Carl Stokes

1927 - 1996

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Biography

Carl Stokes was an American politician and lawyer who made history as the first African American mayor of a major U.S. city. Born in 1927 in Cleveland, Ohio, Stokes began his career as a lawyer before entering politics. His groundbreaking election as mayor of Cleveland in 1967 marked a significant milestone in the civil rights movement. Stokes focused on improving the city's impoverished neighborhoods and promoting racial equality during his tenure. He was a trailblazer for future generations of African American politicians.