Cleveland: Now!

Cleveland: Now! was a public and private funding program for the rehabilitation of neighborhoods in Cleveland, Ohio.

Former Mayor Carl B. Stokes first announced the program on May 1, 1968. Local businessmen agreed to cooperate with the city in a fundraising program to fight the problem of Cleveland's inner city in order to preserve racial peace. The plan was to raise $1.5 billion over ten years with $177 million projected during the first two years to fund youth activities and employment, community centers, health-clinic facilities, housing units, and economic renewal projects.

Funding goals for the Now! program were quickly met for the first few months. Then, on July 23, 1968, the Glenville Shootout occurred. The following morning, Fred (Ahmed) Evans, one of the major players in the Shootout, surrendered to police and was subsequently tried, found guilty of murder and sentenced to life in prison. It was discovered that Evans had received some $6,000 in funds from the program and donations declined. Despite this, Stokes was reelected for a second term and the program still actively operated until 1970. Stokes announced that its last major commitment would be the funding of four new community centers. The organization was not formally dissolved until George V. Voinovich became mayor in 1980. The remaining $220,000 was given to the Cleveland Foundation to use for youth employment and low-income housing.

References

• The Encyclopedia Of Cleveland History by Cleveland Bicentennial Commission (Cleveland, Ohio), David D. Van Tassel (Editor), and John J. Grabowski (Editor) ISBN 0-253-33056-4
• Promises of Power by Carl Stokes SBN 671-21602-3
• Carl B. Stokes and the Rise of Black Political Power by Leonard N. Moore ISBN 0-252-02760-4

External links

• Carl and Louis Stokes From Projects to Politics Western Reserve Historical Society