Guest Speaker Biography:
Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II is a seasoned public servant representing Missouri’s 5th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. First elected in 2004, he is a member of the Democratic Party and has built a reputation as a pragmatic leader dedicated to bipartisanship. Cleaver serves on the House Financial Services Committee, where he focuses on issues such as economic equity, housing, and community development.
Before his tenure in Congress, Cleaver served as the mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, from 1991 to 1999, becoming the city’s first African American mayor. A United Methodist pastor by profession, Cleaver is known for his commitment to social justice and his ability to bring diverse groups together to address critical challenges. Throughout his career, he has been a strong advocate for infrastructure improvements, environmental sustainability, and civil rights.