In February and March 2007, Housing Bronzeville held Candidates’ Forums before the primary and general elections.  The first briefing took place on February 7th at Judah Israelite Church, where every seat was filled with Bronzeville residents. After Housing Bronzeville's Research Action Team presented a visual slide show demonstrating the critical importance of the community's vacant lots to Bronzeville's future, the group heard from candidates for 2nd, 3rd, and 20th Ward aldermen.

The second Candidates' Forum took place on March 28th at New Haven Baptist Church, 4413 S. Indiana. Several candidates laid out their plans for Bronzeville but when Alderman Tillman failed to attend, Housing Bronzeville took a school bus to her school and office the same night. Read about the incident.

Three candidates who appeared at the forums are now aldermen: Bob Fioretti (2nd), Pat Dowell (3rd), and Willie Cochran (20th).  Two of the candidates—Mr. Fioretti and Ms. Dowell—committed their support to the group’s “Bronzeville Proposal,” including the sponsorship in the City Council of the enabling legislation.

Mell Monroe and Pat Dowell at the Candidates’ Forum in February