Carl Stokes

Carl Burton Stokes (June 21, 1927 – April 3, 1996) was a Democratic Party politician and diplomat who served as the 51st mayor of Cleveland, Ohio. He was one of the first black mayors of a major American city, elected on November 7, 1967, and took office on January 1, 1968. Carl Stokes became the first African American mayor of a major American city when he assumed office in Cleveland in 1967. During his term, he worked to repair the city's ailing economy and provide more chances for the underprivileged. Stokes worked for racial reconciliation as well, however his government was rocked by the Glenville riots (July 1968), which erupted after a shoot-out between black militants and police officers.

He was re-elected in 1969 and retired in 1971. Later, he was an award-winning TV news anchor in New York City—the city's first black anchorman—before becoming a municipal court judge in Cleveland (1983-94) and the United States' ambassador to Seychelles (1994–95). While serving as Ambassador to the Seychelles, Stokes was diagnosed with esophageal cancer and placed on medical leave. He died at the Cleveland Clinic after returning to Cleveland. The Rev. Otis Moss officiated during his funeral at Cleveland Music Hall. WERE radio broadcasted the funeral. Stokes was laid to rest in Cleveland's Lake View Cemetery.

Detailed information:
Full name: Carl Burton Stokes
Born: June 21, 1927
Died: April 3, 1996
Notable works:

• United States Ambassador to Seychelles
• 51st Mayor of Cleveland