Black Leader Sworn In as Kansas City Mayor
- Share via
<i> Associated Press</i>
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Emanuel Cleaver, a civil rights leader who was born in a former slave cabin, was sworn in Wednesday as the first black mayor of this city of 435,000 people.
Cleaver, 46, a three-term City Council member, sidestepped the issue of race during his campaign. He defeated Bob Lewellyn, a white businessman and fellow City Council member.
The politician and preacher, who is known for his stirring oratory, has worked to build broad support without emphasis on racial issues.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
