(BLACK PR WIRE) -- Located on the southern shore of Lake Erie, Cleveland, Ohio is a world class city full of fascinating places and a diverse array of faces. Over half of Cleveland's population is African American with a black population that is almost as old as the city itself. The first black settler to arrive in the area was George Peake in 1809.

The first black Clevelander to hold political office was justice of the peace John Patterson Green in 1873. He continued on to become the first African American in the North to be elected to the state senate in 1891 after spending a decade in the state legislature. Carl B. Stokes, the first African American to be elected mayor of a major American city was elected to office in Cleveland in 1967.

From the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to the Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA) basketball team, Cleveland is an exciting place to be. Home of the Cleveland Browns (NFL) and the Cleveland Indians (MLB) this Great Lake City has something for everyone including neoclassical architecture, the Cleveland Opera and Ohio ballet. Furthermore, Cleveland is home to Playhouse Square Center, the second largest performing arts center in the United States, consecutive only to New York City's Lincoln Center.

While in Cleveland don't forget to visit the Karamu House the oldest African American theatre in the United States founded in the 1920's. Many of world renowned black playwright Langston Hughe's works were developed and premiered at the celebrated Karamu House. Karamu is Swahili for "a place of joyful gathering." The African American Museum of Cleveland and the Heritage Trail of Cleveland tours are also not to be missed.

Cleveland is a world class city of the arts chock full of entertainment and sports venues suited to a diverse range of interests. As a stop on Black Digital Network's Black City Tour Cleveland's African American history is of great importance to our loyal readers. Cleveland is a diverse city with an extensive history of successful African Americans in its past and in its future.