SE Kansas City News

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, currently serving Missouri’s 5th district in the U.S. Congress, posted a series of messages on July 17, 2025, addressing civil rights concerns and honoring influential figures within the Black American community.

In a tweet published at 16:14 UTC, Cleaver criticized immigration policies under the Trump administration: "The Trump administration’s mass deportation agenda isn’t just a threat to immigrant communities, it's undermining the civil rights of American citizens, including those who have served in uniform. This lawlessness is a threat to civil rights for ALL."

Later that day at 17:06 UTC, Cleaver paid tribute to Bill Clay, co-founder of the Congressional Black Caucus and former U.S. Representative from Missouri: "A founder of @TheBlackCaucus, Bill Clay was a dear friend, powerful mentor, and a champion for Black Americans in St. Louis and all across this great nation. It is with profound sadness that I send my condolences to the Clay family and the St. Louis community as they grieve this"

At 18:04 UTC on the same day, Cleaver referenced John Lewis’s legacy by quoting his call for unity and love during challenging times: “He spoke of unity at a time when outside forces seek to divide. And he spoke of love as our guiding light through the darkest of times.” Today, in honor of John's memory, let's make a little Good Trouble as we seek to create a better world for all."

Emanuel Cleaver has represented Missouri's 5th District since 2005 after succeeding Karen McCarthy. He was born in Waxahachie, Texas in 1944 and currently resides in Kansas City. Cleaver graduated from Prairie View A&M University in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science degree.