June 30th is now officially Carl B. Stokes Day

By Rhonda Crowder

On June 30th, the city of Cleveland made history, officially dedicating the day to Carl B. Stokes, a titan of civil rights and the first African American mayor of a major U.S. city. The inaugural Carl B. Stokes Day, celebrated at Cleveland City Hall, was more than just a ceremony. Beginning with a flag raising earlier in the afternoon and a ceremony that began around 3 p.m., it was a powerful reassertion of Cleveland's pivotal role in the narrative of Black political power in America. 

The event, brimming with poignant reflections, personal anecdotes, and inspiring calls to action, underscored Stokes's enduring legacy as a visionary leader who shattered racial barriers, championed environmental justice, and laid the groundwork for future generations of Black leaders. 

With Greater Cleveland Association of Black Journalists’ own Public Relations Chair Tracie Potts serving as the Mistress of Ceremonies, the event opened with a sneak peek of Joy Roller’s upcoming documentary “Stokes Dilemma.” As someone who worked in broadcast television for many years, she wanted to do a film that carried significant meaning.

“I wanted to better understand how Cleveland, a city I’ve come to love, became the city it is today,” said Roller, who considered Stokes to be one of the town’s most dynamic figures.

During her introduction to the film, she noted how Stokes - the grandson of a slave - defeated Seth Taft - the grandson of a former U.S. President. The win came with a 50.5 majority. 

Hilton Smith, retired senior vice president for national community affairs for Turner Construction and now a member of The AKA Team Construction, reflected on the time he spent with Stokes. Hilton, who moved to Cleveland from North Carolina, worked under the Stokes administration in the health department, establishing clinics across the city.

“He used to tell us ‘anything is possible,’ sometimes with tears in his eyes,” Hilton recalled. “Then he would say, ‘look at me… and look at you.’”

Hilton described Stokes as fearless. “He set me on fire to be the man I am today. He prepared me for the 45 years I spent with Turner. He taught us to work hard, work fearlessly, and help someone along the way.”

Councilman Richard Starr, who represents Ward 5 - the community where Stokes grew up with his brother, the late former U.S. Congressman Louis Stokes - presented the resolution on behalf of Cleveland City Council.

“[Carl’s] tenure was characterized by uplifting all Clevelanders,” said Starr. “His journey serves as a reminder that, while progress is often difficult, it is worth the struggle. 

Mayor Justin Bibb took the podium, noting this is the first ever Carl B. Stokes Day in the history of our city. “As a student of the Carl and Louis Stokes school of government,” he began. “Most people look at Selma and Montgomery as the birthplace of Black political power. Now, they will know Cleveland is the birthplace Black political power.”

Bibb explained that Carl Stokes laid the blueprint for Harold Washington in Chicago and Tom Bradley in Los Angeles, then ultimately Jesse Jackson’s bid for President and Barack Obama becoming the first African American U.S. President. “It was made possible by what happened in Cleveland,” said Bibb. 

Humbled to sit in the city’s highest seat, during “such a time as this,” Bibb said, “We’re going to be the example of always uplifting Black history in this city.”

Sarah O’Keefe, Director of Sustainability in the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability, educated those who didn’t know about Stokes' role in climate justice. In 1967, she explained, he campaigned on environmental reform and advocated to have people at the center of it.

He lifted up clean water and air as vital, and connected to the Civil Rights Movement, which led Cleveland to being at the forefront of clean water. His efforts are seen across the city today, she said, and Cleveland is doubling down on climate justice. 

Zack Reed, former Cleveland City Councilman who currently serves as Business Development Administrator for the City of Cleveland, discussed how Stokes opened city hall to Blacks and women, making it the most diverse in history at the time. Reed mentioned how Stokes appointed the city’s first Black law director as safety director as well as the first Black female commissioner. He also mentioned that Stokes established the Mayor’s Office of Urban Development which extended contracts to Black businesses, which is now the work done in the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity. 

In his conclusion, Reed shared that Stokes once lived in the Kinsman area and would shoot pool at the Kinsman Bar & Grill. A great pool player, the neighborhood children - including himself - would rush down to watch Stokes play, from the window, upon learning of his arrival. 

The highlight of the event came when Devin Philpot, a student at John Hay High School of Architecture and Design and member of Bibb’s Jr. Mayor Program, shared a video he produced with young people reflecting on the impact Carl B. Stokes has had on their lives and what his work made possible for them. 

Carl’s granddaughter Jevonne, with her three children by her side and father Cordell off to the side of the stage, told those in attendance, “This recognition is more than words can express. Standing here with my own children, I’m reminded that his legacy is alive today. We’re proud. We’re grateful. We’re deeply moved.”

“Growing up under my father and uncle, I had to learn how to present and be in the public eye,” said Cordell. “Mayor Bibb, you have humbled me.”

Cordell went on to speak of Carl beyond the public servant. He told everyone about Carl, the father. He shared how as a single dad (no shade against his mother), his father taught him how to navigate the streets of New York, cook and to even “use these hands” if need be - with Carl having held the title of middleweight boxing champion at West Virginia State College.

Robert Render III, founder of RLR III & Associates, closed the program by informing the audience of the Carl B. Stokes History & Legacy Project which will include a Carl B. Stokes Memorial Plaza at his final resting place, Lakeview Cemetery, in addition to digitizing his papers at Western Reserve Historical Society and renovation of the Carl B. Stokes Conference Room at Karamu House, a $1.4 million dollar project with already $200k committed due to the generous support of St. Luke's Foundation, Cordell Stokes, Cuyahoga County Councilwoman Meredith D. Turner, Attorney Dick Pogue and others. 

City of Cleveland Communications Strategist Fatimah Harris received numerous kudos and acknowledgement of her work in coordinating the inaugural Carl B. Stokes Day. She envisions Carl B. Stokes Day becoming a powerful annual tradition in the city of Cleveland, one that is not only commemorative but also educational and inspiring. 

“Moving forward, I see it as a day that brings together multiple generations to reflect on what leadership, equity, and civic responsibility truly mean,” said Harris.

Harris believes our youth must understand the legacy of Carl B. Stokes and how his work continues to impact our city today. “He broke barriers and created opportunities that many of us benefit from without even realizing it. Our youth will also be the ones to carry on the story of Carl B. Stokes,” she added.

Additionally, while City Hall will always be the home location to honor Stokes, Harris hopes to see this celebration grow beyond the walls of government. She imagines events happening across neighborhoods, in schools, community centers, libraries, and parks. 

“It should be a citywide moment where every part of Cleveland feels connected to his legacy and empowered to carry it forward,” she said. 

Harris wanted attendees at the program to remember that the freedoms, rights, and opportunities we often take for granted today are the direct result of someone choosing to lead with vision and boldness. 

“Stokes did that for Cleveland, and it is up to us to follow in those footsteps by taking risks, being strategic, and leading with intention in our communities,” she said. “Whether you are working in government, education, business, or activism, I hope the event reminded people that leadership is not about titles. It is about using your voice, your platform, and your influence to create space for others and to move our city forward with integrity and care.”