STL Public Radio features East St. Louis Leader Reginald Petty, Honored with Order of Lincoln at SIUE
Posted April 16, 2026
Reginald Petty was recognized with the Order of Lincoln, the State of Illinois’ highest honor for professional achievement and public service, during a ceremony held at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville on April 11.
Presented by Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, the award honors Petty’s lifelong contributions to civil rights, education, and community development. In an interview with St. Louis Public Radio, Petty reflected on his work registering Black voters during the Civil Rights Movement, his leadership in Job Corps and the Peace Corps, and his efforts to preserve the history of East St. Louis.
He emphasized the importance of service and community organizing, noting that meaningful change is possible regardless of a community’s starting point.
Petty’s recognition during this year’s Convocation and Investiture of Laureates to The Lincoln Academy of Illinois, held at Dunham Theater, highlights the University’s role in celebrating leaders whose work has had a lasting impact on Illinois communities and beyond.
Listen to the segment on St. Louis Public Radio, reported by Will Bauer.
Photo by Howard Ash
