HOI Group members Bob and Diane Jorgensen tabling at the Juneteenth celebration at the George Washington Carver Center in Peoria.

HOI Has Two Key Themes at Juneteenth Tabling at Carver Center in Peoria.

By Joyce Blumenshine

Environmental justice, equity and key points about the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA) were just part of the focus for HOI tabling at the George Washington Carver Center, south of downtown Peoria, on June 19th. Beautiful photos of butterflies and free milkweed seed packets added an attractive and colorful aspect for the display.

This was the first official National Holiday for Juneteenth, the 19th of June, 1865, when the emancipation message finally reached Texas. The celebration and commemoration of this historic event helped bring a large crowd in spite of the hot weather. HOI Chairman Bob Jorgensen and our dedicated Treasurer (and Bob’s wife) Diane collected CEJA postcards to state Representative Jehan-Gordon Booth. They explained the importance of pollinators with a message on why bees and other insects need our help. Free packets of milkweed seeds were handed out with encouragement to plant pollinator friendly plants.

Are you interested in helping HOI tabling? It’s a great way to meet other people and feel good for helping out an important cause. See the Heart of Illinois Group Sierra Club website at the ‘Get Involved’ tab and Volunteer!