Organized by Peoria Proud, the River City Pride Festival Community Awards provide an opportunity to recognize individuals and organizations that exemplify the goals of Peoria Proud—to encourage and support diversity and equity throughout the Greater Peoria Area. The coalition seeks to unify the community as a whole through advocacy, education, and social outreach.
There are [four] awards in total and the descriptions can be found below:
- The Wade Leadership Award - Recognizes an individual in the central Illinois community who is making strides within the LGBTQ community to represent our area and service provision both in and outside of Peoria, Illinois. This individual does this personally through their passions and/or professionally as an LGBTQ+ supportive business owner or employee. This award is to recognize excellence in leadership involving people, events, programs, projects, or teams.
- The Equality Plays in Peoria Award - Recognizes an individual, group, or business in Peoria that has excelled in teaching, service, or scholarship and fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion. Their work has made a significant impact in their area of work, service, and community. They have built meaningful partnerships within the LGBTQ+ community and amongst organizations to create sustainable community impact.
- The Peoria Proud Business Award - Recognizes a locally owned business in Central Illinois that is supportive of the LGBTQ+ community and fosters diversity in its work and its patrons.
- The River City Pride Arts and Entertainment Award - Recognizes artists and local studios who support diversity in the arts through their craft. Their work has positively impacted the LGBTQ+ community in central Illinois. This award is open to all arts, including but not limited to literature, music, drama, photography, video, painting, drawing, and sculpture. Their work has positively impacted the LGBTQ+ community in central Illinois.
