Martin Luther King Day Performances at the Cozad Bates House at Cozad Bates House – Cleveland, OH

Take the UCI MLK Shuttle from Wade Oval and join us for a meaningful Martin Luther King Jr. Day experience at the historic Cozad-Bates House. This special program features two powerful performances that explore African American history, storytelling, and creative expression, alongside access to the Cozad-Bates House Interpretive Center. Tickets are free but reservations are required.

11:00 AM

The Center for Arts-Inspired Learning presents

The Last Fugitive Slave: Miss Sara Lucy Bagby

This moving re-enactment tells the true story of Sara Lucy Bagby, a runaway slave who was captured in Cleveland amid protests from local abolitionists and forcibly returned to her enslaver. Bagby was the last fugitive slave returned from the North to the South under the Fugitive Slave Act during the Civil War.

The performance explores the lived experiences of African Americans under slavery and includes opportunities for audience participation through traditional songs.
Recommended for grades 4 through adult.

2:00 PM

The Sparrow’s Fortune presents

MLK Day Spoken Word Performance

Set against the historic backdrop of the Cozad-Bates House, local spoken-word artists will present a compelling poetry showcase that invites reflection, dialogue, and community participation. Through storytelling and performance, this experience aims to inspire, educate, and foster connection in the spirit of Dr. King’s legacy.

Special Note: Performances will take place in the front rooms of the Cozad-Bates House, separate from the Interpretive Center. The space will be performance-ready and ADA accessible, while intentionally preserving and highlighting the historic character of the house.