Legacy
"I have an appreciation for all people, regardless of race. I want to see improved race relations - the day when there will be no prejudice. I want to see the brotherhood of man. I am a man who loves all people: white, black, young, and old. We must be patient and we must love all people regardless of race."- Dr. Romeo B. Garrett
This page is full of links to items relating to the information.
Although Dr. Romeo B. Garrett passed away in 2000, Bradley University has ensured that his legacy will live on throughout the Peoria area. The Romeo B. Garrett Cultural Center was purchased by Bradley University in 1978. The Garrett Center represents Dr. Romeo B. Garrett's impact on Bradley University and the Peoria community as a whole. The Garrett Center also houses the Office of Inclusion and Diversity.
Every April, Bradley University celebrates Garrett week. During this week many events are held to educate students on Dr. Garrett’s accomplishments as well as promote multicultural awareness around the community. In our Garrett Week Collection, you can find documents about the Garrett Week celebrations [Click Here]. In our interview with Garry Moore, he shares memories of the Garrett Week celebrations when he was a student at Bradley. [Listen or View Here]
In 1964, The Romeo B. Garrett scholarship was established to provide scholarships to potential Black leaders in the Central Illinois area. With this scholarship, over 400 students have been able to attend Bradley University. In our Awards collection, we have an original scholarship pamphlet detailing the criteria for this scholarship and Garrett’s original goal.[View Here]
His legacy also lives on through the people he knew. Rita Ali, who was mentored by Garrett, received the Garrett scholarship. She went on to become the first African-American woman to become mayor of Peoria. In our interview with her, she speaks on Garrett’s impact on the Peoria community. [Listen or View Here]
