Michael R. White (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michael R. White
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Michael White, 2009
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| 55th Mayor of Cleveland | |
| In office January 1, 1990 – January 1, 2002 |
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| Preceded by | George Voinovich |
| Succeeded by | Jane L. Campbell |
| Member of the Ohio Senate from the 21st district |
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| In office May 17, 1984 – December 31, 1989 |
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| Preceded by | Morris Jackson |
| Succeeded by | Jeff Johnson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 13, 1951 Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Alma mater | Ohio State University |
Michael White, born on August 13, 1951, is an American politician. He was the 55th mayor of Cleveland, Ohio. He served for three terms, from 1990 to 2002. This made him the second longest-serving mayor in Cleveland's history. He was also the city's second African American mayor. And he was the second youngest person to become mayor there.
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Early Life and Political Start
Michael White grew up in the Glenville neighborhood of Cleveland. His political journey began while he was at Ohio State University. He protested against unfair rules on the Columbus bus system. This led to his arrest, but it didn't stop him.
The next year, he ran for Student Union President. He won, becoming the first Black student leader at the university. He earned his first degree in 1973. Then he got a master's degree in public administration in 1974.
After college, White returned to Cleveland. From 1976 to 1977, he worked for the Cleveland City Council. He then became a city councilman for the Glenville area. He served in this role from 1978 to 1984. During this time, he became a close helper to Councilman George L. Forbes. Later, White represented his area in the Ohio Senate. He was a Democratic assistant minority whip there.
Becoming Mayor of Cleveland
In 1989, Michael White decided to run for mayor of Cleveland. Many people ran in this election. Two main candidates were White and George Forbes. It was a historic moment for Cleveland. It was the first time two Black candidates were the top contenders in a primary election.
White won the election and became mayor. He was re-elected two more times, in 1993 and 1997.
Key Achievements as Mayor
Mayor White achieved many important things for Cleveland. He helped pass laws that made banks lend money more fairly to minorities. He also played a big part in keeping a Cleveland Browns football team in the NFL. When the original team moved, he helped build a new stadium for a new Browns team.
He also supported the building of the Gateway Sports and Entertainment Complex. This complex includes stadiums for sports teams. In 1994, he honored local rappers Bone Thugs-n-Harmony by declaring October 30 "Bone Thugs~N~Harmony Day."
Mayor White also helped save the Continental Airlines hub in Cleveland. This meant more flights for the city. In 1999, Cleveland got a direct flight to London, England. This was very helpful for businesses and travelers.
Under Mayor White's leadership, Cleveland became a popular place for tourists. The famous Rock and Roll Hall of Fame opened in 1995. The Great Lakes Science Center also opened in 1996. These attractions brought many visitors to the city.
Retirement from Politics
On April 23, 2001, Mayor White announced he would not run for a fourth term. When his time as mayor ended in January 2002, he retired. He moved to an alpaca farm near Newcomerstown, Ohio. In 2012, he was also running the Yellow Butterfly Winery in the same area.
