The Historic Leadership of Carl Stokes
July 24 marks the 47th anniversary of one of the most courageous acts by an American mayor. In 1968, Mayor Carl B. Stokes, Cleveland’s first African American mayor, acted decisively to prevent further bloodshed after the Glenville Shootout. But his legacy extends far beyond that night, it’s a testament to his lasting contributions to Cleveland’s growth, equity, and identity.
Stokes was the first African-American mayor of a major US city. He is among the few American politicians whose career spanned all three branches of government.
The Glenville Shootout: Crisis and Courage
On July 23–24, 1968, gunfire erupted in Glenville between Cleveland police and the Black Nationalists of New Libya, led by Fred “Ahmed” Evans, resulting in seven deaths, including three officers, and more than a dozen wounded, according to Cleveland Historical. Stokes believed that putting African Americans in control of their community would prevent further bloodshed.
In a first-of-its-kind move, he barred white police from entering Glenville overnight. He deployed only Black officers and community volunteers—a decision credited with averting a second night of escalating violence…