Performing Open Hearts
Creston Coleman is a community organizer, filmmaker, and founder of Performing Open Hearts, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting youth, ex-athletes, and justice-impacted individuals as they navigate life beyond hardship. Through powerful storytelling and purpose-driven events, Creston creates spaces for healing, connection, and pride—especially within Peoria’s South Side community.
As the organizer of the Manual High School All-Class Reunion Weekend and the world premiere of “Orange and Black: Beneath the Numbers,” Creston leads initiatives that honor legacy and resilience. His events range from heartfelt reunions and tailgate celebrations to documentary screenings and youth-centered empowerment programs—each one designed to uplift voices that are often overlooked.
Whether through the lens of a camera or the energy of a packed gym, Creston’s mission is clear: to celebrate our stories, empower the next generation, and build a stronger future through unity and remembrance.