As of June 30, 2025, the City of Cleveland officially observes Carl B. Stokes Day—an annual commemoration that honors the life, leadership, and legacy of one of Cleveland’s most transformative public servants. Recognized at the close of a month that includes Juneteenth, this day offers a powerful opportunity to reflect on Black freedom, resilience, and the continued pursuit of equity in our city.
Elected in 1967, Carl B. Stokes made history as the first Black mayor of a major United States city. His leadership redefined public service with a bold commitment to equity, justice, and community-centered governance. Mayor Stokes challenged long-standing racial injustices in housing, education, employment, and public safety, and brought the voices of historically underrepresented communities to the center of civic decision-making.
He was also a pioneer in the fight for environmental justice, raising national awareness about the harmful effects of urban pollution on low-income and Black communities. He understood that environmental quality and social equity must go hand in hand. That legacy continues to shape Cleveland’s current work, including the City’s updated Climate Action Plan, which centers health, justice, and sustainability for all residents.
Carl B. Stokes also believed deeply in the power of economic opportunity. His commitment to inclusion helped establish the foundation for the City’s ongoing efforts to support minority-owned businesses and ensure fair access to jobs and public contracts. These values remain central to the work of the Office of Equal Opportunity and reflect the vision of a city that works for everyone.
Commemorating Carl B. Stokes Day is not only a tribute to a historic figure, it is a reaffirmation of Cleveland’s dedication to the principles of equity, empowerment, and progress. As we reflect on Juneteenth and move forward in building a more just and inclusive future, we do so with gratitude for leaders like Carl B. Stokes, whose example continues to guide and inspire.
The Stokes' Dilemma - A Feature Length Documentary Film
Stokes' Dilemma takes viewers into the origins of America's Black political awakening, where Carl Stokes' groundbreaking rise as the first Black mayor of a major U.S. city in Cleveland collides with the era's most powerful forces: the rise of Black Nationalism, relentless FBI surveillance, and the enduring influence of Martin Luther King Jr.
Carl Burton Stokes History & Legacy Project
The Carl B. Stokes History & Legacy Project is a collaborative effort led by the Western Reserve Historical Society, in partnership with the Stokes family, RLR III & Associates, Karamu House, and Lake View Cemetery, to preserve and promote the life and legacy of Carl B. Stokes—the first Black mayor of a major U.S. city. This project involves processing, digitizing, and making publicly accessible a robust archival collection that includes speeches, correspondence, photographs, audiovisual materials, and artifacts. By increasing access through digital platforms and educational programming, the initiative aims to inspire civic engagement, social awareness, and a deeper understanding of Stokes’s impact. A key component of the project includes Lake View Cemetery, Stokes’s final resting place, which will serve as a site of public remembrance and education, featuring interpretive signage, tours, and events to further connect the community to his enduring legacy. Through these efforts, the project ensures that Stokes’s contributions to Cleveland and the nation are preserved, celebrated, and shared with future generations.