Bracy Lewis, Regennia Williams, and Sharron Grant-Burton at the Stokes Centenary event. (Photo by Anton Albert)

The Western Reserve Historical Society [WRHS] launched a year-long celebration of the life and legacy of the longtime beloved Congressman Louis Stokes (1925-2015) with “Louis Stokes Centenary Sunday” last month on February 25.

According to Dr. Regennia N. Williams, WRHS Distinguished Scholar of African American History and Culture, "the year-long celebration will include a community-wide discussion series featuring The Gentleman from Ohio and three other books.  An October 2025 National Arts and Humanities Month program will consider Congressman Stokes' legacy within the larger context of the history of black political empowerment since the Voting Rights Act of 1965."

Stokes was elected to Congress in 1968, the first black Congressman from the State of Ohio. He went on to serve the 21^st District for thirty years, retiring in 1999. His early tenure was notable for coinciding with his brother Carl serving as Cleveland mayor between 1967 and 1971.

 Kelly Falcone-Hall, President & CEO of the Western Reserve Historical Society, delivered opening remarks. (Photo by Anton Albert)

Mychal Lilly was one of the featured photographers for "History in Their Hands," the inaugural exhibition for the African American History Gallery. Here he shows Patricia Southern how to use Photo Booth self-portrait machine during the Louis Stokes Centenary Sunday event. (Photo by Anton Albert)

The Louis Stokes Centenary celebration builds upon the success of an existing Cleveland History Center exhibition that focuses on both Stokes brothers and "History in Their Hands," the inaugural exhibition for the museum's new African American History Gallery. In addition to offering free admission to all Cleveland History Center guests, museum activities on the 100^th anniversary of the congressman's birth included a coffee hour event in in the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum, photo booth activities hosted by Mychal Lilly, music by pianist Daesean Lawson, and remarks by Kelly Falcone-Hall, WRHS President & CEO, and Cleveland City Councilman Kevin Conwell.  

The Rev. Dr. Audie V. Simon, pastor of the St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church — the former church home of Congressman Stokes, also wrote to share his thoughts regarding the occasion, stating that, " Congressman Louis B. Stokes should be remembered as a man of courage, humility and integrity.  He devoted himself unselfishly to a host of humanitarian causes. This great statesman was a true visionary. His accomplishments were extensive. Yet he found the time and energy to serve and lead in our church family.  Congressman Stokes' life has left an indelible imprint on the local and the national communities. …"

Williams said she discussed the idea for a centenary celebration last fall with Lori Stokes, the congressman's daughter and a member of the WRHS Board.  Lori Stokes liked the idea and participated in the museum's National Arts and Humanities Month activities in October that showcased her father's work, including his autobiography, The Gentleman from Ohio.

Williams, who also serves as associate curator of African American Community Partnerships, Programs, and Traveling Exhibitions, went on to say, "We are looking forward to working creatively and collaboratively with individuals and organizations throughout Greater Cleveland to finalize plans for related activities in 2025-2026". 

Cleveland City Councilman Kevin Conwell was the guest speaker for the Louis Stokes Centenary event. (Photo by Anton Albert)

Guests at the Stokes Centenary event were invited to share their suggestions for exhibitions and displays in the new African American History Gallery and complementary public program.

The program series is made possible in part with support from Cleveland City Council, Cuyahoga County Council, and the Western Reserve Historical Society.

• • •• • •