NewsChannel5's Leon Bibb honored at Kent State luncheon

KENT, Ohio - Nearly 100 people gathered at Kent State's Student Center for the Robert G. McGruder Luncheon Distinguished Guest Lecture and Awards Presentation.

"Today, we honor the commitment of some noteworthy media professionals. You make a difference in so many lives,” said Dr. Alfred a Brown, vice president of the division of Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at Kent State.

NewsChannel5's Leon Bibb is this year's recipient of the Diversity in Media Distinguished Leadership Award.

"Nuance in journalism is important. It's something we see less and less of each day,” said Kent State President Dr. Lestor Lefton said. "These are the kinds of role models that inspire our campus community."

Robert G. McGruder was a trail-blazing Kent State journalist, who listed a number of firsts on his resume, including first black editor of the Daily Kent Stater and the first black reporter at the Plain Dealer. He was also first black executive editor at the Detroit Free Press.

“For centuries, the doors were not always open. I think of my forefathers. I think of my father and mother, and of my father’s deep interest in the radio day of his youth. But there was no microphone for him, no opportunity,” Bibb said.

The award and lecture series serves as a reminder of the commitment McGruder had for diversity.