In this featured Q&A, we highlight a local Black-owned business - 906 Clothing - in Downtown Kankakee and share the story behind the owner’s journey. From how the business began to the challenges, inspiration, and impact within the community, this conversation celebrates entrepreneurship, representation, and the power of building legacy close to home.

Downtown Kankakee is where our community, culture, and history meet. It's a place where all are welcome to gather and celebrate all the vibrancy of our city. As we continue telling the story of our city's downtown heritage, we've recognized an important gap: much of the history of Black entrepreneurship in Kankakee has never been formally documented or preserved.

This Black History Month, we're launching a community archive project to change that.

In this featured Q&A, we highlight Essential Smoothies, a local Black-owned business in Downtown Kankakee, and share the story behind the owner’s journey. From how the business began to the challenges, inspiration, and impact within the community, this conversation celebrates entrepreneurship, representation, and the power of building legacy close to home.

Downtown Kankakee has no shortage of passionate community champions, but every once in a while, someone comes along who seems to show up everywhere — sleeves already rolled up, ideas already flowing. For us, that person is Angelina Gear, and we are thrilled to celebrate her official appointment as Executive Director of Visit Kankakee County.

Visit Kankakee County, the region’s destination marketing organization, recently announced Gear’s appointment after she stepped in as the Interim Executive Director in December 2025. It’s a role that feels like a perfect fit for someone who has been quietly (and not so quietly) pouring herself into this community for years.

Angelina is no stranger to the work of building up Kankakee County. Before her interim appointment, she spent more than three years as Visit Kankakee County’s Sales and Marketing Manager, developing destination marketing strategies, deepening partnerships with local businesses and municipalities, and raising the county’s profile across regional and state tourism markets. The Board of Directors’ decision to make her appointment official reflects the trust and confidence she has earned every step of the way.

Her story also has a hometown heart to it. After spending more than fifteen years living across the country — Missouri, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and Texas — Angelina came back to Kankakee County with fresh eyes and a renewed love for the place she calls home. As Visit Kankakee County board president Dave Baron put it, that experience gives her exactly the right perspective to showcase what makes this region special and draw even more people here.

This guide highlights the Black-owned businesses you’ll find in Downtown Kankakee so you can show your support not just this month, but all year long!

There’s nothing like summertime in Downtown Kankakee! Whether you're looking for live music, local eats, or a laid-back night out with friends and family, there’s something happening almost every week. Here's a quick guide to the can't-miss events lighting up our streets all season long:

The highly anticipated Kankakee Farmers’ Market is returning to Downtown Kankakee, and we couldn’t be more excited to kick off another season of fresh produce, local goods, and community fun. Starting this year on Saturday, May 3rd, the market will be open every Saturday from 8:00 AM to Noon, offering an array of products from local vendors.

Located inside the historic Majestic Building in Downtown Kankakee, Stefari Coffee House brings back the cozy, welcoming coffee shop vibe!

Owned by Teresa Jones, Fierce Financial Planning Services Inc. is a Downtown Kankakee firm dedicated to helping businesses and individuals navigate their financial needs. They offer comprehensive accounting, tax preparation, and business support services, including specialized assistance for nonprofits and immigrant entrepreneurs. Through educational workshops, they empower business owners with essential knowledge on tax policies, procedures, and responsibilities.

March is Women’s History Month, a time to honor the contributions of women throughout history and in our local community! Downtown Kankakee is home to many incredible women-owned businesses and women-run organizations. Each bringing passion, innovation, and dedication to their craft and our community! This month - and always - we encourage you to show your support by shopping, dining, and engaging with these businesses that help make our downtown vibrant.