Tomika A. Talley: Creating Opportunities, Building Community, and Inspiring the Next Generation
For Tomika A. Talley, community service is not simply something she does, it is the foundation of who she is. Whether serving in public office, mentoring youth, creating spaces for artists, or bringing families together through entertainment, Talley has dedicated her life to building stronger communities throughout Kankakee County.
A proud mother of three, the oldest sister of seven, and the self-proclaimed favorite aunt of 24 nieces and nephews, Talley believes that leadership begins with serving others. Today, she serves as a Village of Sun River Terrace Trustee, Commissioner for the Kankakee County Housing Authority, and a member of the Community Development Corporation of Pembroke-Hopkins Park. She is also an entrepreneur whose businesses continue to create opportunities for connection, creativity, and community engagement.
Talley says her passion for service was shaped by the words of her grandmother, who often challenged her by asking, “If not you, then who? And why not you?” Those words became a guiding principle that continues to influence every decision she makes.
Rather than complaining about the problems she saw around her, Talley chose to become part of the solution. Early in her journey, she organized a community voter registration drive at Pioneer Park House. Before social media existed, she spent weeks distributing flyers, encouraging residents to participate, and rallying volunteers to help spread the message. The event ultimately became one of the
area’s most successful voter registration efforts and introduced Talley to leaders who recognized her passion for public service. One of her closest friends, Grammy Award-winning DJ Vudu Spellz, volunteered to DJ a celebration where admission was free to everyone who registered to vote.
That event offered her a position at State Representative Lisa Dugan office and reinforced a lesson she still carries today: one person truly can make a difference when they are willing to take the first step.
Like many who dedicate themselves to community work, Talley has experienced challenges along the way. She acknowledges facing limited resources, injustice, and racial trauma, but refuses to let those experiences define her future. Instead, they strengthened her commitment to creating opportunities for others who face similar obstacles.
“I’ve been blessed with an incredible support system,” she says. “What I lacked wasn’t encouragement, it was resources.”
That perspective has fueled her work in public service, where she continues advocating for affordable housing, civic engagement, youth development, and stronger neighborhoods.
Outside of government service, Talley has also become known for creating innovative experiences that bring communities together.
Inspired by childhood memories of roller skating with her parents, she launched Rollin’ Out, a mobile roller-skating business designed to transform ordinary spaces into places filled with music, laughter, and family fun. More than entertainment, Talley views the business as another way to strengthen relationships and promote positive community engagement.
“Rollin’ Out is about much more than skating,” she explains. “It’s about bringing people together, building confidence, encouraging healthy activity, and creating spaces where families can reconnect.”
Her commitment to community also extends to the arts. In 2006, she founded The Art of Storytelling, a monthly open mic platform that began as a creative outlet for individuals recovering from addiction. Over the years, it has evolved into one of the region’s respected showcases for poets, spoken-word artists, musicians, and storytellers.
Talley was inspired after attending an open mic event and witnessing the powerful impact creative expression had on participants. She wanted to create a welcoming environment where everyone, from first-time performers to nationally recognized artists, could share their voices.
Nearly two decades later, that vision continues to thrive.
The Art of Storytelling has welcomed acclaimed performers, including actor LaRoyce Hawkins of Chicago P.D., actress Jerrie Johnson of Harlem, and nationally recognized spoken-word artists. Yet Talley says some of her greatest rewards come from watching local artists gain confidence before moving on to larger stages.
The event has become more than a performance venue; it has grown into a place where artists, businesses, and community members connect, collaborate, and inspire one another.
Talley’s entrepreneurial spirit also led her to co-found EZ Outdoor Movie Theaters. Inspired by fond memories of attending drive-in movies with her father, she wanted to recreate those experiences for today’s families.
Each summer, the business transforms parks and open spaces throughout Sun River Terrace and Hopkins Park into outdoor movie venues where families gather beneath the stars. Complete with local food vendors, youth entrepreneurs, community organizations, and sponsors, the events have become a summertime tradition that celebrates togetherness and community pride.
Whether organizing a movie night, hosting an open mic, serving in public office, or launching a new initiative, Talley approaches every opportunity with the same purpose, to create spaces where people feel connected, supported, and inspired.
When asked what she hopes people remember most about her life’s work, her answer reflects the humility that has guided her throughout her career.
“I hope people remember me as someone who created opportunities where none existed,” she says. “If someone says, ‘She cared enough to do something,’ that would be a legacy I’m proud of.”
Talley also has a message for aspiring entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and anyone with a dream of making a difference.
“Don’t wait until you feel completely ready,” she encourages. “Most meaningful things are built before we feel prepared. You can do hard things. Every worthwhile dream requires perseverance.”
Talley’s story is a powerful reminder that communities are strengthened not only by policies or programs, but by individuals who choose to serve with compassion, vision, and purpose. By creating opportunities, encouraging civic engagement, supporting the arts, and bringing neighbors together, Tomika A. Talley continues to leave an enduring mark on Kankakee County, one that will inspire future generations to answer the call to serve.
