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Emanuel Cleaver II was born in Waxahachie, Texas and came to adulthood
in the public housing of Wichita Falls, Texas. He received
a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Prairie View A&M.
Following graduation, he moved to Kansas City, Missouri
where, among other things, he founded the Kansas City Chapter
of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
Following the path of a long line of Cleaver ministers, Emanuel earned
a Master of Divinity from St. Paul School of Theology in
1974. An ordained United Methodist minister, he has served
as Senior Pastor of St. James United Methodist Church for
the past 25 years, building the congregation from 47 members
to more that 2,000. Today there are eight choirs, two dance
troupes and two smaller music ministries. There are also
five usher groups and ten ongoing bible study assemblies.
In 2001, St. James completed an $8 million contemporary sanctuary
that connects to the old building and allows for the continued
growth of the congregations ministries and it's membership.
In 1979, he was elected to the Kansas City, Missouri City Council
as the Fifth District representative. During his 12-year,
three-term membership on the City Council, Rev. Cleaver
served as chairman of the Plans & Zoning Committee and
as Mayor Pro Tem.
Emanuel Cleaver was elected Mayor of Kansas City in March 1991,
the first African American mayor in the city's history.
He was re-elected to a second term in March 1995.
He was also the host of his own radio talk show on KCUR, 89.3
FM, the Kansas City affiliate of National Public Radio.
Recognizing that the principal solution to social problems is a job,
he made job-creation one of his top priorities during his
two terms as mayor. Transamerica, Gateway 2000, CitiCorp,
Sommers-Allibert the Aquilla Division of Utilicorp, and
Harley Davidson are all companies wooed - and won, through
vigorous lobbying and tough negotiations by the Mayor and
the Economic Development Corporation. Frustrated by a dearth
of tax-abated development in the central city, Mayor Cleaver
is calling for an Empowerment Zone Fund, financed by allocation
of up to five percent from tax-abated projects located outside
the urban core.
As Mayor Cleaver worked to improve the city's landscape and
infrastructure, he has championed the massive Brush Creek
Flood Control and Beautification project, a new Chouteau
Bridge, an expanded Bartle Hall Convention Center, an improved
zoo, the Bruce R. Watkins Roadway and the Ilus W. Davis
Civic Mall in the downtown area, among others. His leadership
resulted in the designation of Kansas City as an Enhanced
Enterprise Zone, with a consequent $25 million award for
the construction of a new industrial park on the city's
Hispanic West Side and economic development in the city's
historic 18th and Vine District. His 18th
& Vine cultural center highlights the jazz and baseball
history of that historic area, revitalizing what was once
the center of African American life in Kansas City and serving
as the catalyst for economic redevelopment.
Social concerns have also received a great deal of Rev. Cleaver's
attention. His many youth initiatives, including the national
award-winning Mayor's Night Hoops program, worked
to provide safe recreational alternatives and to promote
the and development of the city's youth. He has tackled
the thorny issue of race relations, with the campaign and
organization of Harmony in a World of Difference
and with the Mayor's Task Force on Race Relations.
Responding to President Clinton's welfare reform measure,
he implemented a municipal welfare-to-work program that
designated 400 jobs for former welfare recipients.
Other achievements that have assured Cleaver an undisputed place
among the great mayors of the U.S. are:
-
Proposed and voters
approved a major change in the City charter that
altered the city governance by strengthening the
Office of Mayor.
-
Secured federal funding
to reduce the construction time on the Bruce R. Watkins
by one-half.
-
Appointed a focus committee
to develop the first comprehensive city plan since
1947.
-
Initiated the development
of the Ilus W. Davis Civic Mall, a major green space
that links City Hall with a number of federal offices,
including a $100 million Federal Courthouse.
-
Obtained approval for
the U.S. Office of Housing and Urban Development to
design and build a multi-purpose HUD storefront which
will serve as the largest metro bus stop, a pre-school
and community policing station.
Rev. Cleaver served two terms as president of the 426 member
National Conference of Black Mayors. He has served as Chairman
of the U. S. Conference of Black Mayors. He has served as
Chairman of the U. S. Conference of Mayors Committee on
Crime and Social Justice, as well as on the group's Task
Force on Finances for the District of Columbia. He is a
Fellow of the Aspen Institute, a national board member of
the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and a member
of the Democratic National Committee. He was a speaker at
the 1996 Democratic National Convention, and for seven consecutive
years, he was named one of Ebony's "100 Most Influential
African Americans." After leaving office Rev. Cleaver
served as a Special Urban Advisor to the Secretary of the
Housing and Urban Development, Andrew Cuomo. He and his
wife, Dianne, have four children, including Emanuel III,
an ordained United Methodist minister.
Ministries
In 1995, his vision of an urban ministry camp became a reality
when the St. James congregation acquired, renovated and
opened, 40 Acres and A Mule Ministry and Missions Campus
in southeast Kansas City, only a few blocks from Swope Park,
one of the three largest urban parks in the United States.
The campus consists of a competition size swimming pool,
a newly rehabilitated softball diamond; a gymnasium complete
with men and women's locker rooms, an air-conditioned dining
room, a snack bar and football and track fields.
In 1999, the Jackson County Prosecutor's office funded 40 Acres
to operate a program, The Children's Connection to
provide attention, support and direction to children whose
mothers are incarcerated due to illegal drug activity.
Additionally, the campus is the site for Gospel Under the Stars,
a summer series of free gospel concerts performed for the
community in an amphitheater setting.
Pastor Cleaver was inspired by God to establish many active ministries
including a 100 student pre-school, a tutoring program called
Children of the Village, a large community food program,
and the Vacation Liberation School, an afro-centric version
of Vacation Bible School.
Emanuel Cleaver Boulevard
In May of 1999, the Kansas City Board of Parks and Recreations
Commissioners honored the former mayor by naming one of
the longest streets in Kansas City, "Emanuel Cleaver
Boulevard."
In Front of the Nation and the World
ABC News This Week with David Brinkley
"Eye on America," The CBS Evening New with Dan Rather
PBS's The McNeil/Lehrer Report
ABC's Nightline
NBC's The Today Show
ABC's Good Morning America
CBS's Face the Nation
USA Today
The Christian Science Monitor
The New York Times
The Economist
Newsweek
Ebony Magazine "100 Most Influential African Americans"
Jet Magazine
The Oprah Winfrey Show
The Circuit Rider
ABC's Prime Time Live
Unity, guest writer
Achievements and Awards
- 1999 Conspicuous Service Medal from Missouri Governor Mel Carnahan
- 1999 Honorary Doctorate of Laws - Ottawa University
- 1999 Highest Distinction Award - National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc., Alpha Alpha Chapter
- 1996 Member of the Democratic Platform Committee
- 1993 Among the 3,000 guests invited to attend the Palestinian Liberation Organization/Israeli Peace Accord on the South Lawn of the White House
- 1993 National Conference of Christians and Jews Distinguished Citizen of the Midwest Award
- 1993 James C. Kirkpatrick Excellence for Government Award
- 1993 Kansas City Anti-Apartheid Award
- 2001 Fannie Lu Hamer Award, National Conference of Black Mayors
- 2001 Named as one of the Top 175 Jackson County Citizens in its 175- year history. This group also includes Harry S. Truman
- 1993 Distinguished Graduate Award - St. Paul School of Theology
- 1992 Outstanding Leadership in Kansas City, Missouri - MASJID OMAR
- 1992 Appointed to President-Elect Bill Clinton's Transition Team
- 1992 NAACP Harold L. Holliday, Sr., Civil Rights Award
- 1992 Bridge Builders Award - Kansas City Globe
- 1992 Outstanding Service for Excellence in Education - National Committee for School Desegregation
- 1992 Citizen of the Year Missouri/Kansas
- 1991-93 100 Most Influential Kansas Citians Awards, Kansas City Globe
- 1992 Rainbow Award, Best Civic Leadership
- 1991 Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Black Community - Concerned Black Clergy of Atlanta, Georgia
- 1991 Friend of Youth Award - Boys and Girls Club
- 1991 Distinguished Citizens Award - Greater Kansas City Urban Affairs Council
- 1991 Community Service/Leadership Award - Webster University
- 1991 Drum Major for Justice Award - National SCLC
- 1991 Distinguished Service Award - Park College
- 1991 Juneteenth Man of the Year Award - Black Archives of Mid-America, Inc.
- 1991 American-Jewish Committee Public Service Award
- 1988 Honorary Doctorate of Divinity, Baker University
- 1987 William Yates Distinguished Service Medallion - William Jewel College
- 1986 Centurions Leadership Award - Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
- 1985 Who's Who Among Black Americans
- 1984 Fact-finding delegation to Israel
- 1982 Civic Worker of the Year-Baptist Minister Union of Kansas City
- 1973 SCLC Man of the Year
- 1973 Filed the first desegregation lawsuit against the Kansas City, Missouri School District
What the Media Has to Say
A man of true greatness
"Emanuel Cleaver was not my mayor. Nor was he yours. But what he
accomplished as mayor of Kansas City has affected all of
our lives positively, regardless of where in this metropolitan
area we live.
History will record this past eight years as among the golden years
of his metropolis. The Cleaver era has brought us a new,
expanded Bartle Hall, revitalization of 18th
and Vine, the beautification of Brush Creek, a world-class
zoo and soon, a restored Liberty memorial. He was a pro-growth
mayor, bringing major businesses to this area. But he never
forgot the neighborhoods, working tirelessly to help the
less fortunate and to open up opportunities for minority
youth. Emanuel Cleaver was also at the helm when the historic
bi-state vote passed, leading to the renovation of Union
Station and the creation of Science City. The mayor was
at the helm but he kept a low profile, at the request of
campaign pollsters.
It was determined that the mistrust of Kansas City in Johnson
County, Kansas and Eastern Jackson County, Missouri made
it counterproductive for Cleaver to actively campaign for
the bi-state tax. It was a bitter pill for him to swallow,
but he put the good of the cause above his own personal
instincts. He deliberately kept silent throughout much of
the bi-state campaign.
This is part of what makes Emanuel Cleaver unique among political
leaders. While he has a grand ego, as most political leaders
do, he will put his ego aside for a greater purpose.
This is a man who also can speak passionately about his race
and about a racist society, yet he was able to reach out
to the white community with open arms and an open heart.
Emanuel Cleaver is the rare individual who can address the most
mundane issues facing a city, and in the next moment offer
an uplifting speech, taking his listeners to another level
and a better world. He comfortably rubbed elbows with the
poorest people in Kansas City, and the richest. He was at
home with his fellow ministers and embraced as his closest
friend a rabbi. He could not control his fury when others
impeded progress. He also could not control his tears when
talking about the tragedy of the Kansas City schools.
Emanuel Cleaver is a giant of a man. Yes, he has his foibles. Those
around him are all too aware of his tardiness to events
and his disorganized style. He erred grievously when he
was so quick to forgive those wound him who were corrupt,
but history will not remember those flaws, because they
were pale beside his accomplishments and the personal imprint
he made on this metropolitan community.
Greatness is word sparingly used when describing a political figure.
But the rare description fits this man. I believe Emanuel
Cleaver will go down in history as one of Kansas City's
great mayors."
Steve Rose, Publisher
The Johnson County Sun
Cheers and Praise for Emanuel Cleaver's Contributions
It was a celebration and a homecoming for former Kansas City
Mayor Emanuel Cleaver. With a day-long event called The
Spirit of the Man in the City, members of the St. James
United Methodist Church honored their pastor, who they say
successfully intertwined politics and religion for twenty
years.
At
morning services, associate pastors and congregants spoke
about Cleaver's dedication. Storyteller Tracy Milsap strolled
the pews, praising Cleaver's modesty and graciousness. A
special "love offering" was presented to the
Cleaver family from the congregation.
Later
at the Gem Theater, dancers, a jazz ensemble, poets and
singers performed. The celebration marked the official end
to Cleaver's public obligations and the beginning of his
reunion with the church he has headed for twenty-five years.
"We have not come to mourn, though the city will miss a great
leader," said master of ceremonies Donald Gilmore, pastor
of Longview United Methodist Church. "We have come to celebrate
through the arts and through our love." All day, Cleaver
struggled to hold back tears. "Of all the tributes and honors
that have been so generously given to me over the last few
months," he said, "this is the one that has the greatest
emotional pull on my soul."
Though his stress level has dropped "to just about zero" in the
weeks since his eight-year city reign ended, Cleaver's schedule
hasn't eased. Stack of speaking engagement request litter
his desk at the church.
The stream of congregants filing through his office doors is
steady. These days, instead of a throng of reporters or
city officials, parishioners come running when he appears.
In particular, the ones with bows and ruffles and patent
leather shoes. "Hello you little pretty person," he said
to one pre-schooler in pink, as he swung her up into his
arms. "I didn't see you at church today."
These days, Cleaver is in and around his church enough to notice
even the tiniest missing church member. And for St. James
members, that's enough to celebrate.
"We're kind of sad to see him go as mayor," said Varlecia Harris,
"but we're glad to have him back."
Tanika White
The Kansas City Star
Cleaver's Legacy
"Kansas City's former mayor, the Rev. Emanuel Cleaver, will be remembered
for a job well done. This is to join with the many in saying
thank you. The mayor introduced new ideas and new life that
had Kansas City feeling productive and with a spirit of
confidence. He presented opportunities for "better days"
bringing a new vision. He demonstrated, for all to see,
that good living has good results. He helped many to know
what it means to be loved, even when we are difficult or
when we have failed miserably.
Kansas City found itself looking at old problems in new ways. Brush
Creek, not any longer a sorry sight with flood concerns
but a happy place for relaxation and of beauty. Kansas City,
now an attraction for new life and industry and comfort,
is appealing. Look at renewed Bartle Hall, new industry
and commercial buildings appearing, new jobs and the "old"
Union Station now a major museum attraction.
One finds a new found sensitivity as people relate to one another;
there is a spirit of accomplishment, and "I can hardly wait"
attitude for new downtown developments, and, in the new
visions, one can imagine a major transportation center.
The lives of people are touched joyfully.
Yes, Kansas City has changed and will continue to "toot the horn"
of accomplishments for all to see and hear, and we, the
citizens of the Kansas City area, are thankful, happy and
proud."
Doug Sutherland
The Kansas City Star
"As we approach the hilltop of our world class city, we must add the virtue
of propriety to neutralize the power and poison of incivility;
the virtue of compassion to neutralize the damage and dehumanization
of indifference; the virtue of racial fusion to neutralize
the power and pain of racial enmity; the virtue of vision
over the power and poison of littleness."
Emanuel Cleaver II
Final State of the City Address
February 8, 1999
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