Speak Out Illinois LLC

11/02/2025

We are deeply shaken by the recent verdict in the tragic killing of Sonya Massey. While a conviction for second-degree murder was achieved, we believe this falls short of the full justice that her family—and our community—deserves.

➡️ We are calling for:
• A meaningful sentence that reflects the gravity of this loss and the trust broken when someone dialing 911 for help was instead met with a fatal outcome.
• Accountability within law-enforcement—especially in how crises are handled, how officers are trained, and how personnel with problematic pasts are vetted.
• Policy reform across Illinois—on officer training, crisis intervention, use of force, transparency in hiring, and more.
• Community healing and support—not just words, but tangible action that rebuilds trust, improves mental-health responses, and ensures no call for help ends in tragedy.

📍 Our belief: when someone calls 911, they deserve help — not lethal force. Public servants wear a badge and carry a gun under our trust that they will act with care, professionalism, and dignity.

We’re committed to continuing our advocacy, education, and resource-work to ensure this kind of tragedy is one we never repeat.

Read our full statement here: https://www.speakoutillinoisllc.com/speak-out-illinois-llc-statement-on-jury-verdict-in-the-killing-of-sonya-massey

Thank you for standing with us, for Sonya, and for justice.
— Speak Out Illinois LLC

10/29/2025

🚨 ARE YOU HIRING? Join Our 2025 Job Fair! 🚨

Speak Out Illinois LLC invites local employers, staffing agencies, and community organizations to set up a free booth at our upcoming Job Fair on Wednesday, December 17th, 2025, from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM.

✅ No cost to register or participate
✅ Tables and chairs provided
✅ Network directly with local job seekers and community partners

Whether you’re hiring full-time, part-time, or seasonal, this is your opportunity to connect with motivated individuals ready to work and make an impact in Illinois.

👉 Register today: https://forms.gle/5tKADuDU7rLezEQ78

📧 Questions? Email us at [email protected]

Let’s build opportunity together. 💼

10/29/2025

VERDICT: Sean Grayson is found guilty of second-degree murder.

Second-degree murder is typically murder with malicious intent but not premeditated. This carries a typical sentence of 4-20 years in prison.

https://www.25newsnow.com/2025/10/29/sean-grayson-murder-trial-jury-deliberates-ex-deputys-fate/

10/27/2025

10/22/2025

10/22/2025

See the photos from the Peoria Journal Star of the Rally outside the Peoria Courthouse for the Trial of Sean P. Grayson for the killing of Sonya Massey from Springfield, Illinois.

A group of protesters returned to the Peoria County Courthouse to make their voices heard on the third day of the Sean Grayson trial Wednesday in Downtown Peoria.

10/22/2025

🕊️ Statement from Speak Out Illinois LLC Regarding the Trial of Sean P. Grayson

As many of you have noticed, our pages have remained silent this week. This pause is intentional — it is in remembrance of Sonya Massey, whose life and legacy continue to impact communities across Illinois.

While we support the ongoing call for justice, we do not support rallying outside of the Peoria County Courthouse during this trial. Every individual, no matter the circumstances, deserves a fair and impartial trial under the law. Just as we would all hope for fairness in our own moments of judgment, we must extend that same standard to others — including Mr. Grayson.

We have also received feedback, messages, and comments during this time. Please note that Speak Out Illinois LLC will not tolerate threats, harassment, or defamatory statements directed at our organization, staff, or community partners. We are working in cooperation with our agency attorney and will take all appropriate legal action to prosecute any slander or defamation made against this organization in writing or online.

We thank you for your continued support, cooperation, and commitment to justice and community unity. Speak Out Illinois LLC is not involved in the rally and will return to normal activities next week.

Let’s continue to honor Sonya Massey by seeking justice the right way — with peace, respect, and integrity.

— Speak Out Illinois LLC

10/14/2025

📣 CAREER FAIR ANNOUNCEMENT 📣
Hosted by Speak Out Illinois LLC

Join us for a Community Career Fair connecting Central Illinois job-seekers with employers, staffing agencies, and workforce resources!

🗓 Wednesday, December 17th, 2025
🕑 2:00 – 5:00 PM
📍 Peoria Public Library – Main Library
Lower Level Two Auditorium
107 NE Monroe, Peoria, IL

Whether you’re exploring a new field, returning to the workforce, or aiming to level up your career, come meet recruiters, discover open job opportunities, and access local employment resources—all in one place.

👔 EMPLOYERS & VENDORS:
We are accepting up to 22 employers for this event. Spots are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.
📧 Email [email protected] to reserve your table today!

🔹 FREE and open to the public
🔹 Bring your résumé and dress to impress

📌 Note: Peoria Public Library is not a sponsor of this event nor does it endorse the viewpoints of Speak Out Illinois LLC.

10/14/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 14, 2025
Contact: [email protected]
Website: www.speakoutillinoisllc.com

Statement Regarding September 28, 2025 Incident in Downtown Peoria

Speak Out Illinois LLC is aware of the violent incident that occurred in the early morning hours of Sunday, September 28, 2025, in the 600 block of Main Street in Peoria, Illinois, which resulted in multiple individuals sustaining gunshot injuries and arrests being made by the Peoria Police Department.

First and foremost, we extend our thoughts and concern to the victims and their families, as well as to all community members impacted by this tragic event. Gun violence continues to plague too many of our neighborhoods, and we stand with those calling for peaceful solutions and accountability.

We support the ongoing investigation by the Peoria Police Department and encourage any community members with information to contact local authorities or use anonymous tip lines. We are confident that the legal process will uncover the facts and hold those responsible accountable.

As an organization committed to civic engagement, youth empowerment, and community safety, Speak Out Illinois LLC will continue our work in collaboration with local leaders, residents, and law enforcement to promote peace, reduce violence, and provide constructive outlets for community expression.

We respectfully ask the public and media outlets to refrain from circulating misinformation. For verified information on the case, please refer to the Peoria Police Department’s official communications.

Disclaimer: This statement is issued solely for informational purposes. Speak Out Illinois LLC is not a law enforcement agency, nor are we privy to investigative materials. All persons mentioned in public records remain innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

10/10/2025

In a recent Senate Judiciary Committee exchange on October 7, 2025, Ranking Member Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) questioned former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi over reports that the federal government intends to deploy Texas National Guard troops to Illinois, specifically Chicago.
When pressed on whether she had been consulted by the White House regarding this deployment, Bondi refused to answer multiple times, citing “internal conversations.” What followed was a heated exchange in which Bondi deflected by attacking Senator Durbin’s record and political positions, rather than addressing the legal or strategic rationale behind sending out-of-state troops into Illinois communities.

Senator Durbin underscored a critical point: the American public — especially Illinois residents — deserve transparency when federal forces or out-of-state National Guard units are deployed to our cities. Decisions of this magnitude affect local governance, public safety strategy, and community trust. Shielding the rationale from the public sets a dangerous precedent.

Bondi’s remarks — “If you’re not going to protect your citizens, President Trump will” — are not just political rhetoric; they reveal a posture that undermines local leadership and community-based public safety solutions. Deploying troops without clear communication and coordination risks escalating tensions on the ground rather than addressing the underlying issues facing communities.

Our Position

Speak Out Illinois LLC stands firmly on the principle that:
• Public safety decisions impacting Illinois communities must involve Illinois communities — including our elected officials, civic organizations, and residents.
• Transparency is not optional. The federal government owes clear explanations to the people before intervening in state matters.
• Community trust must not be collateral damage in political power plays.

The exchange between Sen. Durbin and Ms. Bondi is a reminder of why civic engagement matters. When power is exercised behind closed doors, it is the public that loses both voice and accountability.

Call to Action

We urge Illinois residents — especially Chicagoans — to stay informed and vocal. Contact your state and federal representatives, demand public briefings on National Guard deployments, and advocate for community-centered solutions to public safety rather than unilateral federal actions.

Together, we can ensure that decisions about Illinois are made with Illinois, not imposed upon it.

—
Speak Out Illinois LLC

10/09/2025

For Everyone: Be aware of your rights

10/05/2025

🚨 COMMUNITY ALERT 🚨
THESE CRIMES MUST STOP

The following information and images are sourced from public records. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Recently, multiple young adults were booked by the City of Peoria Police Department on serious charges, including:
• Unlawful Possession of Fraudulent ID Cards
• Aggravated Battery
• Mob Action / Violence
• Criminal Sexual Abuse (Consent)

📆 Booking Date: October 5, 2025
📍 Jurisdiction: City of Peoria Police Department

Our youth are at the center of too many dangerous, violent, and unlawful incidents. This is a wake-up call. ⚠️
👉 It’s time to call on the parents.
👉 It’s time to step up as a community.
👉 It’s time to intervene before tragedy happens.

This is not “someone else’s problem.” The patterns we’re seeing are preventable if families, schools, mentors, and neighborhoods unite early, often, and consistently. Speak Out Illinois LLC stands firm: We must take action to protect and redirect our youth before the consequences destroy lives.