Distinguished panel of mayors will also discuss urban leadership

CLEVELAND (Monday, April 13, 2015) – The final installment of Cleveland State University's 50th anniversary Presidential Forums will feature a conversation with the Honorable Louis Stokes, former Congressman, and a distinguished panel of mayors in reflections on the progress of American cities through black elected leadership.

Congressman Stokes' brother Carl became the first black mayor of a large American city when he was elected to lead the city of Cleveland in November 1967.

The event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited. Registration is required at www.csuohio.edu/PresidentialForums or by calling 216.687.5045.

Parking is available under the Student Center (Lot 22). Please enter on East 22^nd Street.

"Reflections on 50 Years of African-American Mayoral Leadership in the U.S."

Monday, April 27
9:00 a.m. to noon
CSU Student Center, Glasscock Family Ballroom, 2121 Euclid Ave., Cleveland

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.: The Honorable Louis Stokes in conversation with Dr. David Stradling, co-author of Where the River Burned: Carl Stokes and the Struggle to Save Cleveland.

10:15 a.m. - noon: Panel discussion

Panelists

• Stephen K. Benjamin, Mayor, Columbia, S.C.
• Karen Freeman-Wilson, Mayor, Gary, Ind.
• Frank G. Jackson, Mayor, Cleveland, Ohio
• Tony T. Yarber, Mayor, Jackson, Miss.

Moderator

• Steve Phillips, Board Chair and Co-Founder of PowerPAC.org