CLEVELAND, Ohio – Cuyahoga Community College’s plan to honor the legacy of Carl and Louis Stokes has expanded into a yearlong celebration embraced by more than 60 organizations.
Dozens of community events have been scheduled to mark the 50th anniversary of Carl Stokes’ historic election as mayor of Cleveland and the accomplishments of Congressman Louis Stokes.
Legacies of Carl and Louis Stokes to be honored in 2017
A calendar of events for Stokes: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future can be found at stokes50cle.com.
Tri-C President Alex Johnson said he was surprised and pleased at the outpouring of support and funds for programs.
“Quite honestly we didn’t believe when we introduced it that it would take on monumental proportions,” he said. “We thought it was something we could do as part of the Mandel Humanities Center but once word got out a number of people wanted to be engaged.”
Projects include an oral history project, youth summit, academic conference, panel discussions, music and theater performances and a speaker series.
Signature events include:
- A citywide Day of Service project in April focused on local military veterans. Mayor Stokes and Congressman Stokes both served in the U.S. Army.
- A June performance at Playhouse Square’s Allen Theatre celebrating the achievements of Mayor Stokes using his speeches and a musical score. “Believe in Cleveland” will convey the aspirations of Stokes amidst the tempestuous backdrop of the time period.
- The November opening of a permanent exhibit at the Western Reserve Historical Society’s Cleveland History Center featuring pictures, oral histories and interactive displays that examine the legacy of the Stokes brothers.
In addition, policy forums will take place throughout the year to plot a future course in Cleveland that continues to address housing, education, health care, public safety and the economy.
The effort, which is a collaboration between eight Northeast Ohio organizations, will culminate with policy and leadership development recommendations unveiled in October during an event at the City Club of Cleveland.
The commemoration is being led by Tri-C’s Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Humanities Center, the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, Western Reserve Historical Society, Cleveland Foundation, Greater Cleveland Partnership, Commission on Economic Inclusion and The City Club of Cleveland.
Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson launched the commemoration at an event on Jan. 25 where he shared memories from what he dubbed “the Stokes era.”
Each month cleveland.com will publish a list of selected events. Check Tri-C’s website as more may be added.
Feb. 3
It’s Time to Talk 2017: Forums on Race – Foundation for Change
8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Tri-C Eastern Campus humanities center, 4250 Richmond Rd., Highland Hills.
The event includes a performance from Playwright’s Local about Tamir Rice and a discussion with former Cleveland Mayor Jane Campbell and the Rev. Joan Brown.
Cost, including lunch, is $60 per person or $25 for students, military, teachers or seniors.
Registration: ywcaofcleveland.org/itstimetotalk.
Feb. 8
The Legacy of Rabbi Lelyveld.
7 p.m. Maltz Museum of Safirbet Jewish Heritage, 2929 Richmond Road, Beachwood.
Rabbi Arthur Lelyveld became an important Jewish voice during the Civil Rights movement, especially following the publication of an iconic Herbert Randall photograph documenting the aftermath of being beaten with a tire iron. Rabbi Joshua Caruso of Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple reflects on Lelyveld’s legacy.
(Includes admission to This Light of Ours: Activist Photographers of the Civil Rights Movement, so event-goers are encouraged to arrive early to explore the exhibition.)
Call 216-593-0575 or visit maltzmuseum.org/event/legacy-of-rabbi-lelyveld/ to register. Cost $12 general, $6 Maltz Museum members.
Feb. 9
Black History on Tap
5 to 8 p.m., Western Reserve Historical Society’s Cleveland History Center, 10825 East Boulevard, Cleveland.
An evening full of food, drink and entertainment, while learning how our African-American community has shaped Northeast Ohio and beyond. Events will include:
- rarely-seen artifacts related to African-Americans in Cleveland
- an exclusive look at our extensive Louis and Carl Stokes Collection
- interactive games and activities
Registration/Ticketing: Admission for teachers is free. Non-teacher admission: $25.
Feb. 15
Activism: Then and Now
7 p.m. Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, 2929 Richmond Road, Beachwood.
Examines the current status of social justice activism, the media’s role and the notion of “slacktivism.”
(Includes admission to This Light of Ours: Activist Photographers of the Civil Rights Movement, so event-goers are encouraged to arrive early to explore the exhibition.)
Call 216-593-0575 or visit maltzmuseum.org/event/activism-then-and-now/ to register. Cost $12 general, $6 Maltz Museum members.
Feb. 23
The Value Gap and the Age of Trump
12-1:30 p.m. The City Club of Cleveland, 850 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland.
Speaker: Eddie S. Glaude Jr., chair of the Center for African American Studies at Princeton University, who coined the term “value gap,” the “belief that white people matter more than others,” and how this mindset is entrenched within American values, practices, and systems.
Tickets: $20 members/$35 nonmembers
Registration/Ticketing: https://events.cityclub.org/events/the-value-gap-and-the-age-of-trump/registration-3ac54f8bfe6b429d9c5f81161647e120.aspx
Feb. 24
Contemporary Soul Food Challenge
6 to 9 p.m. Tri-C Eastern Campus, 4250 Richmond Road, Highland Hills
Cuyahoga Community College’s Hospitality Management students will present their interpretation of a contemporary soul food dish as they compete in a battle of skills for the best recipe.
Attendees will determine a winner by voting for their favorite dish.
Feb. 25
Hope From Within
2 to 3:30 p.m., Tri-C Eastern Campus, Simon and Rose Mandel Theatre, 4250 Richmond Road, Highland Hills.
A dance concert honoring the legacy of the Stokes brothers and the civil rights movement.
Feb. 28
Opening reception for Stokes art exhibit
4 p.m. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, Stephanie Tubbs Jones Gallery, lower level terminal by RTA.
The reception features guest speakers including the Stokes family. Refreshments will be served.
The exhibit, sponsored by the Cleveland Memory Project and CSU Michael Schwartz Library,will be open through Aug. 28.
For more information on this exhibit visit clevelandairport.com.
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