Five black women make history as candidates, elected officials in South Cook area

Several local women are making history throughout the South Cook community, which is fitting since March is Women’s History Month.

“Women History Month ~ HERstory being made in HIStory!” Maureen Moe Forte shared on Facebook, along with a photo of five female politicians. 

Forte, who is seeking re-election for village board seat in East Hazel Crest, is pictured along with Monet S. Wilson, Lynda Allen Washington, Lori Wilcox and Tiffany Henyard.

Upper left - Monet Wilson; Upper right - Tiffany Henyard ; Lower left - Lori Wilcox; Lower right - Lynda Allen Washington.

“Monet S. Wilson, first black female to be elected in Calumet City, 2nd Ward Alderwoman, February 23, 2021,” Forte wrote. “#Trustee Tiffany Henyard, first black female to be elected as mayor in Dolton, February 23, 2021”.

Forte said each of the women are the first black women to be either elected or running for their positions.

“Lynda Allen Washington, seeking the seat as mayor in Sauk Village as the first black female, Lori Wilcox, City Clerk and Committeeman, seeking the seat as Bloom Township Supervisor, #Trustee Maureen Moe Forté, first black elected female in East Hazel Crest, presently elected to Library Board District president, Southland Convention and Tourism board bember, seeking re-election for Village Board seat,” Forte wrote.

Forte reminded everyone to get out and vote on April 6.

“All these ladies are first black females and on the April 6, 2021 ballot,” Forte wrote. “Remember to vote!”