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Cleveland Black History Spotlight: How Stephanie Tubbs Jones Changed Cleveland and the Nation

Writer's picture: Cleveland13 StaffCleveland13 Staff

CLEVELAND — Stephanie Tubbs Jones shattered barriers throughout her life, becoming a trailblazer in law, politics and advocacy. As the first Black woman elected to represent Ohio in the U.S. House of Representatives, she dedicated herself to improving the lives of children, championing education, and expanding healthcare access. Her commitment to justice and her unwavering passion for service left a lasting impact on Cleveland, her home state, and the nation.

Born on September 10, 1949, in Cleveland, Tubbs Jones grew up in the Glenville neighborhood as the youngest of three daughters. Raised by hardworking parents—her mother, Mary, a factory worker, and her father, Andrew, a porter at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport—she learned the value of perseverance early on. After graduating from Collinwood High School, she attended Case Western Reserve University, where she earned a degree in sociology in 1971. She continued her studies at CWRU School of Law, receiving her Juris Doctor in 1974.


Her legal career quickly ascended as she became an assistant prosecutor for Cuyahoga County in 1976. By 1981, she had been elected to the Cleveland Municipal Court, and just two years later, she was appointed to the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, making history as the first Black woman to hold the position. In 1991, she broke new ground again when she became the first African American and the first woman to serve as Chief Prosecutor of Cuyahoga County. In this role, she worked on major cases, although she faced controversy for refusing to reopen the infamous 1954 Sam Sheppard murder case.


In 1998, she ran for Congress to replace longtime U.S. Representative Louis Stokes, who had announced his retirement. With strong community support and extensive legal and political experience, she won the Democratic nomination and later the general election with more than 80% of the vote. She was re-elected four times, serving Ohio’s 11th Congressional District until her death in 2008.


Tubbs Jones focused her legislative career on social justice, children’s welfare, and healthcare reform. In her first year in Congress, she wrote and passed the Child Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Act of 1999, a law aimed at strengthening child protection policies. She continued advocating for working families, pushing for better Social Security protections, Medicare expansion, and progressive pension reforms. As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, she worked on broadening healthcare coverage and supported reentry programs for former convicts. Her commitment to ethical leadership was recognized when she was appointed chair of the House Ethics Committee after the 2006 elections.


In 2005, she took a bold stance when she and Senator Barbara Boxer objected to the certification of Ohio’s electoral votes in the presidential election, citing voting irregularities. The move forced Congress to debate the issue, marking only the second time since 1877 that such a challenge occurred.


Beyond her political work, Tubbs Jones was remembered for her charisma, generosity, and deep connection to her constituents. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi once described her as "unwavering and indefatigable," while former President Bill Clinton and then-Senator Hillary Clinton called her "one of a kind." Former President Barack Obama said, "It wasn't enough for her just to break barriers in her own life, she was also determined to bring opportunity to all those who had been overlooked and left behind—and in Stephanie, they had a fearless friend and unyielding advocate."


Community members who met her recall her warmth and kindness. Jake Rosenbaum remembered a speech she gave at his school, where she shared her love for the song I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack. "She spoke the words of the song as though she was preaching, and it was beautiful," he said. A Cleveland Heights resident recalled a personal tour of the U.S. Capitol that Tubbs Jones arranged for their family. "Despite being a politician, she didn’t act like one. She was kind. She was happy, and you could tell it was real," they said.


Her legacy continues through numerous institutions and initiatives. Case Western Reserve University established a scholarship in her honor for women of color, and a residence hall bears her name. In 2011, the Cleveland Clinic opened the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Health Center in East Cleveland, replacing the old Huron Hospital. The center has since provided care to hundreds of thousands of patients in the community she cherished.


Her life was tragically cut short on August 20, 2008, when she suffered a brain aneurysm while driving in Cleveland Heights. A witness who saw the aftermath of the crash later realized its significance. "I didn't think much of it, unfortunately accidents happen, but then a few hours later, a business associate called me and said, ‘Turn on the news, that was Stephanie Tubbs Jones in that car last night. She died,’" said a Seven Hills resident.


Her passing was met with an outpouring of grief from colleagues, friends, and admirers. At a memorial event in the U.S. Capitol, House Democratic Whip Jim Clyburn reflected on her spirit, calling her "a sister to everyone." Republican Representative Steve LaTourette recalled taking her to a GOP event in Columbus, where she knew more people than he did. Florida Representative Kendrick Meek shared a story about her encounter with President George W. Bush at his 2004 inauguration. "Stephanie leaned over and said, 'Congratulations, Mr. President.' And the president looked over at her like, 'Stephanie, you were such a help to me,'" Meek recounted with a laugh.


Her son, Mervyn Jones II, expressed gratitude for the love and support his family received. "You are all my family," he told the crowd.


Stephanie Tubbs Jones’ life was dedicated to justice, advocacy, and public service. Her impact endures through the policies she championed, the institutions named in her honor, and the countless lives she touched. -------------------

At Cleveland 13 News, we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date, and reliable reporting. If you spot an error, omission, or have information that may need updating, please email us at tips@cleveland13news.com. As a community-driven news network, we appreciate the help of our readers in ensuring the integrity of our reporting.

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