Citizens Forum

Begun as a citizens’ group in July 1964, the organizational meeting was coordinated by city councilmen Rufus Kuykendall, Rev. James C. Cummings Jr., and school teacher Mattie Coney. Coney emerged as executive director and, joined by her husband Elmo, she officially guided the organization until 1981.

Headquartered in the inner city of Indianapolis, the largely African American organization sought to improve city neighborhoods through the formation of block clubs and community support. At its zenith during the late 1970s, Citizens Forum, touted for its philosophy of self-help and patriotism, claimed support from scores of neighborhood organizations.

Several programs were organized through the block clubs, as well as in cooperation with schools, businesses, and city and county agencies. Popular programs included the De-RAT-ication Campaign, Bloom-In, Dogwood Tree Caravan, Adopt-A-Park, and Rake-a-thons. The forum’s most successful program, Helping Hands, encouraged adults to work with children to eliminate loitering, vandalism, and street crime and to provide children with “safe” houses during an emergency. The Citizens Forum model was expanded to several cities around the state and throughout the country, including Chicago; Columbus, Ohio; Detroit; Milwaukee; New Orleans; New York; and Washington, D.C.

Through its Complaint Assistance-Referral Program, Citizens Forum aided block clubs in gaining improved services from governmental agencies by providing access for neighborhood health and safety concerns. The organization had a massive community education component that included open monthly meetings; speeches to block clubs, churches, schools, civic and labor groups, and other organizations; and the publication of a newsletter Citizens Forum Says.

The Coneys, along with Citizens Forum, received many local, state, and national awards and commendations. Due to financial difficulties and the Coneys’ retirement and failing health, the organization disbanded in 1984.

The Coneys, along with Citizens Forum, received many local, state, and national awards and commendations. Due to financial difficulties and the Coneys’ retirement and failing health, the organization disbanded in 1984.