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MEET DARLENE

EFFECTIVE, DEDICATED COMMUNITY ORGANIZER. 

I am a public servant and a community organizer in the 2nd Ward with a passion both for directly helping those in immediate need and for changing existing systems of power.

 

I am currently the Chair of the City of Evanston’s Equity and Empowerment Commission, the Citizens Network of Protection, CABG (Community Alliance for Better Government) and a board member of the Democratic Party of Evanston. 

 

My family migrated from the American South to Evanston in the 1940’s, arriving like so many other Black families in the city’s segregated 5th Ward. At the time, racially restrictive covenants and racialized zoning ordinances prohibited Black families from owning homes outside of this ward. As Evanston's Black population increased, my family permanently settled in the 2nd Ward where my parents raised four children.

 

We cultivated deep traditions of community, care, and accountability. These are the core values I will rely on to build strong neighborhoods and community in the 2nd Ward.  

 

I’m very proud of my family's history in the 2nd Ward. It is where I continue to reside with my husband of 27 years, Ronnie, and it’s where we raised our son, Ameer. 

 

I remain connected to my community's history of resilience and the energy surrounding collective action in difficult situations. I am deeply invested in its culture, growth and safety.

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My Principles

Democracy needs true representation ​​

A healthy democracy is about more than electing officials to make decisions. Democracy is about the collective. We live in a city where the needs of the people are often ignored for profited interests. I will be a true representative of the collective will of the people of the 2nd Ward.

Equity is about affordability and accountability

People should be able to afford to live and thrive in Evanston, and until this is true, civil servants should be held accountable. This central principle requires creativity, dialogue, and most importantly, the will to serve the people.

Community is built out of safety and care

Community safety and care for the people of Evanston means sharing resources and services for the common benefit to overcome social, economic, and political barriers and meet common needs.

My Approach

As 2nd Ward Councilmember, I will be accessible to the community. My outreach will include regular community sessions, open office hours, and community chats. I believe the community should be aware and understand the details of city finances and policy. I will also ensure that the voices of 2nd Ward residents are heard at City Council.

I will introduce legislative solutions to safeguard affordability. I am currently working on anti-gentrification legislation as Board Chair of the City’s Equity and Empowerment Commission. I will also push the city to intervene financially to preserve and procure further affordable housing options, and reallocate funds to restore programs that serve low and middle-income families, as well as first-time home buyers.

As Councilmember I will hold myself and my colleagues accountable to the needs of Evanston residents. By speaking truth before the City Council and challenging my colleagues, I will champion governmental transparency, accountability, and service.


Read Darlene in Action.

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