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 Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Children | 2 |
Ron Oden, born on March 21, 1950, is an American politician. In November 2003, he made history by becoming the first openly gay African-American mayor of Palm Springs, California. He had served eight years on the city council before this election. His election was a significant moment, as he was the first Black openly gay man to become a mayor in a U.S. city. He was also the first gay African-American elected to lead a city in California.
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About Ron Oden
Early Life and Education
Ron Oden was born in Detroit, Michigan, on March 21, 1950. He grew up in Los Angeles, California. He attended Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama. There, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History, Sociology, and Theology.
He continued his education, earning a Master of Arts degree in Theology from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. He also received a Master of Arts Degree in Ethnic Studies from the University at Albany, SUNY. Before entering politics, Oden was an ordained minister with the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Political Career
In 1990, Ron Oden moved to Palm Springs, California. He began teaching sociology at the College of the Desert. His interest in education and social issues led him to get involved in politics. In 1995, he was elected to the Palm Springs City Council.
In 2000, Oden ran for U.S. Congress. Even with a small budget, he received 38% of the votes.
Mayor of Palm Springs (2003-2007)
In 2003, Ron Oden was elected Mayor of Palm Springs. His election made headlines around the world. This was because he was the first openly gay African-American mayor elected in California.
During his time as mayor, Oden worked to support organizations that focused on diversity. These included the Palm Springs Human Rights Task Force and the Palm Springs Human Rights Commission. He also supported the Palm Springs branch of the NAACP. Under his leadership, the Palm Springs City Council gained its first majority of openly gay members.
Palm Springs experienced significant growth while Oden was mayor. The city's budget doubled during his term. He successfully helped build Palm Springs as a popular resort city. This included a new concourse at the Palm Springs International Airport in 2007. New attractions like the Palm Springs Skatepark, known as one of California's best, also opened.
In June 2006, he ran for a seat in the California State Assembly. He lost in the Democratic primary by a very small number of votes. In 2007, he was honored with a Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars.
Later Political Efforts
In 2015, Ron Oden ran for mayor of Palm Springs again. He focused his campaign on making government more open and restoring trust in city leaders. He wanted elected officials to share their income sources. This was in response to concerns about conflicts of interest with the current mayor at the time.
Oden also wanted to improve the relationship with the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. He also aimed to address the status of a west campus for College of the Desert. He had taught there, and the project had stopped without much discussion. Oden acknowledged he had been out of politics for some years. He hoped to follow the example of Frank Bogert, an earlier mayor who successfully returned to office. However, Oden lost the election to Robert Moon.
In 2023, Oden was appointed to the Desert Community College District Board of Trustees. He completed Fred Jandt's term. In 2024, he won his own term for District 3.
Personal Life and Recognition
Ron Oden is the father of two daughters, Brooke and Brittany Oden. He is also a grandfather to two granddaughters and two grandsons.
In 2019, Ron Oden received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Great Palm Springs Pride. This award recognized his important role in the Palm Springs community. It also honored his 30 years of public service. He was recognized for being 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
