Maria Hadden Aiming to be First Black Queer Chicago Alderman, in 2019

“Rogers Park definitely left a lasting impression,” she said. “There’s a particular mix of people and a history. Having access to the lake and so much parkland and public space that’s unencumbered is huge. During the summertime and nice weather, everybody’s at the lake. Having these spaces that are free and open to people creates community … that I think is pretty special. I can’t imagine living in a different neighborhood in the city, very honestly.”

Now Hadden wants to find a new way to support her beloved neighborhood; she’s running to replace long-serving Ald. Joe Moore in the 49th Ward. If elected, Hadden would become the first queer Black woman on the Chicago City Council. The election is in 2019.

Hadden’s campaign website said she “believes in restorative justice and employing bold, fresh ideas that will bring together a divided city. Maria is also a passionate advocate for racial and economic justice serving on the board of directors for the Black Youth Project 100 ( BYP100 ), the board of directors for Voqal Chicago and as a member representative in the New Economy Coalition.”

“Rogers Park is a neighborhood with an identity that is progressive, it’s independent,” Hadden said. “We know what we want, we’re very vocal about it, we’re an organized community. And we currently have an alderman that doesn’t listen to us.”

From what Hadden understands, at the beginning of his 27-year tenure Moore was an independent, progressive voice. However, since Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s election, Hadden alleges that Moore has been both out of touch with his community and a “deputy” for Emmanuel, voting with him nearly 100 percent of the time”  Keep Reading