Renowned Cleveland Physician Debuts Memoir at Cleveland Public Library

An inspiring Cleveland physician is sharing his life story with the world.

Edgar B. Jackson Jr., M.D. will debut his memoir, A Way Up and A Way Out, at the Martin Luther King Jr. Branch of Cleveland Public Library on Saturday, September 24, 2022, at 1 p.m. The book signing event will feature a conversation with the author led by The Reverend Dr. Otis Moss Jr., Pastor Emeritus of Olivet Institutional Baptist Church. Books will be available for purchase. Seating is limited. Registration is required.

“Cleveland Public Library is honored to host Dr. Jackson’s author talk and book signing event at our MLK Branch,” said Felton Thomas, Jr., Executive Director and CEO of Cleveland Public Library. “As a 2022 recipient of the Cleveland Public Library Drum Major for Change Award, Dr. Jackson has dedicated his life to serving our community, promoting a healthy lifestyle, and inspiring the doctors of today and tomorrow. His memoir will serve as a guide on how to live, work, and treat others with respect and dignity.”

Dr. Jackson’s interest in medicine began as a child. The seed was planted before age ten when he first saw a Black doctor standing in his family’s doorway in rural Arkansas to see his ailing mother. Until then, Edgar B. Jackson Jr. did not know Black doctors existed. 

“It would prove to be a long road, from my roots in segregated Arkansas to inner-city Cleveland, through the discouragement of doors closed, the blessing of doors opened, and the perseverance to keep knocking on doors that others tried to shut,” remarks Dr. Jackson.

Now, the name Edgar B. Jackson Jr., M.D. emblazons an endowed chair at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, a STEM high school, and other programs that immortalize his commitment to support the education and mentorship of underrepresented minorities in medicine as one of his generation’s most respected physicians and champions of health equity. 

“Our Martin Luther King Jr. Branch is set to be reimagined, paying tribute to Dr. King’s legacy of service, his writings, and the many works and writings about social justice,” Thomas stated. “It feels fitting to host Dr. Jackson’s book signing in this space.” 

For more information on Dr. Jackson’s life and legacy and about the upcoming author event, visit dredgarbjacksonjr.com.