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 August 13, 1951) is an American politician. He was the 55th mayor of Cleveland, Ohio. He served three terms, from 1990 to 2002. Michael White was Cleveland's second African American mayor. He was also the city's second youngest mayor.
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Early Life and Career
Michael White grew up in Cleveland's Glenville neighborhood. He started his political journey while in college at Ohio State University. He protested against unfair rules on the Columbus public bus system. He was arrested for this protest.
The next year, White ran for Student Union President and won. He became the first Black student body leader at the college. He earned his first degree in 1973 and a master's degree in 1974.
Returning to Cleveland
After college, White came back to Cleveland. From 1976 to 1977, he worked as an assistant for the Cleveland City Council. Then, from 1978 to 1984, he served as a city councilman for the Glenville area. During this time, he learned a lot from Councilman George L. Forbes.
Later, White represented the 21st District in the Ohio Senate. He served as a Democratic assistant minority whip, which means he helped lead his party in the Senate.
Becoming Mayor of Cleveland
In 1989, Michael White decided to run for mayor of Cleveland. Many other well-known people also ran, including George Forbes. In the first round of voting, Forbes and White were the top two candidates. This was a historic moment for Cleveland. It was the first time two Black candidates were the main contenders for mayor.
White won the election. He was re-elected mayor in 1993 and again in 1997.
Key Achievements as Mayor
During his time as mayor, Michael White achieved many important things for Cleveland.
- He helped pass laws that made banks offer loans more fairly to everyone.
- He played a big role in keeping a Cleveland Browns football team in the NFL. The team's owner had moved the original team to Baltimore. White helped build a new stadium for a new Cleveland Browns team.
- He supported the building of the Gateway Sports and Entertainment Complex, which includes sports stadiums.
- He declared October 30, 1994, "Bone Thugs~N~Harmony Day" to honor the famous music group from Cleveland.
White also helped save the Continental Airlines hub in Cleveland. In 1999, people in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio celebrated a new direct flight. This flight went from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport to London's Gatwick Airport. This flight was very popular with businesses. It helped Clevelanders travel to London without connecting through other cities. Continental Airlines also opened a new gate at Hopkins Airport in 1997.
Under Mayor White's leadership, Cleveland became a popular place for tourists. This was thanks to the opening of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995. The Great Lakes Science Center also opened in 1996.
Life After Mayoralty
On April 23, 2001, Michael White announced he would not seek a fourth term as mayor. When Jane L. Campbell became mayor in January 2002, White retired. He moved to an alpaca farm near Newcomerstown, Ohio. As of 2012, he was also running the Yellow Butterfly Winery near the same town.
