Carl Stokes
Carl Stokes United States Ambassador to Seychelles In office 7 September 1994 – 12 May 1995 President Bill Clinton Preceded by F. Stephen Malott Succeeded by Brent E. Blaschke 51st Mayor of Cleveland In office 1968–1971 Preceded by Ralph S. Locher Succeeded by Ralph J. Perk Member of the Ohio House of Representatives from the 44th district In office January 3, 1967 – January 5, 1968 Preceded by Inaugural holder Succeeded by Phillip DeLaine Personal details Born Carl Burton Stokes (1927-06-21)June 21, 1927 Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A Died April 3, 1996(1996-04-03) (aged 68) Cleveland, Ohio Resting place Lake View Cemetery Cleveland Heights, Ohio Political party Democratic Spouse(s) Shirley Edwards Raija Kostadinov Children Carl Stokes Jr. Cordi Stokes Cordell Stokes Cynthia Stokes Sasha Kostadinov (stepson) Parents Charles Stokes Louise Stone Alma mater University of Minnesota Cleveland State University Occupation Politician, Lawyer Awards World War II Victory Medal Military service Service/branch United States Army Years of service 1945–1946 Rank Private Battles/wars World War II Carl Burton Stokes (June 21, 1927 – April 3, 1996) was an American politician of the Democratic party who served as the 51st mayor of Cleveland, Ohio. Elected on November 7, 1967, but taking office on January 1, 1968, he was the first black mayor of a major U.S. city (although he was elected after Richard G. Hatcher). Fellow Ohioan Robert C. Henry was the first black mayor of any U.S. city (Springfield, elected 1966).