Peculiar Books Inc.
Peculiar Books Inc.
Changing the World With Love, Kindness and Compassion
Working for a Better Society
Working for a Better Society
My name is Dewhitt Lloyd Bingham, and I am the owner of Peculiar Books Inc. in Bloomington, Illinois. Because of my success as a three-time author, motivational speaker, preacher, criminal justice practitioner, and college professor, I decided to create a platform for social change.
My entire career has been dedicated to promoting honesty, raising awareness, healing damaged relationships, and helping others keep moral commitments. I established my organization in 2017 with the intention of changing the world.
Biography
Biography
I have spent more than 40 years studying, teaching, and working in the criminal justice system. I have served as a probation officer for more than 33 years.
I am also a distinguished adjunct professor at Heartland Community College where I served as a criminal justice instructor for more than 23 years. I have also served on the McLean County Youthbuild Board of Directors for more than 23 years. Additionally, I received the 2014 Heartland Community College Adjunct Professor of the Year Award.
I have been serving the Lord Jesus Christ for more than 22 years. I serve as the head elder at Integrity Deliverance Ministry, where I minister the Word of God with love.
I have been positively influenced by the likes of Harriet Tubman, W. E. B. Du Bois, Booker T. Washington, Ida B. Wells, and the myths that perpetuate discrimination and racism. I believe a person can fight against fear, anger, state-based systems, and servitude, but the myth of black dangerousness, dehumanization of black folk, and white supremacy are hard to change.
My goal is to rid the world of these myths through spreading love, kindness, and compassion. If you desire to remedy the world of these ills as well, please contact me at Peculiar Books Inc.
Mission Statement
Mission Statement
Life is good, and the goal of Peculiar Books Inc. is to make society a better place to live for all through practices that promote:
- Diversity
- Equalization
- Integration
- Racial Harmony
- Social Justice
Education
Education
1987
1987
Illinois State University
Masters of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice
Illinois State University
Masters of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice
1984
1984
Lincoln University
Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice
Lincoln University
Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice
1997–Present
1997–Present
Distinguished Adjunct Faculty Criminal Justice*
Heartland Community College, Normal, Illinois
Courses Taught:
Introduction to Criminal Justice
Juvenile Justice
Introduction to Criminology
Probation and Parole
American System of Corrections
Criminal Justice Careers Seminar
Distinguished Adjunct Faculty Criminal Justice*
Heartland Community College, Normal, Illinois
Courses Taught:
Introduction to Criminal Justice
Juvenile Justice
Introduction to Criminology
Probation and Parole
American System of Corrections
Criminal Justice Careers Seminar
*Impart knowledge to students preparing to transfer to upper-division schools. Provide knowledge of all aspects of the criminal justice to students who are pursuing an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice.
Additional Training
Additional Training
1987
1987
Sangamon State University, Springfield, Illinois
Adult Probation Officer Training
Sangamon State University, Springfield, Illinois
Adult Probation Officer Training
1991
1991
Sangamon State University, Springfield, Illinois
Investigative Skills and Abilities Training
Sangamon State University, Springfield, Illinois
Investigative Skills and Abilities Training
1991
1991
ADX Operator Training, Springfield, Illinois
Certified Drug Testing Operator Training
ADX Operator Training, Springfield, Illinois
Certified Drug Testing Operator Training
1993
1993
Law and Justice Commission, Springfield, Illinois
Multicultural Diversity Training
Law and Justice Commission, Springfield, Illinois
Multicultural Diversity Training
1997
1997
RISS National Gang Conference, Las Vegas, Nevada
National Gang Certification
RISS National Gang Conference, Las Vegas, Nevada
National Gang Certification
2001
2001
McLean County Communications Center, Bloomington, Illinois
Police Communications Course
McLean County Communications Center, Bloomington, Illinois
Police Communications Course
2001
2001
Law and Justice Commission, Bloomington, Illinois
Law Enforcement Spanish and Survival
Law and Justice Commission, Bloomington, Illinois
Law Enforcement Spanish and Survival
2002
2002
Administrative Office of Illinois Courts, Springfield, Illinois
Youth Assessment Screening Instrument Certified
Administrative Office of Illinois Courts, Springfield, Illinois
Youth Assessment Screening Instrument Certified
2005
2005
National Coalition Building Institute, Aurora, Illinois
Certified Diversity Facilitator
National Coalition Building Institute, Aurora, Illinois
Certified Diversity Facilitator
2005
2005
Chestnut Health Systems, Bloomington, Illinois
Drug Endangered Youth Training
Chestnut Health Systems, Bloomington, Illinois
Drug Endangered Youth Training
2007
2007
Institute for Multicultural Success, Phoenix, Arizona
Mastering Anger, Self-Discipline, and Emotional Control Facilitator
Institute for Multicultural Success, Phoenix, Arizona
Mastering Anger, Self-Discipline, and Emotional Control Facilitator
2009
2009
NC Consulting, LLC
Washington Aggression Interruption Training
NC Consulting, LLC
Washington Aggression Interruption Training
2010
2010
National Institute of Corrections, U.S. Department of Justice
Thinking for a Change Certified Facilitator
National Institute of Corrections, U.S. Department of Justice
Thinking for a Change Certified Facilitator
2011
2011
Professional Development, Heartland Community College
Greening Your Curriculum
Professional Development, Heartland Community College
Greening Your Curriculum
2011
2011
Professional Development, Heartland Community College
Great Teacher Within Us Retreat
Professional Development, Heartland Community College
Great Teacher Within Us Retreat
2013
2013
Correctional Counseling, Inc.
Certified Moral Reconation Therapy Facilitator
Correctional Counseling, Inc.
Certified Moral Reconation Therapy Facilitator
2013
2013
Professional Development, Heartland Community College
Writing Teaching Philosophy Statements
Professional Development, Heartland Community College
Writing Teaching Philosophy Statements
2013–2016
2013–2016
Martin Luther King Jr. Cultural Dinner, Illinois State University
Speakers: Michelle Alexander, Van Jones, Gloria Davis, and Marc Lamont Hill
Martin Luther King Jr. Cultural Dinner, Illinois State University
Speakers: Michelle Alexander, Van Jones, Gloria Davis, and Marc Lamont Hill
2016
2016
Professional Development, Heartland Community College
FA II: Reclaiming Conversation
Professional Development, Heartland Community College
FA II: Reclaiming Conversation
2016
2016
Project Oz, Bloomington, Illinois
Supporting LGBTQ Youth
Project Oz, Bloomington, Illinois
Supporting LGBTQ Youth
2017
2017
Illinois State University Teaching and Learning Symposium
Illinois State University Teaching and Learning Symposium
2018
2018
Alternative Delivery Certification/Online Certified
Alternative Delivery Certification/Online Certified
Volunteer Work
Volunteer Work
1996–Present
1996–Present
Youthbuild McLean County Board Member
Youthbuild McLean County Board Member
2004–Present
2004–Present
Heartland Community College Hands on Science Fair
Heartland Community College Hands on Science Fair
2010–Present
2010–Present
Instructional Development Committee, Heartland Community College
Instructional Development Committee, Heartland Community College
2014–Present
2014–Present
Male Empowerment Network Club Advisor, Heartland Community College
Male Empowerment Network Club Advisor, Heartland Community College
2016–Present
2016–Present
Minority and Police Partnership Taskforce
Minority and Police Partnership Taskforce
2019–Present
2019–Present
Diversion and Inclusion Taskforce, Heartland Community College
Diversion and Inclusion Taskforce, Heartland Community College
Personal Achievements
Personal Achievements
1980
1980
Baseball Scholarship, Lincoln University, Jefferson City, Missouri
Baseball Scholarship, Lincoln University, Jefferson City, Missouri
1981
1981
Who’s Who Among America’s College and University Students,
Lincoln University, Jefferson City, Missouri
Who’s Who Among America’s College and University Students,
Lincoln University, Jefferson City, Missouri
1982
1982
Irving C. Tull Scholarship Award and Omega Psi Phi Academic Scholarship Award, Lincoln University, Jefferson City, Missouri
Irving C. Tull Scholarship Award and Omega Psi Phi Academic Scholarship Award, Lincoln University, Jefferson City, Missouri
1983
1983
Outstanding Criminal Justice Student Scholarship Award and Aztec Association Academic Scholarship Award, Lincoln University, Jefferson City, Missouri
Outstanding Criminal Justice Student Scholarship Award and Aztec Association Academic Scholarship Award, Lincoln University, Jefferson City, Missouri
1984
1984
Academic Dean’s List (7/8 Semesters)
Academic Dean’s List (7/8 Semesters)
1988
1988
Missionary Trip to Johannesburg, South Africa
Missionary Trip to Johannesburg, South Africa
1989
1989
Chiddix Junior High School Service Award
Chiddix Junior High School Service Award
1991
1991
Center of Hope Church Man of the Year Award
Center of Hope Church Man of the Year Award
1995
1995
Megiste Arete Christian Fraternity Award
Megiste Arete Christian Fraternity Award
1996
1996
Junior College and Division III Basketball Official
Junior College and Division III Basketball Official
1999–2012
1999–2012
Owner of Precious Jewels Christian Academy Childcare Center
Owner of Precious Jewels Christian Academy Childcare Center
2011
2011
Heartland Community College Student Support Services
Project Rise Outstanding Faculty Member
Heartland Community College Student Support Services
Project Rise Outstanding Faculty Member
2014
2014
Heartland Community College Instructional Development Center
Award for Exceptional Participation and Contribution to the Work of the IDC Advisory Committee
Heartland Community College Instructional Development Center
Award for Exceptional Participation and Contribution to the Work of the IDC Advisory Committee
2014
2014
Heartland Community College Adjunct Faculty of the Year
Heartland Community College Adjunct Faculty of the Year
2015
2015
Heartland Community College Instructional Development Center
Recognized for Planning and Delivering an Inspiring and Lively Presentation at Faculty Academy I: Teaching and Learning at HCC
Heartland Community College Instructional Development Center
Recognized for Planning and Delivering an Inspiring and Lively Presentation at Faculty Academy I: Teaching and Learning at HCC
2015
2015
Heartland Community College, Student Engagement Advisor Recognition Award for Advising MEN Club
Heartland Community College, Student Engagement Advisor Recognition Award for Advising MEN Club
2016
2016
Heartland Community College Instructional Development Center
Recognized for Providing an Engaging and Well-Received Presentation at Faculty Academy I: Teaching and Learning at HCC
Heartland Community College Instructional Development Center
Recognized for Providing an Engaging and Well-Received Presentation at Faculty Academy I: Teaching and Learning at HCC
2013–2016
2013–2016
Martin Luther King Jr. Cultural Dinner, Illinois State University
Speakers: Michelle Alexander, Van Jones, Gloria Davis, and Marc Lamont Hill
Martin Luther King Jr. Cultural Dinner, Illinois State University
Speakers: Michelle Alexander, Van Jones, Gloria Davis, and Marc Lamont Hill
2017
2017
Published First Book:
Hope Deferred Makes the Heart Sick: But When the Desire Comes It Is A Tree Of Life
Published First Book:
Hope Deferred Makes the Heart Sick: But When the Desire Comes It Is A Tree Of Life
2018
2018
Published Second Book:
Viola Liuzzo a True Martyr
Published Second Book:
Viola Liuzzo a True Martyr
2020
2020
Third Book Published:
The Douglass Connection
Third Book Published:
The Douglass Connection
Testimonials
Testimonials