Interview: Rita Ali, Peoria Mayor

History was made in the chambers of the Peoria City Council when Rita Ali was sworn in as the city’s mayor. Mayor Ali is the first woman, the first person of color, and the first African American elected to that job.

Ali is taking over the Peoria mayor’s office at a challenging time for a city that was once known as a bellwether for the nation. Segregation, poverty, crime — and most recently a surge in coronavirus infections — are among the challenges before her.

The 21st was joined by Ali to talk about vaccine hesitancy, racial segregation in Peoria, and the Peoria Police Department. 

Guests:

Rita Ali, Mayor of Peoria 

Prepared for web by Zainab Qureshi

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