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| Emanuel Cleaver II |
Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II, who is currently serving his third term representing the Fifth District of Missouri in the U.S. House of Representatives, will provide the keynote address at Park University's Mid-Year Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, Dec. 12. Park's Commencement exercises will take place at the Community of Christ Auditorium, 1001 W. Walnut, in Independence, Mo., starting at 11 a.m.
Cleaver, who was a two-term mayor of Kansas City, Mo., from 1991-99, was first elected to public office in 1979 as a member of the Kansas City, Mo., City Council. During his 12-year tenure, he served as mayor pro tem and served as chairman of the Planning and Zoning Committee. A member of the House of Representatives since 2005, Cleaver sits on the exclusive Financial Services Committee, Committee of Homeland Security and the Select Committee on Global Warming. He also serves as a regional whip of the Democratic Caucus and first vice-chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. Having grown up in public housing, Cleaver has dedicated his career in public service to economic development and social concerns.
As mayor, Cleaver worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life for Kansas City residents. The 18th and Vine Jazz District, the rehabilitation of historic Union Station, the construction of the Bruce R. Watkins Drive (71 Highway), the flood control and beautification of Brush Creek and the construction of four community centers were highlights of his term as mayor. He also championed programs and initiatives designed to create jobs and stimulate economic development. The major corporations attracted to the Kansas City area under his leadership included Harley-Davidson, Citicorp, Gateway 2000 and Transamerica. Cleaver's exemplary leadership also earned him a two-term position as president of the National Conference of Black Mayors, and he was also an active member of the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
Cleaver was born in Waxahachie, Texas, and graduated high school in Wichita Falls, Texas. He went on to attend Prairie View A&M University, earning a bachelor's degree in sociology. He continued his education in Kansas City, obtaining 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. After his tenure as mayor, the city honored Cleaver by designating a portion of one of its major thoroughfares, 47th Street, as "Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard."
Cleaver and his spouse, Dianne, have been married for more than 30 years, where they have made Kansas City their home. They have four adult children and three grandchildren.
