Cataloging the Culture
Cataloging the Culture
The “Cataloging the Culture” podcast is a groundbreaking platform that amplifies the voices and stories of Black men working in libraries across the nation—through a monthly series. Hosted by Dr. Karlos L. Marshall of the Dayton Metro Library, each monthly episode delves into their unique journeys, from discovering the profession to navigating challenges, and celebrating successes in a field where they remain underrepresented.
By sharing these powerful narratives, the podcast aims to bring visibility to the vital contributions of Black men in shaping libraries as transformative community spaces. Through candid and courageous conversations, the series seeks to inspire the next generation of Black male librarians, showcasing the meaningful impact they can have on the profession and their communities at-large.
About Dr. Marshall
Dr. Karlos L. Marshall is an internationally recognized social entrepreneur at the intersections of literacy advocacy, neighborhood revitalization, and community development. He has been named to Forbes ‘30 Under 30’, U.S. Library of Congress Literacy Award Best Practice Honoree, International Literacy Association ‘30 Under 30’, and Next City Vanguard. He currently serves as the Director of Community Impact and Engagement at the Dayton Metro Library. In this role, he oversees strategic community partnerships and specialized services for workforce development, small businesses, nonprofits, peer recovery support, food pantry, and public advocacy. Prior to his current role, he held the post of Chief Diversity Officer for the Library. Additionally, Dr. Marshall is the Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of The Conscious Connect CDC, a nonprofit that has received global recognition for their efforts to end book deserts and revitalize vacant lots into urban reading parks. He was also awarded a commendation by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), which is a division of the American Library Association (ALA).
Episode Six, November 11, 2025: Chris Wallace, Secretary, Clark County Library Board of Trustees
Chris Wallace is a multifaceted individual whose life journey is marked by a profound commitment to education, mentorship, and community service. Chris is actively involved in various community boards and currently serves as the Secretary for the Clark County Library Board of Trustees. Additionally, he serves on the Clark County Leadership Board, the City of Springfield Zoning Board, and will become a City of Springfield Commissioner in 2026. Furthermore, he serves as a Mentor Supervisor with the Springfield City School District and has played a pivotal role in managing programs such as YOUMedia and Makerspace, offering students enriching after-school opportunities. Chris is also the President of the Springfield chapter of My Brother's Keeper (MBK).
Episode Five, October 14, 2025: Dr. Henry (Hank) L. Benton III, Notre Dame University
Dr. Henry (Hank) L. Benton III was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio. Dr. Benton is a published author and regular storytime guest reader at public libraries, schools, and community events. Dr. Benton earned his BA in Psychology from Ashland University, where he attended on a football scholarship. He earned his MS and PhD in Counseling Psychology from Tennessee State University. Dr. Benton is currently on the sport psychology staff at the University of Notre Dame, serving the student athletes to help enhance their mental health and mental performance. His continuous goal as an author is to promote Black joy through literature.
Episode Four, September 08, 2025: Sammie Johnson, Director of Library Services, Wilberforce University
Sammie Johnson is a dedicated library leader, educator, and advocate for equity in higher education. He currently serves as Director of Library Services at Wilberforce University, where he is committed to creating inclusive, innovative spaces that support student success. With a background in Social Work and a Master of Library Science from Texas Woman’s University, Sammie brings a unique blend of leadership, community engagement, and strategic vision to his work. Passionate about mentoring and uplifting underrepresented voices, Sammie is especially focused on the experiences of Black professionals navigating librarianship in predominantly White institutions.
Episode Three, August 12, 2025: W. Tali Hairston, Ph.D., Board of Trustees President, The Seattle Public Library
W. Tali Hairston, Ph.D. was appointed to the Library Board by Mayor Jenny Durkan in March 2020 and reappointed by Mayor Harrell in May 2023. He directs the Nehemiah Initiative and is the principal researcher and owner of Equitable Development LLC, an education research and community development firm. Dr. Hairston is a published researcher and co-principal investigator for university physics and equity research work under multiple National Science Foundation awards. Since 2018, his portfolio includes over $350 million in community and public fund investments and projects.
Episode Two, June 17, 2025: Featuring Guest Dr. Anthony Wilson, Chief Operating Officer, Columbus Metropolitan Library
Dr. Anthony Wilson is the Chief Operating Officer for the Columbus Metropolitan Library and is currently Council Member At-Large for Grove City Council. Prior to joining the library, he was Assistant Chief of Police with the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police. Before working at Westerville, Anthony worked for the Columbus Division of Police for 25 years. A military veteran, Anthony earned a Bachelor’s degree from Ohio Christian University, a Master’s degree from Liberty University, and a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. He also serves on the board of directors for Special Olympics Ohio.
Episode One, May 21, 2025: Featuring Guest Bradley Kuykendall, Dayton Metro Library Floating Manager
Bradley Kuykendall is a dynamic library leader with roots in HBCU academia and a mission to serve the community with purpose. As a Floater Branch Manager at Dayton Metro Library, he brings bold energy to library innovation, equity, and mentorship. He’s a proud ALA Councilor-at-Large, OLC Membership Chair, and BCALA LevelUp mentor—pushing the profession forward with style and strategy. Whether he’s managing teams, empowering youth, or shaping library policy, Bradley keeps it real and community-focused.
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