Leon Bibb's Journey from Sixth-Grade Writer to TV News Legend

How a teacher's encouragement and God's guidance shaped the career of the pioneering Ohio newscaster

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Leon Bibb, an 81-year-old legendary Cleveland newscaster and the first African-American television anchor in Ohio, shares how a teacher's belief in his writing talent and God's voice guiding him through life's challenges shaped his remarkable career journey - from a sixth-grade playwright to a pioneering TV news icon.

Why it matters

Bibb's story highlights the profound impact that mentors and faith can have in overcoming adversity and achieving success, especially for marginalized individuals navigating a world that doesn't always recognize their talents. His perseverance and unwavering belief in his calling despite facing racism and rejection offer inspiration to aspiring journalists and anyone pursuing their dreams.

The details

As a sixth-grader, Bibb's teacher, Robert Taylor, told him he had a gift for writing and should become a writer, sparking Bibb's interest in journalism. Years later, when a college internship opportunity was denied to Bibb because of his race, he turned to God for guidance and ended up landing an internship at the local African-American newspaper, the Call & Post, where he covered Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s visit to Cleveland. This experience led to Bibb being hired by the Plain Dealer, launching his storied TV news career.

  • In 1953, when Bibb was in the sixth grade, his teacher Robert Taylor encouraged him to become a writer.
  • In 1965, as a junior at Bowling Green, Bibb was denied an internship because of his race, leading him to find an opportunity at the Call & Post newspaper.
  • That summer of 1965, Bibb covered Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s visit to Cleveland for the Call & Post, which led to him being hired by the Plain Dealer a year later.

The players

Leon Bibb

An 81-year-old legendary Cleveland newscaster and the first African-American television anchor in the state of Ohio.

Robert Taylor

Bibb's sixth-grade teacher who encouraged him to become a writer, changing the trajectory of his life.

William O. Walker

The publisher of the Call & Post, the African-American newspaper in Cleveland, who gave Bibb an internship after he was denied an opportunity elsewhere.

Martin Luther King Jr.

The civil rights leader whose visit to Cleveland in 1965 Bibb covered for the Call & Post, a pivotal moment in his early career.

Marguerite Bibb

Leon Bibb's wife of 59 years, whom he met as a freshman at Bowling Green.

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What they’re saying

“You have a gift. You should be a writer.”

— Robert Taylor, Bibb's sixth-grade teacher

“We don't hire black people. It's as simple as that.”

— Unnamed internship provider

“Come sit up front with me. Bob always considered you one of his sons. He'd see you on TV and say, 'There's my son.'”

— Robert Taylor's wife

What’s next

Bibb continues to work part-time at WKYC in Cleveland, providing commentary and special projects, sharing his wealth of experience and insight with a new generation of journalists.

The takeaway

Leon Bibb's journey from a sixth-grade writer to a pioneering TV news icon underscores the power of mentorship, faith, and perseverance in overcoming adversity. His story inspires others to pursue their passions and heed the guidance of those who see their potential, even when the world may not.