Aurthur Mae Perkins doesn’t feel like she accomplished anything particularly extraordinary during her lengthy career as an educator and many years as a civic leader in Peoria.
But evidence to the contrary was more than obvious Thursday morning, just by the large crowd of family, friends, colleagues, and city officials that gathered in the parking lot of Peoria Public Library’s downtown branch.
An honorary street naming at the intersection of Hamilton and Monroe Streets recognized Perkins for her dedication to the Peoria community, with a series of speakers lauding that commitment before the “Aurthur Mae Perkins Way” sign was unveiled.
“I don't feel like I've done anything at all to deserve all this,” the 83-year-old Perkins said, as the emotion of the moment gripped her. “This is so humbling. I didn't do anything but love people, love children, and I knew what children could do if you gave them an opportunity to do it. But they couldn't do it if they were hungry, and they couldn't do it if they were dirty. They had to have some pride within themselves.”
Mayor Rita Ali delivered a proclamation touting Perkins’ life of service to public housing, public safety, and public education.
“A mother, wife, community leader, educator and advocate, she is reverentially remembered for going to the homes of students who weren't in school to find out what was keeping them out of the classroom, seek a solution for the issue, and then ensure they could return to their classrooms,” Ali read.
Perkins’ son Tony marveled at both his mother’s achievements and the outpouring of admiration on display at the ceremony.
“She's amazing. She's done a lot in her life, and if people knew where she came from … she's a testimony to not making excuses, and she's still achieving even to this day,” said Tony Perkins, noting Aurthur Mae overcame quadruple bypass heart surgery and a COVID-19 infection in recent years.
After completing her GED at age 38, Perkins went on to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Bradley University before starting her career with Peoria Public Schools. As principal of the Harrison School on the city’s south side, she eventually became one of the longest-serving administrators in district history.
“Mrs. Perkins was an institution within that building, within that community, and among the students that walked the halls and learned in the classrooms,” said PPS Superintendent Dr. Sharon Kherat.
In addition to her career in education, Perkins also served on the boards for the Peoria Public Library and the Peoria Housing Authority.
“As you go through life, there are certain people who make an indelible impression on you. One of those people in my life was Aurthur Perkins,” said former PHA director Roger John. “She rose from poverty to become a school principal and influencer in the Peoria community. It's very fitting for Peoria to recognize Mrs. Perkins for her many accomplishments and contributions, but more importantly, for her integrity: She always did things for the right reasons.”
Peoria Public Library executive director Randall Yelverton said Perkins’ tenure on that board proved to be highly consequential.
“During this time span, the board committed to updating the library's facilities and expanding its reach in the community. In order to do this, the board helped create and support a referendum campaign that yielded substantial capital development funds for the library and was supported by 72% of the community,” said Yelverton.
“Thanks to the vision and commitment of Mrs. Perkins and the library boards on which she served, the city of Peoria has libraries it can be proud of, and which will still draw visitors from far and wide for many years to come.”
The street renaming was proposed by Hedy Elliott and Marcella Teplitz, and sponsored by District 2 Council member Chuck Grayeb. Judges Kevin Lyons and James Shadid joined them among the list of speakers acknowledging Perkins during the presentation.
“President Kennedy said that every person can make a difference, and every person should try. You are a living example to all of us about not only trying, but accomplishing and changing the lives of so many people in such a positive manner,” Shadid said to her.
Elliott said she has been inspired by Perkins ever since she hired her at Harrison 25 years ago.
“Little did I know that my boss would have such an incredible influence on me as a teacher and a human being,” said Elliott. “Mrs. Perkins taught me that the art of working with tough kids was to focus on their resiliency and push them even harder, instead of lowering the expectations and feeling sorry for them. Mrs. Perkins modeled what it is to be compassionate, tough, a fierce advocate for children, and above all she demanded excellence.”
Perkins said while her mission was to be a role model to her students and teachers, she never realized how much of an inspiration she had become to so many members of the community.
“I had no idea that I had that much of an impact on people. I went about doing and being Aurthur Mae, just doing and being Aurthur Mae. What you see is what you get,” she said.
“Good things happen for you if you do the right thing with people, and you’ve got to treat all people right. You’ve got to treat them right, and especially the children; that was just my passion. I gave my life to those children and those families down there at Harrison.”
