Toni Foulkes
Toni Foulkes was an active member of ACORN from 1999-2007, she started as an organizer, became the Chairwoman of Chicago’s Englewood Chapter, was the Midwest Regional Director and the Illinois Delegate on ACORNS national board. In 2007 Foulkes was elected Alderwoman of the 15th ward, after redistricting she was later elected to the 16th ward, and held the position until she was unseated in 2019. ACORN played a big role in her early elections, and she maintained the roots and principles she gained from ACORN while she was in office. As with many ACORN members, Madeline Talbot was a big influence on Toni, she calls her her shero, and admired how she could walk in a room and command instant respect. Toni aspired to that, and eventually possessed similar traits. She was heavily involved with the Living Wage Big Box campaign, and believed their work hurt the bottom line of the region’s most prominent big box. At one point they filled 8 busses and drove to the homes of Walmart’s board members. Eventually the campaign was behind the passage of the Living Wage ordinance which would force Walmart and Target to increase their wages and other benefits. It would go on to become Mayor Daily’s first veto. Mrs Foulkes points out that grassroots work is not 9-5, you must hold a great love of people to do it, and be willing to make great sacrifices. Her love of Englewood and it’s people is what lead her to run for office. She was a great champion of the neighborhood, if people had trouble with their utilities, sidewalks or schools she was there. If someone’s house burnt down she would head out to help in the middle of the night. Now years after holding office, she still happily takes calls from community members seeking her aid.