Honorable Louis Stokes

2002 Solomon Carter Fuller Award Recipient

Lecture Title: Unknown

The Honorable Louis Stokes played a vital role in advancing civil rights, equality, and social and economic justice during his tenure in the United States Congress. Before his congressional service, Mr. Stokes practiced law for 14 years and co-founded the Stokes, Character, Terry, Perry, Whitehead, Young, and Davidson law firm.

In November 1968, Mr. Stokes made history by becoming the first African American member of Congress from Ohio. He served an impressive 15 consecutive terms, ranking 11th overall in House seniority. During his congressional tenure, Mr. Stokes chaired several significant committees, including the House Select Committee on Assassinations, the Ethics Committee, the House Intelligence Committee, and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs, HUD, and Independent Agencies.

Upon retirement, Mr. Stokes became the first African American member of Congress to retire after completing 30 years in office. He assumed the role of senior counsel at Squire, Sanders & Dempsey L.L.P., a global law firm, and served as a senior visiting scholar at the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University. Throughout his career, Mr. Stokes received numerous awards and honors, recognizing his national leadership and unwavering dedication to public service. He was honored with the Solomon Carter Fuller Award in 2002.