Then and Now: The Rev. Dr. E.T. Caviness and Black Church Leadership in Cleveland

By Regennia N. Williams, PhD

Since the 1960s, the Rev. Dr. Emmitt Theophilus (E.T.) Caviness, pastor of Cleveland’s Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church, has been a leader in the struggle to secure and protect the civil and political rights of American citizens.  His influence extends beyond the sanctuary of his church in the Glenville community, and the stories about his work are recounted in numerous publications, including the many books and news articles related to the legacy of Mayor Carl B. Stokes.

Stokes was elected in 1967, the year after the Hough Riots.  From the outset of his tenure as the mayor of Cleveland, he sought to establish close ties between his office and leaders in various faith communities. Rev. Caviness worked with Mayor Stokes to make that happen.  In a March 30, 1968, Call & Post newspaper article announcing the appointment of the Rev. William Arthur LeMon as Stokes’ administrative assistant, the mayor stated, “If there is any one segment of leadership in the community that I owe to being where I am it is, perhaps, the clergy.”

Within a week of making this statement, Mayor Stokes called on local pastors and others to help keep the peace following the April 4, 1968 assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In describing that moment in Cleveland’s history, Stokes wrote in Promises of Power: A Political Biography:

In the aftermath of the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., on April 4, 1968, almost every large city in the country with a sizeable black community had violence and looting of some sort. We were able to keep that from happening in Cleveland. In a way it was unfortunate that we succeeded as well as we did, because it only confirmed the establishments wager that in backing me they were buying insurance. Not that I didn’t make a good deal of it myself at the time, taking reporters along with me as I walked the streets, calming people, talking them into cooler emotions. I tried, though, to get across the point that the community had calmed itself. It wasn’t just me out there; we had clergymenathletes, street clubs, militants out patrolling, working to keep the lid on. Obviously, they were out there because I got them together to do it, but they were the ones who really handled it.

A cover story in the Sunday, April 7, 1969 Plain Dealer echoed the mayor’s sentiments: “Last night the mayor resumed his vigil in Hough, Glenville, and Central areas [. . .] In a predawn meeting yesterday, he urged some 75 Black nationalists to help in quieting fears in the Negro neighborhood. He met with a group of clergymen and new executives later in the day, asking for continued close cooperation.

Fifty-two years later, in April 2020, Rev. Caviness recalled that he monitored activities from his office at Greater Abyssinia while Mayor Stokes (who had “protection”) monitored the situation in the streets of Glenville.   Their team succeeded in keeping an uneasy peace that spring, but their efforts did not prevent the Glenville rioting in the summer of 1968.

Pastor Caviness’s leadership duties, however, continued beyond the 1960s.  He served as the administrative assistant to Mayor George Voinovich, as a member of the Cleveland City Council, on a number of local boards, and, for more than 30 years, on the board of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), an organization that Dr. King established in 1957.

He currently chairs the board of the Cleveland Clergy Coalition and is convinced that the struggle for voting rights must be continual.  As the nation commemorates the 150th anniversary of the ratification of the 15th amendment and the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment–which sought to enfranchise African American men and all women, respectively, Rev. Caviness says, “Everyone has to have that right. We’ve got to remain vigilant, on our guard, and stay alert to what is transpiring in our country.”

“CLERGY BACK NEW AIDE — A group of prominent clergy surround Mayor Stokes and his new Administrative Aide, Rev. W. Arthur LeMon. Seated are (left to right) Rev. John T. Weeden, St. Timothy Baptist Church, and president of Baptist Ministers’ Conference of Cleveland & Vicinity; Mayor Carl B. Stokes; and Rev. LeMon.” Rev. E. T. Caviness, Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church, is standing on the far right. (John W. Mott, photographer. Call & Post file image.)

Black History on Tap: The Living Legacy of Leo’s Casino

Join us for an after-hours party honoring the legendary Leo’s Casino nightclub! Guests will immerse themselves in 1960’s Cleveland and enjoy the sights and sounds of the famous R&B and Jazz club. Event features include live music, archival images of the Legends that rocked Leo’s stage, themed activities, and a unique look at Cleveland’s past from the decade. Stay tuned to social media to learn more about our event partners and highlights!

 

ADMISSION:

$15 member open bar wristband  (Advance online purchase only)

$25 non-member open bar wristband (Advance online purchase only)

 

DAY OF – Regular admission prices

$12 adults

$10 seniors

$6 kids

FREE for WRHS Members

 

Beverage Cost:

$7 cocktail

$5 wine

$4 GLBC bottle beer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click here for a full list of upcoming History on Tap dates

Talk & Tours: The Stokes Brothers’ Legacy

Join us at 2:00pm every Wednesday and Saturday from June through August at the Cleveland History Center to enjoy highlights from some our favorite Cleveland stories followed by a short gallery tour to learn more about some of the real-life artifacts that inspired these programs!

FREE with museum admission; Members FREE.

 

THIS TALK & TOUR: The Stokes Brothers’ Legacy

Explore the Stokes Brothers exhibit on their early lives and careers and hear about the brothers’ lasting legacy in Cleveland and beyond.

 

Interested in learning and hearing more about Cleveland’s Cuyahoga River or other fascinating pieces of Northeast history? Click here to book a Speaking of Cleveland program today

Talk & Tours: The Stokes Brothers’ Legacy

Join us at 2:00pm every Wednesday and Saturday from June through August at the Cleveland History Center to enjoy highlights from some our favorite Cleveland stories followed by a short gallery tour to learn more about some of the real-life artifacts that inspired these programs!

FREE with museum admission; Members FREE.

 

THIS TALK & TOUR: The Stokes Brothers’ Legacy

Explore the Stokes Brothers exhibit on their early lives and careers and hear about the brothers’ lasting legacy in Cleveland and beyond.

 

Interested in learning and hearing more about Cleveland’s Cuyahoga River or other fascinating pieces of Northeast history? Click here to book a Speaking of Cleveland program today

Talk & Tours: Garret Morgan Invents

Join us at 2:00pm every Wednesday and Saturday from June through August at the Cleveland History Center to enjoy highlights from some our favorite Cleveland stories followed by a short gallery tour to learn more about some of the real-life artifacts that inspired these programs!

FREE with museum admission; Members FREE.

This Talk & Tour: Garret Morgan Invents

Do you know about Cleveland’s Civic-Minded inventor Garret Morgan? Learn about the man whose inventions helped a city and would shape a nation—despite intense racial discrimination.

 

Interested in learning and hearing more about Cleveland’s Cuyahoga River or other fascinating pieces of Northeast history? Click here to book a Speaking of Cleveland program today.

Talk & Tours: Garret Morgan Invents

Join us at 2:00pm every Wednesday and Saturday from June through August at the Cleveland History Center to enjoy highlights from some our favorite Cleveland stories followed by a short gallery tour to learn more about some of the real-life artifacts that inspired these programs!

FREE with museum admission; Members FREE.

This Talk & Tour: Garret Morgan Invents

Do you know about Cleveland’s Civic-Minded inventor Garret Morgan? Learn about the man whose inventions helped a city and would shape a nation—despite intense racial discrimination.

 

Interested in learning and hearing more about Cleveland’s Cuyahoga River or other fascinating pieces of Northeast history? Click here to book a Speaking of Cleveland program today.

NEW EXHIBIT OPENING: Rev. E. Theophilus Caviness

Explore the life of one of Cleveland’s most impactful community builders, Rev. Emmitt Theophilus Caviness. His move from Texas to Cleveland in 1961 brought him to the Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church in Cleveland’s Glenville Community where he continues to marry social activism and spirituality today. Discover his role in the Civil Rights Movement, feel the power of his preaching and music, and learn about his dedication to family and community engagement.

 

Learn more about Rev. E. Theophilus Caviness: Church, Community, Cleveland here or by joining us for the ribbon cutting ceremony today at noon.

George L. Forbes Day – Community Celebration

On Sunday, October 14, 2018 – George L. Forbes Day | Community Celebration, the Cleveland History Center opens its doors to the community for a day of celebration including a proclamation from Cleveland City Council, live entertainment, inter-generational activities, and a display celebrating the career and legacy of George L. Forbes, Esq. Doors open at 10 a.m.with activities continuing until 5 p.m.

 

 

George L. Forbes Day Community Celebration
Date: October 14, 2018

Location:
Western Reserve Historical Society Cleveland History Center
10825 East Boulevard, Cleveland, Ohio 44106

FREE ADMISSION 

Free admission on George L. Forbes Community Day is made possible by

 

ALL DAY ACTIVITIES:

Tours of Cleveland Starts Here® sponsored by the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation
Storyboards highlighting George L. Forbes, Esq. life & career
Research Library – View materials from the African American Archives; Begin family history research
Enjoy a taste of Cleveland with local food vendors
Engage with Local Vendors & Sponsors
Cuyahoga Community College Children’s Village – Kidzibits Playzone, Bounce House, Facepainting, Hands-on activities with Cleveland History Center education team

CENTER STAGE: Located in Crawford Upper Gallery | Programming Noon – 4pm

12:15-3pm – Local Entertainment Featuring:

Musical Performances by:
– Nia
– Charles Sullen
Distinguished Gentlemen of Spoken Word
Individual spoken word performances by:
–  Tierra Kahli
– Orlando Watson
– Councilman Basheer Jones
The A Cappella Camp | Tri-C
Karamu Performance “George L. Forbes: The Heavy Lifting”, written by Daniel Gray Kontar, directed by Tony F. Sias, President & CEO, Karamu House

3:00pm – FEATURE PROGRAM: “A Conversation with Mr. George L. Forbes, Esq.”moderated by Brent Larkin, Cleveland Plain Dealer

 

 

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SPONSORS

 

Black History on Tap: Living Legends

Come raise a glass with some of Cleveland’s Living Legends! Explore the stories of Ruby Terry, Reverend E.T. Caviness, George Forbes, and other African Americans who have inspired and shaped our community. Celebrate with live performances, a curator-led tour of new exhibit, Rev. E. Theophilus Caviness: Church, Community, Cleveland, and an exclusive look at WRHS collections.

 

General Admission Prices

$4 Beer

$5 Wine

$7 Signature Cocktail

$20 Open Bar Wrist Band

 

THIS EVENT IS SPONSORED BY