Black Leader Sworn In as Kansas City Mayor
<i> Associated Press</i>
KANSAS CITY, Mo. —
Emanuel Cleaver, a civil rights leader who was born in a former slave cabin, was sworn in Wednesday as the first black mayor of this city of 435,000 people.
Cleaver, 46, a three-term City Council member, sidestepped the issue of race during his campaign. He defeated Bob Lewellyn, a white businessman and fellow City Council member.
The politician and preacher, who is known for his stirring oratory, has worked to build broad support without emphasis on racial issues.
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