Cleveland: Now! was a public and private funding program for the rehabilitation of neighborhoodsinCleveland, Ohio initiated by Mayor Carl B. Stokes on May 1, 1968.[1] Local businesses agreed to cooperate with the Stokes administration on the program "to combat the ills of Cleveland's inner city in order to preserve racial peace."[1] The aim of the Now! was to "raise $1.5 billion over 10 years with $177 million projected during the first 2 years to fund youth activities and employment, community centers, health-clinic facilities, housing units, and economic renewal projects."[1]
The program's funding aims were quickly met within the first few months of its initiation.[1] However, on July 23, 1968, the Glenville Shootout occurred. Subsequent revelations found that Fred "Ahmed" Evans, one of the major instigators in the incident, had indirectly received some $6,000 in funds from the program.[2] Donations declined. However, Stokes pulled through and was reelected for a second term in 1969. The Now program continued to actively operate until 1970.[1] Stokes announced that its "last major commitment would be the funding of 4 new community centers."[1] The organization was not formally dissolved until George V. Voinovich assumed office in 1980. The city donated the remaining $220,000 to the Cleveland Foundation to "use for youth employment and low-income housing."[1]
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