by Nick Castele
Former U.S. Rep. Louis Stokes has been diagnosed with brain and lung cancer. Stokes is receiving treatment at the Cleveland Clinic, according to a statement announcing his diagnosis.
Stokes was first elected to Congress in 1968, representing Cleveland’s east side. He was the first African-American representative elected from Ohio. Stokes served for 30 years, including working on the house budget and appropriations committees. He retired from Congress in 1999.
"For years, I’ve made it my career in fighting for the people of Ohio," Stokes said in the statement, "but now I must devote my time and energy to working with my doctors in this current health challenge which my family and I are totally immersed."
Stokes grew up in Cleveland with his brother Carl, who went on to serve as the city’s mayor from 1968 to 1971—the first black mayor of a major American city.
Rep. Stokes turned 90 this year and has just finished his autobiography.
U.S. Rep. Marcia Fudge, who now represents the district Stokes once served, expressed sympathy and support in response to news of the diagnosis.
"Congressman Stokes is a fighter. For more than three decades, he fought for the people of Ohio, and he is still fighting today," Fudge said in a statement. "Congressman Stokes is my mentor, predecessor and friend. It is a privilege to work with him and walk in his Congressional footsteps. My prayers are with him, his family and his doctors. Let us all continue to uplift and encourage the Stokes family."
