Sat 10/13 @ 7PM
Sun 10/14 @ noon-5PM
George Forbes is a Cleveland legend. Now 87, his political career began on Cleveland City Council in the early 60s and lasted into the 90s. He was one of a handful of Cleveland African-American politicians — along with the Stokes Brothers and Arnold — who helped shape the town’s civic landscape.
This weekend, the Western Reserve Historical Society celebrates his legacy, along with his daughters Helen Forbes Fields, Mildred Forbes Beal, Lauren Forbes, and his law firm RLR III & Associates. The weekend also celebrates the donation of his papers to the WRHS, adding to its African-American archives and offering researchers a crucial piece of the city’s history, particularly the role of the black community
“On behalf of my family and myself, it is an honor to be the subject of this undertaking,” said Forbes in a statement released by the WRHS. “I am a willing and proud participant in contributing many of my personal and public effects to the archival catalog at the Western Reserve Historical Society and its African American Archives program. It is my hope that the legacy of my works and dreams for the city of Cleveland, and the upliftment of Black people in particular, can be used as a catalyst for positive growth, in my own community and beyond.”
While Forbes is out of the hurly-burly of day-to-day politics, on June 12, 2016, he made an unexpected appearance at the vigil at the Free Stamp honoring the victims of the Pulse Nightclub shootings the previous night, telling the crowd that his grandson heard about it and he felt compelled to attend to stand with Cleveland’s LGBT community.
The weekend features a benefit celebration Salute to George L. Forbes Esq. Saturday evening, with tickets at $150. On Sun 10/14 @ noon-5pm, the whole community will have the chance to share in his legacy, with a display celebrating his life, live entertainment, activities for all ages and a proclamation from Cleveland City Council.
Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106