John Skrtic has been with the Cleveland Public Library for over 30 years. He now serves as the chief of special projects and collections, which makes him responsible for overseeing the 11 million items in the Library Collection. He holds a master's of library and information science from Kent State University and a master's of public administration from Cleveland State University. Skrtic grew up on East 41st Street in Downtown Cleveland and has lived in the city his entire life. He is father of two children and spends his free time archiving the people and places of Cleveland.
Kamal and Don
It was great to get a photo of legendary Cleveland brothers Kamal Abdul-Alim and Don Freeman, who were relaxing and talking on a bench in Main Library as Clevelanders walked by, perhaps unaware of the brothers’ profound impact on Northeast Ohio.
Don Freeman is a Cleveland-based activist, educator, author and voracious reader, renowned for his deep commitment to the liberation of all oppressed people, especially those of African descent. A co-founder of the Revolutionary Action Movement (RAM) — the predecessor to the Black Panther Party — Freeman was a close friend of Malcolm X and shared his vision for Black self-determination and social justice. Alongside his late wife and soul mate, Norma Jean Freeman, he co-published Vibrations magazine, a vital voice for civil rights and education reform in Cleveland for over 50 years. After attending Glenville High School, Freeman pursued higher education, walking 45 minutes to attend classes at Case Western Reserve University. He later taught English in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. His autobiography, Reflections of a Resolute Radical, chronicles this journey and his lifelong activism, sharing insights that have shaped the narrative of Black identity and resistance in Cleveland.
Kamal Abdul-Alim is a Cleveland-born jazz trumpeter and composer known for his innovative fusion of jazz, African music and other diasporic styles. His musical journey began early, with his mother teaching him how to read music and play piano. He continued his studies at the Cleveland Music Settlement, along with his learning bass violin and tuba in the city’s public schools. After serving in the military, he studied trumpet under Hungarian composer Janos Kiss and later moved to Boston to attend Berklee College of Music. At the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, he earned a BA while studying African American music under Max Roach and Archie Shepp and directing the African American Cultural Center.
Together, Abdul-Alim and Freeman represent the rich legacy of Cleveland’s history — bridging the city’s creative and revolutionary spirit across music, activism, and education.
Nick Kostis
I was fortunate to capture a quiet moment with Nick Kostis at his ever-popular Pickwick & Frolic, where people had gathered to celebrate 40 years of laughter in Cleveland courtesy of Nick and his various comedy spots. He is the beating heart of East 4th Street and Downtown Cleveland, a teacher-turned-entrepreneur who has never stopped giving back to the city he loves.
Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Nick moved here in the 1960s for college and stuck around to teach social studies and counsel kids in schools across Ohio. He could have stayed in the schools forever — he was good at it, but in 1984, he decided to roll the dice and opened The Little Bar & Grill down in the Warehouse District. Not long after, he brought Hilarities 4th Street Theatre to life, a place that drew comics like Seinfeld and Drew Carey to the stage. He didn’t stop there. In 2002, he took a down-on-its-luck stretch of East 4th Street and created something new: Pickwick & Frolic, a spot where you could eat, drink, laugh, and be a part of something special.
Comedy club veterans call him a visionary, a guy who sees not only what is, but what could be. Even now, well into his 80s, Nick is there every day, checking in, greeting people, making sure the place still hums with energy. You get the sense that for Nick, this isn’t just about running a business; it’s about making Cleveland a lively and truly special place.
Roseanna Safos
It was great to run into the multi-talented Roseanna Safos, who is not only a gifted musician but also the owner of Little Rose Tavern in West Park. Roseanna told me that her cozy neighborhood bar will celebrate six years in business this August. Known for its wood-paneled charm and eclectic events, Little Rose Tavern has become a staple in Cleveland's music scene, offering a welcoming space for live performances and community gatherings. It’s one of my favorite spots in the city — thanks to Roseanna’s tireless efforts to provide a venue where musicians and artists can play and relax.
Jeff Kinzbach
I caught up with legendary broadcaster Jeff Kinzbach in Lakewood Park. Jeff is a Cleveland original: a kid from the West Side who got his first taste of radio magic as a boy, tuning in to Radio Luxembourg on his shortwave radio and getting hooked. That early spark led him to his first job at WIXY 1260, where he learned the ropes from the ground up, starting with answering the phones. Later on, he could be heard cracking jokes and spinning tunes on WMMS’s Buzzard Morning Zoo, where he and Ed “Flash” Ferenc kept the city laughing and rocking through the daily grind.
Always willing to roll up his sleeves, he was also the guy behind the scenes: the production director who found ways to make the station stand out, weaving humor and hijinks into the soundtrack of a city. He didn’t just play the hits. Among other things, he helped rally the community to build the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame here, a testament to his love for the music that brought Cleveland to life.
After signing off from WMMS, he hit the road with his wife, Patti, trading the buzz of morning radio for the quiet hum of a motorhome, swapping playlists for podcasts. These days, he’s still got the stories, still got the laughs — just a little more space between them — and a little more sky overhead.
Gentile's Bakery
Gentile’s Bakery, Catering & Deli has been feeding the region since 1993. Originally from Macchiagodena — a town high in the Apennine mountains of Italy’s Molise region — owners Filippo and Rachele Gentile immigrated with a dream in mind and the determination to make it happen. They started small, opening a cozy shop on Ridge Road two decades ago, turning out pizzas and subs that quickly drew a loyal crowd.
When Filippo and Rachele decided to add a full bakery and catering business a few years back, the family pulled together and worked until they had the kind of shop they once dreamed about, which now stands proudly at 5626 Broadview Road in Parma.
Their bakery is the real deal, and their pizza has become a local legend. I chatted with a few of the 15 people on staff, and it was clear right away that this place runs on family, pride and a lot of good energy. Rachele and her son Albert —two of the hardest-working folks I’ve ever met — graciously agreed to pose for a photo for me in the midst of their busy workday. gentilesbakery.com
Johnny Wu
It was great to capture a photo of my friend Johnny Wu dressed in stunning Ming Dynasty regalia at the Cleveland Asian Festival. Born in Cleveland and raised for a time in Panama, Johnny’s story bridges continents and cultures. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Chinese, his journey is evident through each of his creative projects.
Johnny has been behind the camera since 1998, producing, directing and editing everything from corporate videos to award-winning indie films. He founded Media Design Imaging (MDI) to tell stories that cross borders, producing and distributing more than 14 feature films worldwide.
But Johnny’s influence goes well beyond the camera. As co-founder of the Cleveland Asian Festival — now drawing over 50,000 people to AsiaTown each year — he’s built a space that prioritizes culture and community. He has also produced One World Day at the Cleveland Cultural Gardens since 2015, and served as President of OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates, Greater Cleveland Chapter.
For me, this photo of Johnny represents more than a single moment: it’s a snapshot of a man who has spent decades bringing people together through art, culture and community.
Mariela Paz
Born in Honduras, Mariela Paz spent 14 years working in graphic design in Miami before returning to Cleveland in 2015. A force of creativity and resilience, she opened Sabor Miami Cafe & Gallery at 4848 Broadview Road that same year. She is also a survivor of cancer and domestic abuse — two battles she faced with courage and determination.
While many think of Sabor Miami as a taste of Miami, the story starts right here in Cleveland. After years in Miami, Mariela came here with a vision of using her design skills to create a community hub that honored her Latin roots. At Sabor Miami, you’ll find Cuban, Honduran and Peruvian dishes served alongside a display of Mariela’s original artwork. Her journey through hardship and healing is reflected in every plate and canvas. A big thank you to Mariela for sharing her story with me. I’ll definitely be back to catch up and try more of those signature meals and drinks at one of Cleveland’s favorite spots.
Thomas Mulready
I recently met up with the indefatigable Thomas Mulready for a fantastic meal at The Root Cafe in Lakewood. We talked about everything from his deep roots in the music and arts scene to his tireless work archiving decades of Cleveland’s cultural history through Cool Cleveland.
Thomas founded the Cleveland Performance Art Festival back in 1987. That groundbreaking event ran until 2003 and brought together over a thousand artists from 23 countries. It was a vital platform for experimental and avant-garde performances, celebrated for its diverse voices and fearless artistic choices.
In 2004, Thomas helped launch Ingenuity Cleveland, a festival that turns public spaces into interactive innovative experiences through a blend of art and technology. What started as an event has grown into a year-round force supporting the creative economy of the region.
As the founder of Cool Cleveland, Thomas continues to champion the city’s culture through podcasts, videos and newsletters that highlight local arts, events and personalities. He effectively connects tradition, innovation, education and economic development to keep the city’s creative spirit alive.
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