05/17/2026
This sounds amazing!
Elected in 1971 as Rockford’s first African American alderman, Victory Bell served the city’s 5th Ward for a record 38 years–helping guide Rockford through some of its most transformational decades.
Like his friend and ally Mayor John McNamara, Bell never stopped believing in Rockford, even when others questioned its future.
A champion of fairness, collaboration and progress, Bell understood that cities only move forward when people are work together and invest in things bigger than themselves.
From supporting the MetroCentre when downtown’s future felt uncertain, to later championing projects like Embassy Suites, Bell spent decades fighting not just for one neighborhood, but for the future of Rockford itself.
And, at 92 years young, Victory still believes the city’s best days are ahead.
Join the 1834 Alliance–and Alderman Bell–June 4 at the Nordlof Center for the free 1834 Alliance Honors & Celebration. Together, we will honor the dreamers, doers and bridge-builders who transformed Rockford and continue to inspire what’s next.
Free Tickets: https://f.mtr.cool/uiwvmmjrwk
