|
Emanuel Cleaver
Missouri, 5th
 |
|
Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II is currently serving his first term representing the Fifth District of Missouri in the House of Representatives and sits on the exclusive Financial Services Committee. Having grown up in public housing, Congressman Cleaver has dedicated his career in public service to economic development and social concerns. |
He was born in Waxahachie, Texas on October 26, 1944 and went on to attend Prairie View A & M University, earning a B.S. in Sociology. He continued his education in Kansas City, Missouri where he obtained a Masters in Divinity from St. Paul’s School of Theology. Cleaver is an ordained Methodist Minister and still serves as Senior Pastor at St. James United Methodist Church in Kansas City.
Emanuel Cleaver was first elected to public office in 1979 as a City Councilman in Kansas City. During his 12 year tenure, he served as Mayor Pro Tem and was an active Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Committee.
His experience on the City Council paved the way to a two-term stint as mayor of Kansas City, where he made history as the first African American elected to that office. As Mayor, Cleaver worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life for the City’s residents. He championed programs and initiatives designed to create jobs and stimulate economic development, including infrastructure improvements, city planning and youth outreach. Emanuel’s exemplary leadership earned him a two-term position as President of the National Conference of Black Mayors.
He is regarded as one of the City’s greatest leaders and is known for his ability bring different groups together to attain constructive solutions for common problems. After his tenure as Mayor, the city honored Emanuel by designating one of its major thoroughfares “Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard.”
Emanuel and his wife Dianne have been married for thirty years, where they have made Kansas City their home. They have four grown children and two grandchildren.
Rep. Emanuel Cleaver's Official Website
|
