CLEVELAND — Cleveland has a history of Black leaders serving as mayor: Carl B. Stokes, Michael White, Frank Jackson, and now Mayor Justin Bibb.
“In many ways, my position as mayor of this great city would not be possible without Carl Stokes laying that foundation,” Bibb said.
In 1967, Stokes made American history. He was elected mayor of Cleveland and became the first African American mayor of a major U.S. city.
A Carl B. Stokes Ohio Historical Marker is now in place in front of Cleveland City Hall.
It’s the second marker on Cleveland’s African American Civil Rights Trail, being created by the Cleveland Restoration Society.
Bibb reflected on the unveiling celebration that took place last June and what it means to have Stokes honored in that way.
“It’s a daily reminder of the task at hand, the legacy I have to build on for my time here as mayor,” he said.
Bibb became the youngest Black mayor in Cleveland after taking over from Frank Jackson in 2022.
Jackson was the city’s longest serving mayor. The son of an African American father and Italian American mother lead his hometown for 16 years.
“I remember our first conversation when he hosted me right here in this office after I won in November,” Bibb said. “The best piece of advice he gave me was the residents of Cleveland elected you to be the mayor, now you be the mayor. And the buck is going to always stop with you.”
Bibb calls former mayor Michael White’s endorsement a pivotal moment during his campaign. White served as Cleveland’s mayor from 1990 to 2001 and has stayed away from the spotlight ever since, until August 2021 when he publicly supported Bibb for mayor.
“At that time I was probably in 4th or 5th place, and Mayor White’s endorsement really allowed me to have a larger platform to get my message out there in 2021 which led us to win,” Bibb said.
A strong work ethic and commitment to public service are some of White’s traits that Bibb hopes to emulate. He said he seeks council from White even now.
“I remember getting some early feedback from him on, you know, how we keep the city safe and how we keep our streets clean and he always reminds me of the importance of always looking out for the average Clevelander and having their back and being a fighter, Bibb said.
This Black History Month, Bibb said he admires the notion of Black excellence. He has tributes to his heroes displayed throughout his office.
“One of my best friends gave me this framed letter and picture of Carl Stokes during his election night party,” he said, while giving us a tour of his office.
Bibb worked for then Senator Barack Obama as a freshman in college and received a letter from President Obama after winning his own election.
“Good luck and please don’t hesitate to ask if I could be helpful. -Barack Obama,” Bibb read from the letter.
Bibb said he recognizes that he stands on the shoulders of those who come before him.
“It’s important that I continue to be one small chapter in this great American story of what Black political leadership looks like in the city and in this country,” Bibb said.
One day, Bibb aims to be remembered as a mayor who loved Cleveland deeply, brought economic opportunity to the city’s east side, fought for climate justice by improving the lakefront, and created a national model for policing.
Bibb hopes his spot in Cleveland’s history proves that anyone can achieve big goals, no matter your age or race.
“Particularly when I talk to young people, who when they first realize I’m the mayor, their eyes widen up and are like, ‘What you’re the mayor? You’re like 15 years old!’ And I’m like, ‘No, I’m 35. I’m the mayor,'” Bibb said. “But if you work hard, if you stay focused, one day you can be the mayor, or the council president or the CEO, and that’s I think one of the best parts of my job.”
