A new twist to a Cleveland Public Library tradition. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Library is partnering with WOIO 19News to broadcast its 36th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Celebration. There are three opportunities to watch:
| DATE | CHANNEL | TIME |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday, January 17 | WUAB Channel 43 | 7:00 p.m. |
| Monday, January 18 | WOIO Channel 19 | 9:00 a.m. |
| Monday, January 18 | WUAB Channel 43 | 11:00 a.m. |
“COVID-19 has changed so much in our lives, but we won’t let it stop us from honoring the changemakers and unsung heroes in the city of Cleveland,” said Felton Thomas, Jr., Executive Director and CEO of Cleveland Public Library. “The Library collaborated with WOIO to turn our typical live ceremony into something even more special for the community. Everyone is invited to tune in to commemorate a Civil Rights icon and everyday Clevelanders who go above and beyond for their neighbors.”
Dr. King believed in standing up for justice, for truth, to never be afraid to do what’s right. Our honorees have created opportunities, through their service, for Clevelanders to experience freedom and independence.
Dr. Sadie Winlock, Chief Equity, Education & Engagement Officer at Cleveland Public Library
“WOIO is proud to collaborate with Cleveland Public Library on this important program that pays tribute to Dr. King’s legacy and educates our community on the fight for social justice,” remarks Erik Schrader, General Manager at WOIO and WUAB. “It’s an extension of our work on “The Next 400” project which is aimed to help us heal from centuries of injustices and the unjust actions witnessed in 2020.”
This year’s theme for the MLK 2021 program, “And Justice for All,” is inspired by the work of Dr. King, and the writings of author Leslie Snyder, celebrated abolitionist Frederick Douglass, and President Theodore Roosevelt. “Dr. King believed in standing up for justice, for truth, to never be afraid to do what’s right. Our honorees have created opportunities, through their service, for Clevelanders to experience freedom and independence,” said Dr. Sadie Winlock, Chief Equity, Education & Engagement Officer at Cleveland Public Library.
Viewers will be inspired by Cleveland Public Library Drum Major for Change Award winner and Cleveland Foundation Senior Vice President India Pierce Lee and intrigued by a frank conversation with Reverend Dr. Marvin McMickle, interim pastor at Antioch Baptist Church, and young leaders 14-year old Madison Reid and 17-year old Noah Foster. Program highlights also include performances by the Cleveland Metropolitan School District All-City Arts Choir, The Rubber City Jazz & Blues Festival, a Karamu House reenactment of Robert F. Kennedy’s 1968 eulogy of Dr. King, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Delta Alpha Lambda Chapter.
“Dr. King’s legacy of fighting for justice for all is still relevant today. We hope this celebration inspires people to find their own way to honor Dr. King in their everyday lives,” remarks Winlock.
Cleveland Public Library is open to drive-up and walk-up services Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. The Main Library drive-up window is open on Saturday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. To order your next read, movie, or audiobook by mail, visit cpl.org to learn about our Homebound Service and Words on Wheels program.
Special thanks to our special sponsors
