The show, ‘Look to the Past to Build the Future,’ is scheduled to be broadcast twice over the King holiday weekend, offering audiences an early glimpse of the library’s new MLK branch.
This weekend, the essence of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday will be commemorated by tuning in to a 30-minute tribute program entitled “Look to the Past to Build the Future.” Produced through a partnership between WKYC Studios and Cleveland Public Library, the special will be shown on 3News at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18, and at 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 20.
The television special will showcase archival footage of Dr. King’s visits to Cleveland in the 1960s, alongside personal recollections from local figures who actively participated in the civil rights movement alongside the esteemed Dr. King.
Serving as the show’s host is 3News senior reporter and commentator Leon Bibb, who gives his perspective on Dr. King’s life and impact on Carl B. Stokes’ successful groundbreaking run for Cleveland mayor. Bibb also sits down for an in-depth interview with civil rights advocates Rev. Dr. E.T. Caviness, Rev. Dr. Otis Moss Jr. and Mrs. Edwina Moss. All three were contemporaries of King, and shared stories of working with him through the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in the 1960s.
Plus, you’ll get a first look inside Cleveland Public Library’s new Martin Luther King Jr branch, opening in University Circle on Saturday, Jan. 25. The two-story facility, located at 10601 Euclid Ave., features flexible spaces for community meetings, dedicated spaces for children and teens, private meeting rooms, a 24-hour book locker, a laptop bar, exhibit spaces, and more.
“This library was built with our community in mind and a belief in its potential. It’s not just a place for books—it’s a place for people,” said Kimberly M. Hunter, manager of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Campus. “Here, children can discover new worlds, families can make memories, and neighbors can come together. We can’t wait to share it with you.”
Local artists will close out the 3News special with creative tributes to King through music, dance and poetry, featuring performances by Djapo Cultural Arts Institute and spoken word artist Damien McClendon.
The roundtable discussion with Rev. and Mrs. Moss and Rev. Caviness will be condensed for the special, but can be viewed in its entirety on wkyc.com and our WKYC+ streaming channel. Click here to watch their conversation with Leon Bibb.
