Carl & Louis Stokes Making History opened at the Cleveland History Center on November 2, 2017, and was the capstone of the 2017 Commemoration Stokes: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future
This exhibit honors Mayor Carl B. Stokes and his brother, Congressman Louis Stokes, and is built as a continuation of their legacy of leadership, advocacy and action.
The stories of the political careers of Carl & Louis Stokes illuminate and define broader issues in African-American and American urban history. While the exhibit celebrates the achievements of Carl and Louis Stokes, it also uses their experiences to reflect on and explore topics such as the Civil Rights Movement, social and economic disparity and the rise and importance of heroes and exemplars.
The lives of Louis and Carl Stokes intersect with major, critical changes in the history of Cleveland and the United States. Carl Stokes was the first African-American mayor of a major American city. As mayor, he set an agenda to meet the needs of Cleveland residents regardless of their racial and ethnic background. He won voter approval for schools, housing and numerous other city projects. Equally important, Mayor Stokes demonstrated that in addition to civil rights activism, the cause of economic and social justice could be advanced by understanding the political process. His brother, Louis Stokes, played a groundbreaking role in the legal and political life of the nation serving 15 consecutive terms (30 years) as congressman. During his tenure he was the chair of the House Select Committee on Assassinations, and a pivotal figure in the Black Democratic Caucus.
“For 150 years we have been collecting and sharing the fascinating stories of Northeast Ohio. These are stories of national pride and significance, and stories close to home and close to our hearts. These stories are meant to be shared,” says Kelly Falcone-Hall, WRHS President and CEO. “The Carl and Louis Stokes story is very much woven into the fabric of this community and leaves a legacy for residents and visitors alike. Their success brings hope to a city that continues to struggle with many of the same issues and hope to the individual who realizes that anyone can make a difference with hard work, determination and vision. Together, their work was a springboard to advance social and economic equality in Cleveland and in the nation, but that work is not done.”
WRHS worked with Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) and other community partners in creating the exhibit, which was funded by The George Gund Foundation and PNC Financial Services Group. In addition, students in Tri-C’s Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Humanities Center and Student Production Office helped to record oral histories from more than 40 contemporaries of the Stokes brothers. The oral histories are incorporated into the exhibit and were made possible through support from The Cleveland Foundation and Ohio Humanities.
“The accomplishments of Mayor Carl B. Stokes and Congressman Louis Stokes advanced Cleveland and the nation, and their influence continues to resonate,” says Tri-C President Alex Johnson. “Their vision serves as a guide for a vibrant and prosperous future in our city.”
