Emanuel Cleaver facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Emanuel Cleaver
|
|
|---|---|
Official portrait, 2018
|
|
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Missouri's 5th district |
|
| Assumed office January 3, 2005 |
|
| Preceded by | Karen McCarthy |
| Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus | |
| In office January 3, 2011 – January 3, 2013 |
|
| Preceded by | Barbara Lee |
| Succeeded by | Marcia Fudge |
| 51st Mayor of Kansas City | |
| In office 1991–1999 |
|
| Preceded by | Richard Berkley |
| Succeeded by | Kay Barnes |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Emanuel Cleaver II
October 26, 1944 Waxahachie, Texas, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Dianne Cleaver |
| Children | 4 |
| Education | Prairie View A&M University (BS) Saint Paul School of Theology (MDiv) |
| Signature |  |
Emanuel Cleaver II was born on October 26, 1944. He is a United Methodist pastor and an American politician. Since 2005, he has served in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Missouri's 5th district.
Before that, he was the mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, from 1991 to 1999. He was the first African American person to hold this important role. Cleaver is a member of the Democratic Party. He also led the Congressional Black Caucus from 2011 to 2013.
His district covers a big part of the Kansas City area. This includes most of Kansas City itself and some nearby towns. These towns are in Clay and Jackson counties, like North Kansas City, Gladstone, Independence, Lee's Summit, and Blue Springs.
Cleaver has served many terms in Congress. Before becoming a U.S. Representative, he was on the Kansas City Council for three terms. He served on the council from 1979 to 1991.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Emanuel Cleaver II was born in Waxahachie, Texas. He grew up in public housing in Wichita Falls, Texas. In 1972, he graduated from Prairie View A&M University. While there, he was part of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.
After college, Cleaver moved to Kansas City, Missouri. He helped start a local branch of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. He also earned a Master of Divinity degree from St. Paul School of Theology. From 1972 to 2009, Cleaver was a pastor at the St. James United Methodist Church in Kansas City.
Serving Kansas City
Cleaver was a Kansas City councilman from 1979 to 1991. Then, he became the mayor of Kansas City. He served as mayor from 1991 until 1999. He was the first African American mayor of the city.
During his time as mayor, Cleaver helped shape the job. He had a professional team and a clear plan for the city. He was also seen as a moral leader. One important moment was his speech after the Rodney King verdict. His words helped prevent a riot in Kansas City.
Cleaver is a cousin of Pete O'Neal, a former leader of the Black Panther Party. In 1997, Cleaver tried to get a pardon for O'Neal from President Bill Clinton. He is also a cousin of Eldridge Cleaver, another well-known figure from the Black Panther Party.
In the U.S. House of Representatives
Emanuel Cleaver has been a U.S. Representative since 2005. He works on important issues for his district and the country.
Committee Work
In the 119th Congress, Cleaver is part of the Committee on Financial Services. Within this committee, he serves on two subcommittees:
- Subcommittee on Capital Markets
- Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance (where he is the Ranking Member, meaning the top member from the minority party)
Groups He Belongs To
Cleaver is also a member of several important groups in Congress:
- Congressional Black Caucus
- Congressional Coalition on Adoption
- Congressional Equality Caucus
- Congressional Caucus for the Equal Rights Amendment
- Rare Disease Caucus
His Time in Congress
Cleaver often votes with the Democratic Party. He is known for bringing federal money back to Kansas City. This money helps fund projects and services in his district.
In 2019, Cleaver voted to impeach President Donald Trump. He was one of only two Missouri House members to do so.
Office Attack
On September 11, 2014, someone threw what looked like a Molotov cocktail at Cleaver's Kansas City office. This happened early in the morning. Cleaver was in Washington D.C. at the time, and no staff members were in the office.
Political Campaigns
In late 2003, the previous representative for the 5th district, Karen McCarthy, decided to retire. Cleaver ran for the seat. He won the Democratic primary election against Jamie Metzl. In the main election, he won against Republican Jeanne Patterson. This district has been a strong Democratic area for a long time.
2008 Presidential Primary
During the 2008 Democratic presidential primaries, Cleaver supported Hillary Clinton. He said that some African American leaders who supported Clinton faced pressure. He mentioned that some were called "Uncle Tom" if they did not support Barack Obama. Cleaver said he knew he was on the losing side. He compared it to cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs even if they were expected to lose.
Political Views
Cleaver voted to support Israel after the October 7 attacks.
Personal Life
Emanuel Cleaver is married to Dianne Cleaver. They have four children and live in Kansas City.
In 2000, a road in Kansas City was renamed Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard. This road includes parts of Brush Creek Blvd., E. 47th St., and Van Brunt Blvd.
In 2012, a bank sued Emanuel and Dianne Cleaver over a business loan. The lawsuit was settled in 2013. Cleaver's congressional pay was used to help repay the money.
In June 2023, Emanuel Cleaver performed the wedding ceremony for fellow Congressman Steny Hoyer. He married Hoyer to Elaine Kamarck.
See also
