Legendary Greats

Legendary Great Fannie Lewis is in a category all by herself. Mrs. Lewis was born in Memphis Tennessee on June 6 1926. Always a leader Fannie played sports in high school and lettered in several. At the age of 19 Fannie married Carlee Lewis. In 1951 Fannie and her husband moved to Cleveland, Ohio. Who would have known that Fannie would make history. She took a interest in her community and during the famous 1966 Hough Riots she drew attention when she was spotted talking with national guards that had been dispatched to the area.

This began Fannie’s journey to becoming one of the most influential African American Women in Cleveland history. AMPS Ohio Magazine wants to take the time to acknowledge the great work that Mrs. Lewis accomplished in the City of Cleveland. Fannie Lewis was elected to City Council and represented Ward 7 which covers the Hough Area. An area that was rich in history but in need of revitalization. Mrs. Lewis became the longest running female City Councilwoman in Cleveland, Ohio.

A true activist not only for Hough area but the City as well. Fannie was well known for being a tough cookie, but a tough cookie with a heart. Among the many things that she accomplished was the passing of the Fannie Lewis Law, which requires a portion of public works projects in Cleveland to be performed by Cleveland residents. She also fought for construction of Lexington Village, townhouses on Hough Avenue, Crawford Estates homes, and for new, expensive homes in the Hough area that has been refered to as “Fannie’s Mansions.”

Fannie represented Ward 7 for almost 30 years, and one of the things she was very passionate about was the restoration of League Park, in Hough, home to the Negro League Baseball Games…she knew it would happen but didn’t know when. Mrs. Lewis served her Ward and City until she passed away on August 11, 2008 at the age of 82.

League Park reopened in 2014. To honor this Legendary Great there is there is a Fannie M Lewis Community Park at League Park as well as a statue of Mrs. Lewis.

This Legendary Great is hailed as the FIFA Fédération Internationale de Football Association) Player of the Century: Pele. Born in Brazil Edson Arantes do Nascimento on October 23rd 1940. Very early Pele took interest in Soccer or as it is known in Brazil…Football. Having very little money he was taught by his father who was also a soccer player. From the age of 15 he began playing with Brazilian local soccer club the Santos and by the age of 16 was playing the professional soccer (football) for the Brazilian National Team Know for his skill and charisma on and off the field Pele exploded on the scene internationally and was soon loved by all. Pele is known for his love of this “ beautiful game” over time Pele won the World Cup 3 times 1958, 1962 and again in 1970, making him the only player to have done this in history. In 1961 Pele also nickname “The King” or O Rei was declared an “official national treasure” to prevent him from being transferred out of the country. Pele also holds the Guinness World Record for 1,279 goals in 1,363 games in a soccer (football). Described as spectacular and electrifying on the field Pele international fame as a melanated athletic put him in the leagues of Author Ashe, Muhammad Ali and Jackie Robinson. Always an inspiration always positive and giving a smile. Pele retired in 1977 but continued to be a great humanitarian and was for a time the UNESCO Good Will Ambassador for the United Nations as well as former Minister of Sports for Brazil. Pele passed away December 29th 2022. Leaving behind his wife Marcia Aoki whom he married in 2026 and 7 children. Pele legacy will forever carry on. AMPS LEGENDARY GREAT.