27-02-2025
‘I was elected not to be liked, but to be effective': Rockford alderwoman reflects on journey as a black woman in politics
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — During Black History Month, one Rockford alderwoman reflected on her journey to becoming a black woman in city politics.
Fifth Ward Alderwoman Gabrielle Torina said she is proud of what she has accomplished in the city over her past four years in office. She said she was inspired by her grandfather and other family members to write her own history.
'He was a pastor,' Torina said. 'He was one of the first members of the Rockford Ministries Fellowship. He became the first black union leader for local UAW 718, which was a big deal because to have a black man in a union leadership position before the civil rights movement was massive back then.'
Politics weren't a first choice for the alderwoman. She said she got an offer in 2018 to work in former U.S representative Cheri Bustos' office, but at first, she said she was hesitant.
'When the opportunity was presented to me, I immediately said, 'No, I don't know a thing about politics. I don't think that that's the right career for me,'' Torina said. 'And the response to that was, 'Don't look at it as politics. Look at it as an opportunity to do what you love, and that is to problem solve and to help people.''
Family plays a huge role in Torina's life, she said. Her sisters and mother were of great help to her when she decided to run for Fifth Ward Alderwoman.
'I'm lucky that my mom is a big supporter of mine,' Torina said. 'She was my first vote. That's so meaningful that your own mother was the first person to vote for you.'
The alderwoman said she has faced many challenges as a black woman in city politics, but she said she believes those challenges have helped her grow into the powerful and confident woman she is today.
'When you're in this position, sometimes you have to call things out, sometimes you have to speak truth to power and that it makes people uncomfortable,' Torina said. 'I was elected not to be liked, but to be effective. If I have to tell the truth about things in order to move our city forward, then I'm going to do that.'
The alderwoman said over her four years in office, she is most proud of pushing for the revitalization of the Barber Coleman building.
'No one was going to invest in our side of town with a 26-acre abandoned building sitting right in the heart of our community,' Torina said. 'It just sent such a horrible message not only to investors but to the people that live over here. It said, 'You don't matter.''
Torina said she wants to be remembered as someone who gave her all to her city.
'If I'm being honest, yes, I want accomplishments, but what has always been the most important to me is the legacy that I leave is of love and kindness, serving people and doing it with integrity,' Torina said. 'If that's how people remember me, then I'm just fine with that.'
The alderwoman said she plans to continue making an impact in Rockford, no matter her role in it.
'I love Rockford,' Torina said. 'It's been my home now for 45 years. I will still have a voice. I'll have gained so much experience from working in politics and being so involved in the community that I can certainly lend a voice and be an advocate. I'm always going to be involved in the city in one way or another. You can't get rid of me.'
Torina defeated Virgil Hobson and Christopher Williams in the Winnebago County Primary Election for 5th Ward Alderperson on Tuesday.
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