Events Calendar
Check out events scheduled each month
The Events Calendar is open. Check back often for new event releases or sign up to receive the events newsletter.
Now-May 14, 2017

This Light of Ours: Drop-In Tours
Docents share the stories behind the photos, photographers and historic events in our 4,000-square-foot special exhibition, This Light of Ours: Activist Photographers of the Civil Rights... MORE
Now-May 14, 2017

This Light of Ours: Activist Photographers of The Civil Rights Movement
The story of ordinary people who stood up to change America, this exhibition’s videos, 3D structures and 157 powerful black-and-white photos bring racial divides past and present into... MORE
January 15, 2017
40th Annual Birthday Observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
EVENT IS SOLD OUT! Event featuring musical performances by Pastor Marvin L. Winans and the Cleveland Philharmonic Orchestra. No reserved seating. Auditorium seating for the live... MORE
January 15, 2017
Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Concert
EVENT IS SOLD OUT! The Cleveland Orchestra’s 37th annual concert in celebration of the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. takes place at Severance Hall on Sunday, January 15, at 7:00... MORE
January 16, 2017

Hear Our Voices: Martin Luther King, JR. Celebration
See how the iconic civil rights leader and everyday citizens risked everything to change America in This Light of Ours: Activist Photographers of the Civil Rights Movement, share a cause you would... MORE
January 17, 2017
Future Leaders Dreaming Forward - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
EVENT IS BY INVITATION ONLY Cuyahoga Community College and Cleveland State University present the 26th Annual Celebration brunch honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Future Leaders - Dreaming... MORE
January 19, 2017

The Catholic Church and Black Lives Matter Movement: The Racial Divide Revisited
John Carroll University welcomes the Most Rev. Edward K. Braxton, Ph.D., S.T.D., Bishop of Belleville, Illinois, who will speak on race relations and the Catholic Church. During this past year, the... MORE
January 22, 2017
Jazz, Civil Rights & Carl Stokes
Cleveland: here’s the first of many special events our “Spirit of the Groove” series is presenting as we begin to celebrate Carl Stokes throughout 2017. Cleveland... MORE
January 25, 2017
In Their Footsteps
Join the Maltz Museum, Cuyahoga Community College, John Carroll University, The City Club and the Jewish Federation of Cleveland for the kickoff of a year-long celebration of Carl... MORE
Now-May 14, 2017

This Light of Ours: Drop-In Tours
Docents share the stories behind the photos, photographers and historic events in our 4,000-square-foot special exhibition, This Light of Ours: Activist Photographers of the Civil Rights... MORE
Now-May 14, 2017

This Light of Ours: Activist Photographers of The Civil Rights Movement
The story of ordinary people who stood up to change America, this exhibition’s videos, 3D structures and 157 powerful black-and-white photos bring racial divides past and present into... MORE
February 2, 2017
Reflecting on the Stokes Brothers' Legacy
A special Black History Month showcase exhibiting the original artwork and performance material created by the youth participants of Cleveland Public Theatre’s Brick City Theatre program,... MORE
February 3, 2017
It's Time to Talk 2017: Foundation for Change
If not us, who? If not now, when? After two successful years of hosting the It’s Time to Talk forum of race, we have engaged more than 1,000 women and men in conversations about... MORE
February 8, 2017
The Legacy of Rabbi Lelyveld
Rabbi Arthur Lelyveld became an important Jewish voice during the Civil Rights Movement, especially following the publication of an iconic Herbert Randall photograph documenting the aftermath of... MORE
February 9, 2017
Black History on Tap
At our signature happy hour event, History on Tap is going all-out to celebrate Black History Month – Cleveland style! Enjoy an evening full of food, drinks, and entertainment, while... MORE
February 9, 2017
We The People – Live at Metro
We the People is a series of campus conversations at the Metro campus, representing an open dialogue on race, politics, and civic engagement. Current and former student actors... MORE
February 10, 2017
Reflecting on the Stokes Brothers' Legacy
A special Black History Month showcase exhibiting the original artwork and performance material created by the youth participants of Cleveland Public Theatre’s Brick City Theatre program,... MORE
February 15, 2017
2017 National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) African American Read-In
The African American Read-In (AARI), established by the Black Caucus of NCTE, is built on an ambitious yet confident premise: that a school and community reading event can be an effective way to... MORE
February 15, 2017

Activism: Then and Now
Examine the current status of social justice activism, the media’s role and the notion of “slacktivism.” Rhonda Y. Williams, PhD, Founder and Director of the Social... MORE
February 17 - August 18, 2017

Stokes: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future – Art Exhibit
CLE in partnership with The Stokes Family, CSU, and the General Public will feature a two and three dimensional art exhibit in the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Art Gallery commemorating the 50th... MORE
February 23, 2017

The Value Gap and the Age of Trump
Eddie S. Glaude, Jr. Ph.D.,William S. Tod Professor of Religion and African American Studies, and Chair of the Center for African American Studies at Princeton University, coined the term... MORE
February 23, 2017
Cavaliers 13th Annual Black Heritage Celebration
After celebrating the achievements of Carl & Louis Stokes last season, the Cleveland Cavaliers will again empower fans to carry the Stokes vision forward by honoring inspiring young leaders... MORE
February 24, 2017

SOLD OUT: The Jemima Code: The Evolution of Soul Food
Cuyahoga Community College's Hospitality Management students will present their interpretation of a contemporary Soul Food dish as they compete in a battle of skills for the... MORE
February 24, 2017
Reflecting on the Stokes Brothers' Legacy
A special Black History Month showcase exhibiting the original artwork and performance material created by the youth participants of Cleveland Public Theatre’s Brick City Theatre program,... MORE
February 25, 2017
David Stradling
David Stradling’s presentation is part of the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s Lyceum Lecture Series. The Lyceum series brings experts on history, adventure, and... MORE
February 26 - July 30 2017
Black in America: Louis Draper and Leonard Freed
This exhibition explores the daily lives of African Americans during the Civil Rights era through photographs by Louis Draper, a black fine art photographer, and Leonard Freed, a white... MORE
February 26, 2017
Hope from Within
A dance concert honoring the legacy of the Stokes brothers and the civil rights movement. MORE
February 28, 2017
Stokes: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future – Art Exhibit Reception
CLE in partnership with The Stokes Family, CSU, and the General Public will feature a two and three dimensional art exhibit in the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Art Gallery commemorating the 50th... MORE
Now-May 14, 2017

This Light of Ours: Drop-In Tours
Docents share the stories behind the photos, photographers and historic events in our 4,000-square-foot special exhibition, This Light of Ours: Activist Photographers of the Civil Rights... MORE
Now-May 14, 2017

This Light of Ours: Activist Photographers of The Civil Rights Movement
The story of ordinary people who stood up to change America, this exhibition’s videos, 3D structures and 157 powerful black-and-white photos bring racial divides past and present into... MORE
February 17 - August 18, 2017

Stokes: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future – Art Exhibit
CLE in partnership with The Stokes Family, CSU, and the General Public will feature a two and three dimensional art exhibit in the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Art Gallery commemorating the 50th... MORE
February 26 - July 30 2017
Black in America: Louis Draper and Leonard Freed
This exhibition explores the daily lives of African Americans during the Civil Rights era through photographs by Louis Draper, a black fine art photographer, and Leonard Freed, a white... MORE
March 09, 2017
Myra Armstead: Cleveland, Harlem and the African-American Community 1915-1945
Join Myra Armstead for an intimate discussion on the social, cultural, economic and political re-education and innovation of African Americans in northern urban centers over these three... MORE
March 10, 2017
Entrepreneur Expo
A showcase of current and past Tri-C students who have either successfully started a business or are in the process of doing so. The event will also include a workshop and information intended to... MORE
March 15, 2017
Black Nerd Problems: Depictions of African Americans in Popular Media
From the recent success of Luke Cage to the controversy surrounding nontraditional casting in the upcoming Spiderman film, we can see how African Americans have fit, been positioned, or sometimes... MORE
March 15, 2017
SOLD OUT: Fred Talks-Inspiring the Future: Building the Next Generation of Public Sector Leadership
This event is SOLD OUT. As a part of the 1967-2017 Stokes: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future commemoration, the yearlong initiative celebrating the 50th anniversary of Carl... MORE
March 16, 2017
Dream & Soar: An Evening with Captain Barrington Irving
Please join Cuyahoga Community College's Office of College Pathways Programs and Educational Talent Search, Upward Bound and the Perkins Completion Program for an evening of meet and speak... MORE
March 16, 2017
An Evening of Reflection and Song
The Rev. E. Theophilus Caviness and The Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, Jr. discuss the local and national impact of Carl and Louis Stokes and the Civil Rights Movement. This dynamic discussion will be... MORE
March 20, 2017
Young Adult Authors Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely
Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely will visit to discuss their book, All American Boys. In this Coretta Scott King Honor Award-winning novel, two teens – one black, one white –... MORE
March 23, 2017
Marilyn Tobocman Standing Up for Others: The Making of an Advocate
Having started her legal career later in life, Tobocman will share the journey which led to her becoming Principal Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights with the Ohio Attorney... MORE
March 25, 2017
Road to Hope 2017
View short works of theatre, spoken word, music and dance that celebrate hope, honor Cleveland’s social justice heritage and engage with important issues of our time. ROAD TO HOPE will... MORE
March 26, 2017

Lori Stokes Remembers Louis Stokes
Explore the political and civil rights legacy of a groundbreaking Clevelander as Lori Stokes, co-anchor of New York City’s Eyewitness News This... MORE
March 30 - April 01, 2017
Walk With Me: The Trials of Damon J. Keith
In 1967—a time of great racial turmoil in our country—Judge Damon J. Keith was appointed to a seat on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan by President... MORE
Now-May 14, 2017

This Light of Ours: Drop-In Tours
Docents share the stories behind the photos, photographers and historic events in our 4,000-square-foot special exhibition, This Light of Ours: Activist Photographers of the Civil Rights... MORE
Now-May 14, 2017

This Light of Ours: Activist Photographers of The Civil Rights Movement
The story of ordinary people who stood up to change America, this exhibition’s videos, 3D structures and 157 powerful black-and-white photos bring racial divides past and present into... MORE
February 17 - August 18, 2017

Stokes: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future – Art Exhibit
CLE in partnership with The Stokes Family, CSU, and the General Public will feature a two and three dimensional art exhibit in the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Art Gallery commemorating the 50th... MORE
February 26 - July 30 2017
Black in America: Louis Draper and Leonard Freed
This exhibition explores the daily lives of African Americans during the Civil Rights era through photographs by Louis Draper, a black fine art photographer, and Leonard Freed, a white... MORE
April 1-23, 2017

Between Riverside and Crazy, produced by Cleveland Play House
Ex-cop Walter "Pops" Washington is NOT one to let things go. NOT the memory of his recently deceased wife. NOT the racially-charged lawsuit he filed years ago against the NYPD. And most... MORE
April 5, 2017
Race Relations in Cleveland: An Open Discussion
Join us for an open discussion about race relations in Cleveland with Dan Moulthrop,CEO of The City Club of Cleveland, and RA Washington, local artist, poet and entrepreneur, along with... MORE
April 5, 2017
Those Who Marched: Remembering the African-American and Jewish Impact on Civil Rights
The historic relationship between the African American and Jewish communities during the Civil Rights Movement is memorialized by those who lived it. Join us for a moderated panel featuring... MORE
April 6, 2017
United Way of Greater Cleveland presents Vet Talks: Honoring our Past, Inspiring our Future
Join us to hear local news anchor Leon Bibb and other local veterans share real-life experiences on returning home from active duty. Hear about current efforts taking place in our community to... MORE
April 10, 2017
Our Voices: Democracy Re: Visited
A community forum to discuss the power and vulnerability of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The panel discussion, sponsored by a grant from the Joyce Foundation, will feature: ... MORE
April 12, 2017
Beyond the Call: Rev. Bruce Klunder & The Fight for Cleveland's Students
Rev. Bruce Klunder died tragically while protesting school segregation. C.A. Reed-Mundell leads a discussion with eyewitness and CORE activist Rachel Fair, civil rights attorney James L. Hardiman... MORE
April 14, 2017

The Transformations Suite
Created by Juilliard-trained pianist and composer, Samora Pinderhughes, The Transformations Suite is a large-scale composition that combines jazz instrumentals and spoken word to paint a picture of... MORE
April 18, 2017
Social Action: A Beacon for Student Success
Event for Tri-C Faculty only Engage in an afternoon of discussion about Social Action, and how educators can best help students succeed. Participants will have the opportunity to view the powerful... MORE
April 19, 2017
An Evening with Matt Herron
A conscientious objector during the Korean War, Matt Herron was organizing peace demonstrations when the first sit-ins occurred in Tennessee and North Carolina. Shortly after being arrested for... MORE
April 21, 2017
United Way Veterans’ Project Connect
In honor of Carl and Louis Stokes, both of whom served in the U.S Army, United Way’s Day of Service for our Veterans event will connect veterans to much-needed United Way basic... MORE
April 29, 2017
Station Hope 2017
One night a year, 200 artists from across Northeast Ohio inhabit historic St. John’s Episcopal Church—Cleveland’s first authenticated Underground Railroad site and a... MORE
Now-May 14, 2017

This Light of Ours: Drop-In Tours
Docents share the stories behind the photos, photographers and historic events in our 4,000-square-foot special exhibition, This Light of Ours: Activist Photographers of the Civil Rights... MORE
Now-May 14, 2017

This Light of Ours: Activist Photographers of The Civil Rights Movement
The story of ordinary people who stood up to change America, this exhibition’s videos, 3D structures and 157 powerful black-and-white photos bring racial divides past and present into... MORE
February 17 - August 18, 2017

Stokes: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future – Art Exhibit
CLE in partnership with The Stokes Family, CSU, and the General Public will feature a two and three dimensional art exhibit in the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Art Gallery commemorating the 50th... MORE
February 26 - July 30 2017
Black in America: Louis Draper and Leonard Freed
This exhibition explores the daily lives of African Americans during the Civil Rights era through photographs by Louis Draper, a black fine art photographer, and Leonard Freed, a white... MORE
May 4, 2017
Living History-From Outhwaite to Advocate: Public Housing & the Stokes Legacy
Cleveland is home to some of the first public housing projects in the nation. Outhwaite Homes, Cedar Apartments and Lakeview Terrace--all built in the late 1930s--were the first public housing... MORE
May 4, 2017
Student Success Symposium
A celebration of student academic excellence at Cuyahoga Community College, recognizing exceptional achievement in the Honors Program, Phi Theta Kappa, Mandel Scholars Academy, the Robert L. Lewis... MORE
May 5, 2017

James Forman, Jr.
President Dwight Eisenhower established the first Law Day in 1958 to mark the nation's commitment to the rule of law. In 1961, Congress issued a joint resolution designating May 1 as the... MORE
Saturday, May 6, 2017
Walk, Rock and Run
The 15th Annual Walk, Rock and Run is a 5k run or walk, or a 1 mile family fun walk. Registration includes free admission to The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Great Lakes Science... MORE
May 08, 2017
Tremont Think and Drink book club, discussing "Where the River Burned: Carl Stokes and the Struggle to Save Cleveland," by David Stradling.
Tremont Think and Drink book club, discussing "Where the River Burned: Carl Stokes and the Struggle to Save Cleveland," by David Stradling. Sponsored by Cleveland Publc Library MORE
May 13, 2017
Believe in Yourself: 27th Annual Frances M. Franklin Scholarship & Protege Luncheon
Tri-C’s Black American Council oversees the awarding of student scholarships through the Frances M. Franklin Scholarship Fund. The scholarship honors the memory of Frances Mason... MORE
May 14, 2017
Distinguished Gentlemen of Spoken Word
The Cleveland Museum of Art is pleased to present the Distinguished Gentlemen of Spoken Word, who will do an original performance commissioned by the museum based on the writings and words of Carl... MORE
May 31, 2017

Cleveland Stories Dinner Parties: The Election of Carl Stokes
Cleveland Stories takes you back 50 years to the historic election of Carl Stokes, the first African-American mayor of any major city. Not only did Stokes break important ground, but he laid out an... MORE
February 17 - August 18, 2017

Stokes: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future – Art Exhibit
CLE in partnership with The Stokes Family, CSU, and the General Public will feature a two and three dimensional art exhibit in the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Art Gallery commemorating the 50th... MORE
February 26 - July 30 2017
Black in America: Louis Draper and Leonard Freed
This exhibition explores the daily lives of African Americans during the Civil Rights era through photographs by Louis Draper, a black fine art photographer, and Leonard Freed, a white... MORE
June 5, 2017
Meet Author Michael Eric Dyson
Michael Eric Dyson is one of America's premier public intellectuals. He occupies the distinguished position of University Professor of Sociology at Georgetown University, is a contributing... MORE
June 8, 2017
Isabel Wilkerson
Isabel Wilkerson is a Pulitzer Prize-winning American journalist, and the author of The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration. Born in Washington D.C. in 1961, she... MORE
June 10, 2017
Believe in Cleveland
Believe in Cleveland, written by Daniel Gray-Kontar and directed by Tony Sias, is a narrative docudrama about the historic election of Carl B. Stokes Jr as the nation’s first... MORE
June 25 - September 17, 2017
Take a Hike Walking Tours-Canal Basin Park Tour
Enjoy tales from the early days of Cleveland while learning about Moses Cleaveland, the Cuyahoga River, beautiful bridges, the historic B&O Rail Station and plans for a 25-acre park and the... MORE
June 29, 2017
Campfire Tales: River Stories
In 1969, Carl Stokes’ big story was dealing with the burning Cuyahoga River. Join staff from Cuyahoga Valley National Park to share stories of a river that burned and is recovering... MORE
February 17 - August 18, 2017

Stokes: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future – Art Exhibit
CLE in partnership with The Stokes Family, CSU, and the General Public will feature a two and three dimensional art exhibit in the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Art Gallery commemorating the 50th... MORE
February 26 - July 30 2017
Black in America: Louis Draper and Leonard Freed
This exhibition explores the daily lives of African Americans during the Civil Rights era through photographs by Louis Draper, a black fine art photographer, and Leonard Freed, a white... MORE
June 25 - September 17, 2017
Take a Hike Walking Tours-Canal Basin Park Tour
Enjoy tales from the early days of Cleveland while learning about Moses Cleaveland, the Cuyahoga River, beautiful bridges, the historic B&O Rail Station and plans for a 25-acre park and the... MORE
July 7, 2017
Dominick Farinacci & The Stokes Legacy Jazz Orchestra
A new big band conducted by Dominick Farinacci, the Stokes Legacy Jazz Orchestra, celebrates the legacy of Carl Stokes through the history of jazz, highlighting music from Duke Ellington, Count... MORE
July 10 - July 14, 2017
Carl B. Stokes and Black Political Power in Cleveland: A 50-Year Retrospective
The seminar is sponsored jointly by the Cleveland Humanities Collaborative and the Baker-Nord Center for the Humanities. It will evaluate Mayor Stokes’ rise and legacy as our city moves... MORE
February 17 - August 18, 2017

Stokes: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future – Art Exhibit
CLE in partnership with The Stokes Family, CSU, and the General Public will feature a two and three dimensional art exhibit in the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Art Gallery commemorating the 50th... MORE
June 25 - September 17, 2017
Take a Hike Walking Tours-Canal Basin Park Tour
Enjoy tales from the early days of Cleveland while learning about Moses Cleaveland, the Cuyahoga River, beautiful bridges, the historic B&O Rail Station and plans for a 25-acre park and the... MORE
Saturday, August 5, 2017
Grandparents Picnic
Free event for all ages with live entertainment, family information resources and prizes. Supported by: Cuyahoga Community College | Phyllis Cleveland, Councilwoman, Ward 6 | Kevin Conwell,... MORE
August 12, 2017

Stokes, Baseball and Hough
Baseball in Cleveland, at the amateur and professional levels, was in flux during the mid-1960s. Cleveland had been the “Sandlot Capital of the World”, but amateur... MORE
August 21 - 22, 2017
The Presidents’ Council Annual Conference
This conference focuses on economic empowerment, particularly the impact of African American business on the economic development of our region. The conference, designed in collaboration... MORE
June 25 - September 17, 2017
Take a Hike Walking Tours-Canal Basin Park Tour
Enjoy tales from the early days of Cleveland while learning about Moses Cleaveland, the Cuyahoga River, beautiful bridges, the historic B&O Rail Station and plans for a 25-acre park and the... MORE
September 4, 2017
11th Congressional District Community Caucus Labor Day Parade & Festival
More information to come MORE
September 7, 2017
A Commemoration of the History and Legacy of Carl Stokes
THIS EVENT IS BY INVITATION ONLY. Join us as we celebrate the legacy, contribution and leadership of Carl Stokes during his time as mayor of the city of Cleveland. A “living... MORE
Friday, September 15, 2017

Soundtrack '63
Join University Hospitals in celebrating the 50th anniversary of 50th anniversary celebration of Carl and Louis Stokes' lasting contributions to the city of Cleveland and beyond... MORE
September 27 - September 28, 2017
9th Annual Sustainable Cleveland Summit
The Summit brings together Clevelanders from all walks of life and provides a unique opportunity to work across sectors, foster collaboration, learn about recent innovations, and design the future... MORE
October 18, 2017

SOLD OUT: Special guest Louis Sullivan, M.D., former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services under President George H.W. Bush
EVENT SOLD OUT: While the event is sold out, you can livestream it here: https://livestream.com/accounts/7478988/events/7798610 Health disparities are the inequalities that occur in healthcare and... MORE
October 18, 2017
Gospel Music in Cleveland
Cleveland has a rich gospel music history, from Wings Over Jordan Choir, the first professional, touring black choir in the United States, to the Womack brothers and beyond. The Stokes brothers... MORE
Friday, October 20, 2017
Van Jones appearance at Cuyahoga County Public Library
Van Jones burst into the American consciousness during the 2016 presidential campaign with an unscripted, truth-telling style and a history of bridge-building across party lines. His election night... MORE
October 22, 2017
The Mayor and His People
Using the music that reflected civil unrest in urban America in the 60’s, this concert will bring together generations of jazz, funk and gospel musicians. From Oliver Nelson to... MORE
October 26-28, 2017
The Colored Museum
Written by the Tony Award-winning playwright and director, George C. Wolfe, The Colored Museum is comprised of 11 scenes or "exhibits," through which the audience is... MORE
October 29, 2017
This Light
The Concert Band of Cuyahoga Community College’s Western Campus opens its 2017-2018 concert season with a free concert, featuring the World Premier of Professor... MORE
November 2-4, 2017
The Colored Museum
Written by the Tony Award-winning playwright and director, George C. Wolfe, The Colored Museum is comprised of 11 scenes or "exhibits," through which the audience is... MORE
November 2, 2017
Stokes Celebration Event
Event will celebrate, recognize and showcase, through performances and video, the outcomes and impact of the yearlong Stokes initiative, and unveil the permanent Stokes exhibit at the... MORE
November 3-4, 2017

Carrying the Stokes Legacy Forward: Cleveland Then, Now and Next
As part of the yearlong Stokes Initiative, a panel of educators and policy experts reviewed the strides the Stokes administration made in the late 1960s in the areas of Cleveland's healthcare,... MORE
Friday, November 3, 2017
The 50 Year Policy Legacy of Mayor Carl B. Stokes
2017 marks the 50th anniversary of the election of Carl Stokes, the first African-American mayor of a major U.S. city. Shortly after the election and in an effort to initiate sweeping changes to... MORE