COLUMBUS, Ohio — A new historical marker was unveiled at the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Martin Luther King branch Wednesday.
Both sides of the new sign honor people who helped the branch and made a significant impact on the community.
On one side, the marker honors Architect Leon Ransom Jr., who was one of the first Black architects in central Ohio and designed the old MLK library in Columbus.
Ransom and his partner, Sylvester Angel opened Columbus’ first Black-led architecture firm in 1964 called Ransom & Angel.
The other side of the new sign honors the Martin Luther King Jr. Library and the family’s contributions to the library system and the Near East Side community.
The Columbus Library was the first public library in the country to name a branch after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. King’s father helped dedicate the original branch located at 1600 East Long Street in November 1968, just months after his son’s assassination.
Dr. King’s son, Martin Luther King III, helped dedicate the new MLK branch at 1467 East Long St. in October 2018.
During the unveiling of the marker, CEO Patrick Losinski, OHC COO Stacia Kuceyeski and Martin Luther King Branch Manager Chanie Scott all delivered remarks.
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