Leon Bibb Narrates Audiobook Version of Architect Robert P. Madison's Memoir

Earlier this year, the locally based Act 3 released Designing Victory, Cleveland architect Robert P. Madison’s memoir. Written by Madison with local author Carlo Wolff, it chronicles Madison’s remarkable career.

In 1954, Madison opened the first architectural firm in Ohio by an African-American architect. He would go on to design the U.S. Embassy in Dakar, Senegal, the Regional Transit Authority Healthline in Cleveland and the Stokes addition to the Cleveland Public Library.

Act 3 has just released the audiobook version of Designing Victory. Cleveland broadcast journalist Leon Bibb [pictured] provides the narration. It’s Act 3’s first audiobook, and the first audiobook narrated by Bibb.

“The story of Bob Madison is truly an American story of a patriot who has fought all his life to be fully sewn in the most positive ways into the fabric of the nation,” says Bibb in a press release about the audiobook. “His is a story of dealing with adversities but finding successes. When I performed the audio recording for his book, I read many passages with tears in my eyes and an undying respect for the author who is truly an American hero in every sense of the word.”

Madison narrates the book's prologue and epilogue, and Wolff contributes the afterword to the nearly eight-hour production.

“It was an honor to help Bob write his unique story,” says Wolff. “It is icing on the cake to give voice to his wise words.”

Madison enjoyed making the audiobook too.

“When I heard Leon’s voice reading this book, the experience was a bit surreal,” he said. “I’ve known Leon for over 30 years, so when I heard him use his talent and experience bring my words to life, I was inspired and humbled.”

Designing Victory is available via Apple Books, Amazon’s Audible and the Google Play store. The audiobook is also available on loan through Hoopla, Libby and other streaming platforms supported by many public libraries.

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