Ron Oden
American politician
Ron Oden (born March 21, 1950) is an American politician. In November 2003, he was elected the first gay African-American mayor of Palm Springs, California, after serving eight years on the city council. He became the first Black openly gay man elected mayor of a U.S. city. He was also "the first gay African-American elected to lead a California city." In December 2017, Palm Springs elected "America's first all-LGBTQ city council."
Biography
Early life and education
Oden was born on March 21, 1950, in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in Los Angeles, California. He attended Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama, earning a Bachelor of Arts in history, sociology, and theology. He also went on to earn a Master of Arts degree in theology at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, as well as a Master of Arts degree in ethnic studies at the University at Albany, SUNY. He is an ordained Seventh-day Adventist minister, who resigned shortly before entering politics.
Politics
In 1990, Oden moved to Palm Springs, California, to begin teaching at the College of the Desert as an adjunct sociology instructor. Concern about educational and social issues motivated Oden to enter politics, and in 1995, he was elected to the Palm Springs City Council.
In 2000, Oden ran for Congress on a limited budget, capturing 38% of the vote.
In 2003, Oden was elected Mayor of Palm Springs.
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