About George L. Forbes, Esq.

Those who understand the history of Cleveland and its politics acknowledge George L. Forbes as the most powerful Cleveland City Council President ever – and quite possibly it’s most powerful local politician.

Born April 4, 1931, as the youngest of eight children, Forbes grew up in the segregated South. As a youth, he picked cotton, plowed fields in Memphis, Tennessee. Along with his brother Zeke, George came to Cleveland in 1948. He served in the Marine Corps in 1951 and attended Baldwin Wallace College on the G.I. Bill in 1953. As a graduate, Forbes pursued a Law Degree from Cleveland Marshall College of Law, earning his Juris Doctorate in 1961 and began practicing law in the State of Ohio.

His election to Cleveland City Council representing Ward 27 in the Glenville area in 1963 began one of Cleveland’s most noteworthy marches to political power. From 1974 to 1989, Forbes served as Council President. Having served on City Council during the terms of five mayors – Ralph Locher, Carl Stokes, Ralph Perk, Dennis Kucinich and George Voinovich – Forbes’ knowledge of city politics is unparal- leled.

After semi-retirement from his law practice, Forbes served a highly successful tenure as president of the NAACP Cleveland Branch and went on to receive the NAACP’s highest award for meritorious ser- vice.

George L. Forbes is truly a giant who walks amongst us. He is highly sought after for his limitless knowledge of coalition building, which was a trademark of his success. He and his wife Mary have three daughters, Lauren, Mildred “Mimi” and Helen. He has three grandchildren, William, Camille and Brandon.