Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame to Induct Alan Freed
The state plans to honor the pioneering radio disc jockey during a public ceremony in Columbus on October 29, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Awards
The Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame will induct former WKBN radio disc jockey Alan Freed, credited with popularizing the term rock n roll, on October 29, 2026. The ceremony recognizes Freed as a pioneer in human and civil rights.
Why it matters
The induction honors Ohioans who have made significant, lasting contributions to human and civil rights. The event serves as a platform to celebrate these historical figures within the state.
The induction ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. at the Lincoln Theatre, located at 769 E. Long Street in Columbus. Admission is free, though attendees must register online in advance.
The players
Alan Freed
He was a prominent radio disc jockey at WKBN who became famous for popularizing the term rock n roll.
The details
The event highlights the legacy of Alan Freed, who rose to prominence working at WKBN radio. Alongside Freed, the Hall of Fame will honor several other notable nominees including Phale D. Hale Sr., Clayton Washington Waller Sr., Catherine Talmadge Willis, Bettye J. Stull, Cora Mae Jones Thurman, Charlotte Remenyik, Lisa Wong, and Ellen Walker Craig-Jones.
Timeline
The induction ceremony is set for October 29, 2026.
The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. on October 29, 2026.
Culture Shift
The Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame preserves the history of Ohio's civil rights pioneers by formalizing their legacies for future generations. This recognition shifts the public narrative of figures like Alan Freed from music industry icons to foundational participants in civil and human rights history.
Residents can attend the induction ceremony for free, provided they complete the required online registration beforehand. The event offers the public an opportunity to engage directly with state history at the Lincoln Theatre.
The takeaway
The Hall of Fame induction highlights how cultural influencers often play pivotal roles in the broader scope of civil rights. Residents interested in local history are encouraged to plan ahead for the public ceremony to ensure their attendance.
What happens next
The induction ceremony will take place at the Lincoln Theatre in Columbus on October 29, 2026, at 10 a.m.
Further reading
For more on state-wide honors, see Ohio Awards.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WKBN.
