William L. Clay: “I am happy to support HR 643, a bill to name the new Federal Courthouse in Cleveland, Ohio in honor of the late…”

“I am happy to support HR 643, a bill to name the new Federal Courthouse in Cleveland, Ohio in honor of the late Ambassador Carl B. Stokes. Carl Burton Stokes was one of our nation's preeminent Black leaders and this legislation is a fitting tribute in memory of his noteworthy accomplishments. Ambassador Stokes was a trailblazer. He was the first Black Democrat in history to be elected to the Ohio General Assembly. In 1967 he became the first Black American to be elected mayor of a major city. When the people of Cleveland, Ohio elected Carl Stokes, the grandson of a slave over Seth Taft, the grandson of a President, his victory was acclaimed around the world. In 1983 Carl Stokes was elected Judge of the Cleveland Municipal Court and his colleagues soon elected him Administrative Judge of the Court and later chose him to be Presiding Judge. In 1994 President Clinton appointed Judge Stokes Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States to the Republic of Sychelles. Ambassador Stokes had the distinction of being among the few Americans to serve at the highest levels in all three branches of the government--legislative, executive and judicial. I was a dear friend and great admirer of Carl Stokes. He was a man of courage and dedication. His life was about overcoming obstacles and advancing true justice and social equality for all. Stokes was a man blessed with vision and courage.”