🎉 You're Invited to the 4th Annual KIKIFER’S Academy Gala & Awards Banquet! 🎉

📅 Date: Friday, June 14, 2025

📍 Location: Memorial Hall (211 N. Main St. Rockford, IL 61101)

🕔 Time: 6pm-9:30pm

Join us for an unforgettable evening of elegance, empowerment, and excellence as we celebrate six years of impact, innovation, and inspiration at KIKIFER'S Academy.

✨ What to Expect:

• Red carpet entrance & high level networking

• Live performances & keynote address

• Gourmet dinner & dessert 

• Exclusive awards honoring community trailblazers

• Uplifting stories from our youth and alumni

• A few surprises you won’t want to miss!

This is more than a banquet—it's a movement. It's where passion meets purpose, and futures are reshaped through opportunity. Whether you're an advocate, educator, entrepreneur, or simply someone who believes in the power of youth, this night is for YOU.

🎟️ Tickets go fast—reserve your seat today!

Let’s raise the bar, the glass, and the next generation—together.

For over three decades, Tommy Meeks has been a pivotal figure in Rockford, Illinois, championing cultural awareness, community development, and social justice. As the founder and organizer of Rockford's Juneteenth Celebration since 1990, Tommy has cultivated the longest-running Juneteenth event in Illinois. What began as a modest gathering at Levings Lake Park has flourished into a vibrant two-day festival at Sinnissippi Park, drawing thousands to honor African American history through music, art, and fellowship. Beyond his dedication to Juneteenth, Tommy serves at Winnebago County's Resource Intervention Center, guiding ex-offenders toward positive life transformations. His commitment to community upliftment extends to hosting "Time for a Change," a Comcast talk show where he engages with inspirational individuals, amplifying voices that inspire change. Tommy's unwavering efforts have garnered significant recognition, including his 2024 induction into the GoRockford Tourism Hall of Fame. This honor celebrates his instrumental role in elevating Rockford's cultural landscape and fostering a sense of unity and pride within the community. Guided by his motto, "Help people, not hurt people," Tommy Meeks embodies the spirit of service, empowerment, and cultural celebration, leaving an indelible mark on Rockford and beyond.