Peoria woman recognized for dedication to civil rights movement

PEORIA (25 News Now) - A Peoria woman has been recognized for her hard work and dedication to the civil rights movement.

Pearly Bonds has dedicated her life to the cause of civil rights, community and church.

She has received many awards, including the NAACP 25 Years or More service diploma, Rosa Parks Award and others.

She is one of the founding visionaries of the African American Hall of Fame Museum in 1987.

She was also instrumental in getting the NAACP building donated from the City of Peoria.

The building was renamed after her 10 years ago.

“She’s the type of person who not only is reactive, she’s very proactive,” said Bonds’ nephew David Jamison. “Even though her body physically may show up as 99 years old, mentally, emotionally, she’s still that 55-year-old, 60-0year-old fighter inside.

Bonds celebrated her birthday on October 4th.