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.

A man and a woman stand at an entrance. The window next to them reads "Welcome. A Good City Begins With You. Be Responsible."
Elmo and Mattie Coney outside of Citizens Forum office at 3211 North Illinois Street, May 1970 Credit: Indiana Historical Society View Source

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.

A woman speaks in front of a banner advocating for city beautification, ca. 1970
A woman speaks in front of a banner advocating for city beautification, ca. 1970 Credit: Indiana Historical Society View Source

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 two women stand behind a table and in front of a wall covered with photos and posters.
Two women from the Flanner House Library present at a Citizens Forum meeting, ca. 1975 Credit: Indiana Historical Society View Source

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.

Revised March 2021
 

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