Once widely praised for reviving the city of Detroit and being an influential spokesman for America's cities, he also bore the brunt of criticism for circumstances surrounding the infamous Detroit riots in 1967. He was Jerome P. Cavanagh, one of the most influential and controversial mayors in Detroit's history.

A new exhibition opening this evening, Nov. 30, at Wayne State University's Walter P. Reuther Library of Labor and Urban Affairs examines Cavanagh's life and career through photographs, news clippings and other memorabilia. The exhibit, which opens with a 5 p.m. reception and 6 p.m. ceremonies, will continue through spring of next year.

A dynamic politician who gained a reputation as an innovative leader, Cavanagh was mayor of Detroit from 1962-70. He was a relatively unknown 33-year-old when he built a grassroots campaign that carried him to the mayoralty over incumbent Louis Miriani early in the turbulent 1960s.

As mayor, his first executive order was to institute a fair employment policy. He also appointed more African Americans to city positions than any previous Detroit mayor. He instituted the nation's first anti-poverty policy, worked to improve police-community relations and established weekly trash pick-up service. His energy and accomplishments led President's John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson to appoint him to national commissions and advisory panels.

But Cavanagh's star began to fall during the summer of 1967, when violence erupted in Detroit's streets and troops were called in to quell the disturbance. The underlying causes of the riot were widely debated, but Cavanagh was roundly criticized for his handling of the situation. In spite of many new initiatives, including a key role in the founding of New Detroit following the disturbance, his political fortunes slipped and he did not run for a third term. He died at the age of 51.

The exhibit, sponsored by the library and WSU's College of Urban, Labor and Metropolitan Affairs, covers many highlights in the career of Detroit's second youngest mayor. Kevin Boyle, professor at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, will discuss Cavanagh's career during a 3:30 p.m. lecture today in the Reuther Library's reading room.

The library is open Monday through Friday; admission is free. For more information call (313) 577-4024.