Ron Oden facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ron Oden
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| 19th Mayor of Palm Springs | |
| In office December 1, 2003 – December 5, 2007 |
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| Preceded by | Will Kleindienst |
| Succeeded by | Steve Pougnet |
| Member of the College of the Desert Board of Trustee District 3 |
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| Assumed office May 19, 2022 |
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| Preceded by | Fred E. Jandt |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 21, 1950 |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Children | 2 |
Ron Oden (born March 21, 1950) is an American politician. In November 2003, he made history. He was elected the first openly gay African-American mayor of Palm Springs, California. Before this, he served eight years on the city council.
Oden became the first Black openly gay man to be a mayor of a U.S. city. He was also the first gay African-American elected to lead a city in California. Years later, in December 2017, Palm Springs elected "America's first all-LGBTQ city council."
Contents
Ron Oden's Journey
Early Life and Education
Ron Oden was born on March 21, 1950, in Detroit, Michigan. He grew up in Los Angeles, California.
He studied at Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama. There, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. His studies focused on History, Sociology, and Theology.
He continued his education at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. He earned a Master of Arts degree in Theology. Later, he earned another Master of Arts Degree in Ethnic Studies. This was from the University at Albany, SUNY.
His Time in Politics
In 1990, Oden moved to Palm Springs, California. He started teaching Sociology at the College of the Desert. He cared deeply about education and social issues. This led him to enter politics.
In 1995, he was elected to the Palm Springs City Council.
In 2003, Oden was elected Mayor of Palm Springs. His election made headlines around the world. He was the first openly gay African American mayor elected in California.
As mayor, Oden worked to support groups that promote diversity. These included the Palm Springs Human Rights Task Force. He also supported the Palm Springs Human Rights Commission. He helped the Palm Springs branch of the NAACP. Oden also helped the Palm Springs City Council get its first gay majority.
Palm Springs grew a lot while Oden was mayor. The city's budget doubled during his time. He helped make Palm Springs a popular resort city. A new part was added to the Palm Springs International Airport in 2007. New places like the Palm Springs Skatepark also opened. This skatepark is known as one of California's best.
In 2007, he received a Golden Palm Star. This honor is on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars.
In 2015, Oden ran for mayor of Palm Springs again. He wanted more openness in government. He also wanted to bring back trust in city leaders. He believed elected officials should share their income details.
Oden also wanted to improve the relationship with the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. He also wanted to discuss the future of a west campus for College of the Desert. He used to teach there. Oden did not win this election.
In 2023, Oden was chosen to finish Trustee Fred Jandt's term. He then won his own term for District 3 in 2024.
Public Service and Recognition
Ron Oden is the father of two daughters, Brooke and Brittany. He is also a grandfather to two granddaughters and two grandsons.
He has dedicated 30 years to public service. In 2019, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award. This was from Great Palm Springs Pride. It honored his important role in the Palm Springs community. He was recognized as the first openly gay African American elected as mayor of a California city.
See also
- List of first African-American mayors
- African American mayors in California
