Stokes: An American Dream profiles two African-American brothers who changed the course of American politics - Louis and Carl Stokes.
Carl, the first black mayor of a major American city, and Louis, the first black U.S. congressman from Ohio, overcame humble beginnings in their pursuit of high political office. During the film, historians and politicians tell of the two brothers' ambition, perseverance and selfless determination to use their positions to help the less fortunate.
This inspirational American story begins by chronicling the Stokes' poverty-stricken childhood in Depression-era Cleveland and moves through the Stokes' education, law careers and rise in political prominence during the turbulent civil rights era. The documentary also offers intimate recollections from their friends and colleagues, including President Barack Obama, Jesse Jackson and former Cleveland Mayor Mike White.
This WVIZ/PBS ideastream production was produced in partnership with the Western Reserve Historical Society and made possible in part by grants from Key Foundation, Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District and United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland, Inc.