In this powerful episode of KZ Community Beat, Ross catches up with a returning voice and friend of the pod, Brett Brooks — now two years stronger. Together, they dive into the significance of Juneteenth, the meaning behind the Miss Juneteenth Pageant, and the reality of being minority in a city still learning to face its reflection.

They unpack the beautiful chaos of Peoria’s legacy, the echoes of racism locally, and the internal struggles minorities face even within media spaces. This one gets honest — talking about systemic silence, microaggressions, local pride, and the future goal of launching a scholarship rooted in community empowerment.

It’s not performative. It’s not corporate. It’s the kind of conversation that might make some uncomfortable… and that’s exactly the point.

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In this powerful episode of KZ Community Beat, Ross Martinez sits down with NFL offensive lineman Marques Cox, a proud son of Peoria who's now suiting up for the Denver Broncos. Marques opens up about his roots, the grind behind the glory, and what it means to carry the hopes of a community on his shoulders. From the fields of Peoria to the bright lights of the league, this is more than a football story — it's a blueprint for any young dreamer wondering if they’ve got what it takes.

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In this episode of KZ Community Beat, Ross sits down with Brent Oest, Development Director of Crittenton Centers, to talk about how the nonprofit has been changing lives in Peoria for over 125 years. From crisis nurseries to early childhood education, Brent shares the heart, hustle, and hope behind the mission — and how you can help make a difference today.

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