Charles Stokes (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Moorehead Stokes
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| Member of the Washington House of Representatives from the 37th district |
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| In office 1951–1955 |
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| In office 1957–1959 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | February 1, 1902 Fredonia, Kansas |
| Died | November 25, 1996 (aged 94) Seattle, Washington |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Josephine Stokes |
| Children | Vicki Stokes, Stephanie Stokes Oliver, Attny Andre Wooten |
| Parents | Norris Jefferson Stokes and Myrtle Garner |
| Alma mater | University of Kansas |
| Occupation | Attorney, politician |
Charles Moorehead Stokes (February 1, 1902 – November 25, 1996) was an important American politician, judge, and lawyer. He served many times in the Washington State House of Representatives.
Contents
Early Life and Learning
Charles Stokes was born in Fredonia, Kansas. His father was a Baptist minister. Charles grew up in Pratt, Kansas. He went to the University of Kansas and graduated in 1931. After working as a lawyer for the state's tax office, he moved. In 1943, he moved to Seattle, Washington. There, he started his own law practice.
His Career
Becoming a Politician
In 1950, Charles Stokes was elected to the Washington State House of Representatives. He represented Washington's 37th legislative district. He was a member of the Republican Party. He became the first African-American lawmaker from King County. He was also only the third in the state's history. After his first term, he was named "Outstanding Freshman Legislator." This award came from the Young Republican Club.
Stokes was reelected in 1952. That same year, he helped Dwight Eisenhower become president. He was a delegate at the Republican National Convention. He even gave a speech there. In 1954, he tried to get elected to the Washington State Senate. But he did not win that election. He went back to the House of Representatives in 1956. However, he lost his reelection bid in 1958 to Sam Smith. In 1960, he ran for Lieutenant Governor of Washington but was not successful. That year, he also led Nelson Rockefeller's campaign for president in Washington.
While in the legislature, Stokes had many good ideas. He was known for suggesting a state lottery. He also introduced a very important civil rights bill. This bill aimed to give equal rights to all people.
After Politics
After leaving politics, Charles Stokes did many other things. He helped start a radio station called KZAM-AM. He also helped create Liberty Bank. This bank later joined with other banks. In 1968, he became a district court judge. He served as a judge until he retired in 1978.
His Family Life
Charles Stokes was married and had three children. He passed away from cancer in 1996. He was 94 years old. A place near Seattle's Judkins Park is named after him. It is called the "Judge Charles M. Stokes Overlook." His daughter, Stephanie Stokes Oliver, was an editor for Essence Magazine. In 2004, she wrote a book about her father. It was called Song for My Father: Memoir of an All-American Family.
See also
