaways and monthly meetings with local law enforcement and community officials. He would also like to see the group participate in the annual Black History Month Extravaganza held at the Methodist Church.

Bond understands that moving forward will require patience, but he sees the endeavor as worth the wait and when the time comes, he doesn’t doubt that there will be people willing to help.

“So many have stepped up and offered their help since our event earlier last year, and I can’t wait to work with them in the future, once able,” said Bond.