Barack Obama

Obama, Ohio Leaders Honor First African American Mayor of Cleveland Carl Stokes

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Amy Brundage (Obama), Nicole Williams (Tubbs Jones), Garrette Silverman (Voinovich), or Bethany Lesser (Brown)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) joined Senators George Voinovich (R-OH) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) to introduce a resolution honoring the late Carl Stokes, who served as the first African American mayor of a major city. This month honors the 40th anniversary since he was elected Mayor of Cleveland in 1967.

Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D-OH) introduced similar legislation in the House of Representatives.

“Carl Stokes’ election as the first African American mayor of a major American city inspired future leaders to take on the challenge of public office,” said Sen. Obama. “His passion for fairness and equal justice encouraged a lifetime of sacrifice, and his efforts laid the critical groundwork for the next generation of African American leaders in Congress, city halls, and state houses across the country. This recognition honors not only his achievements as mayor, but also his unwavering commitment to his state and the nation. It’s leaders like Carl Stokes who made my life in public service a possibility.”

"Ambassador Carl Stokes was an inspiration to all Americans," said Rep. Tubbs Jones. "In particular, he inspired a young, black college student who volunteered to work on his 1967 mayoral campaign to follow her dreams and ultimately become the first black woman elected to the House of Representatives from Ohio, following in the footsteps of his brother Congressman Louis Stokes. That young African American woman was me. I am able to serve in Congress because he paved the way for me and many others. I am truly blessed to have been able to call two icons, Ambassador Carl Stokes and his brother, Congressman Louis Stokes my friend, and it is my honor and privilege to recognize this significant milestone through this resolution."

“Carl Stokes served Cleveland at a critical moment in the city’s history,” Sen. Voinovich said. “His election was a milestone in the civil rights movement and served as an inspiration to men and women around the country. As a former mayor of Cleveland, I am proud that a Clevelander helped show the country that courage, leadership and an unwavering commitment to public service are what truly matters.”

“Carl Stokes was a respected public servant in Ohio,” Sen. Brown said. “Stokes inspired a whole generation of us to fight for justice. His legacy still encourages future leaders in northeast Ohio and across the country.”

Below is a copy of the Resolution:

Honoring and recognizing the achievements of Carl Stokes, the first African-American mayor of a major American city, in the 40th year since his election as Mayor of Cleveland, Ohio.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

Mr. Obama submitted the following resolution:

RESOLUTION

Honoring and recognizing the achievements of Carl Stokes, the first African-American mayor of a major American city, in the 40th year since his election as Mayor of Cleveland, Ohio.

Whereas Carl Stokes was a pioneer in cultivating a positive climate for African-Americans to seek election to public office and made great strides toward improving race relations in a tumultuous period of United States history;

Whereas Carl Stokes was born on June 27, 1927, in Cleveland, Ohio to Charles and Louise Stokes;

Whereas Carl Stokes rose from poverty in Outhwaite Homes, Cleveland’s first federally funded housing project for the poor, to be elected to the highest political office in Cleveland;

Whereas Carl Stokes earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota in 1954 and graduated from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in 1956, and was admitted to the Ohio State Bar in 1957;

Whereas, in 1962, Carl Stokes was elected to the Ohio General Assembly and served 3 terms as the first African-American Democrat to serve from Cuyahoga County;

Whereas, in 1967, relying on his ability to mobilize support that transcended racial divides, Carl Stokes was elected Mayor of Cleveland and became the first African-American mayor of a major American city;

Whereas, after declining to run for a 3rd term as Mayor of Cleveland, Carl Stokes became the first African-American to appear daily as an anchorman on a New York City television outlet, WNBC-TV;

Whereas Carl Stokes served as municipal judge in Cleveland from 1983 to 1994, completing a political career encompassing each branch of government; and

Whereas Carl Stokes maintained his dedication to public service throughout his life, serving as Ambassador to the Seychelles and representing the White House on numerous goodwill trips abroad until his death in 1996: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate—

(1) recognizes the pioneering career of Carl Stokes, who helped expand political opportunity for minorities by becoming the first African-American mayor of a major American city; and (2) commemorates the 40th anniversary of the election of Carl Stokes as the Mayor of Cleveland and the first African-American mayor of a major American city, one of the most significant events in the American Civil Rights movement.