News Summary
Mary Rose Oakar, a prominent figure in Cleveland politics and an advocate for women’s rights, has passed away at the age of 85. She served Ohio’s 20th congressional district from 1977 until 1993 and was instrumental in bringing the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to Cleveland. Oakar’s dedication to public service and community improvement left a significant impact on both local governance and national issues.
Cleveland – Former Congresswoman Mary Rose Oakar passed away on Saturday at the age of 85. Oakar, a significant figure in Cleveland politics, represented Ohio’s 20th congressional district from 1977 until 1993. Her contributions to both local and national issues will be remembered, particularly her advocacy for women’s rights and her efforts to attract cultural landmarks to the city.
Before her time in Congress, Oakar served on the Cleveland City Council from 1973 to 1976, where her influence began to shape local governance. One of her most notable achievements was playing a pivotal role in bringing the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to Cleveland, which has since become an iconic symbol of the city’s music history. During her congressional career, she was known for her commitment to advancing women’s rights, advocating for equal opportunities and representation.
Oakar was not only a political figure but also engaged in community education as a teacher at Cuyahoga Community College. Her experience in Congress was marked by her tenure as president of the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, where she worked to combat discrimination and promote Arab-American rights.
Throughout her career, Oakar formed a notable relationship with former President Jimmy Carter. She had the honor of joining him on stage during the 1976 Democratic National Convention, and she often reflected on their collaborative efforts towards energy policy reform. Oakar acknowledged Carter’s initiatives to reduce American dependence on foreign oil, although she noted that the Iranian hostage crisis had overshadowed many of his accomplishments and contributed to his election loss in 1980. Despite the challenges, she believed that had Carter been re-elected, he could have achieved significant peace in the Middle East.
In her later years, Oakar remained active in political discussions, recently endorsing former Ohio state Senator Nina Turner for the May 3 primary election in Ohio’s 11th congressional district. She commended Turner as a capable leader who is committed to advocating for working families in Greater Cleveland.
Mary Rose Oakar’s passing marks the end of an era for many who admired her dedication to public service and her fight for justice and equality. Her enduring impact on Cleveland’s political landscape and her advocacy for women’s rights leave a lasting legacy that will be remembered by many. Her contributions to the region’s cultural identity and political discourse will continue to resonate in the community for years to come.
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Additional Resources
- Cleveland 19: Former Congresswoman Mary Rose Oakar Dies
- WKYC: Mary Oakar Endorses Nina Turner
- Cleveland Magazine: Elder Statements: Mary Rose Oakar
- Cleveland Obituaries: Lawrence Oakar
- Wikipedia: Mary Rose Oakar
Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HERECleveland.com, your premier source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with in-depth coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—backed by years of expert reporting and robust community input, including local press releases and business updates, while providing top reporting on high-profile events like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, Cleveland International Film Festival, and holiday parades, alongside key organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Great Lakes Science Center, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare like Sherwin-Williams and University Hospitals, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREDayton.com, offering comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's vibrant landscape. HERE Cleveland HERE Dayton
