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Jean Murrell Capers

Eugenia "Jean" Marie Murrell Strode Capers was an American judge, educator, and politician.

Early life
Born to Dolly Ferguson Murrell and Edward E. Murrell on January 11, 1913, Eugenia "Jean" Marie Murrell Strode Capers was a Kentucky native from Georgetown. She was one of five children. At the age of six, her and her family moved to Cleveland, Ohio due to Edward Murrell's desire for his children to attend an integrated school. Capers' parents firmly believed that a strong education will open doors to future success; a concept that Capers would pass on to generations of children to come. == Education and career ==
Education and career
Following in her parents' footsteps, Capers became an educator, receiving a degree in 1932 from Western Reserve University, now Case Western Reserve University, one of few African Americans to do so at the time. She attended Western Reserve on a full scholarship. During this time, she continued running for state senate and Cleveland City Council Offices. 1971 had another attempt for office, this time for mayor, but she did not receive enough support to be included in the vote as an independent. Opposition, controversy and backlash Capers was quick to speak out about what she believed was right, or what she thought would benefit her constituents. She was very outspoken against the Urban Renewal Project which was said to be the "Negro Removal" effort. Capers emphasized that the project was causing much more harm than good, especially on the African American population. She also went against the wishes of local religious leaders by securing a license for a bingo parlor in her district. Her opposition to the control of fluoride in public drinking water went against others in the Democratic party. Many politicians were eager to point out Caper's less than perfect council meeting attendance record and conspiracies regarding her potential affiliation with rackets figures. They also accused her of fraud during the elections of 1952. Even though Capers had previously been a columnist for The Cleveland Call and Post, an African American owned Republican publication, in the 1930s, the paper openly criticized her political initiatives, beliefs, and motives for a portion of her career, calling her "irresponsible" and "vicious." The Call and Post eventually changed their tune, endorsing Capers when she ran for Juvenile Court Judge as part of the Republican party. == Personal life and death ==
Personal life and death
For a short time in 1937, she was married to a Mississippi man, James Strode, and later eloped with Clifford E. Capers of Tennessee in 1943. In 1968, she founded the Black Women's Forum. She continues to be a role model and inspiration for the city of Cleveland, being revered for shattering the glass ceiling and trailblazing the field of law for African American and women. == Awards and recognition ==
Awards and recognition
• N.C.N.W. Outstanding Women in Public Service, 1950 • Honorary Doctor of Laws degree, Case Western Reserve University School of Law, 2009 • Ohio State Bar Association Nettie Cronise Lutes Award, 2011 • Cleveland City Club Hall of Fame Inductee, 2015 • Cleveland YWCA Lifetime Achievement Award • Ohio Women's Hall of Fame Inductee • Norman S. Minor Bar Association Trailblazer Award • Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame Inductee • Distinguished Alumni Award, Case Western Reserve University ==References==
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