City of Akron Celebrates Black History Month
This month, the City of Akron joins others across the nation to recognize and celebrate Black History Month.
“The City of Akron is a diverse, vibrant community and the story of Akron’s history could not be told without the stories of Black activists, scholars, entrepreneurs, and visionaries,” said Mayor Malik. “February is a specific time to educate one another of the monumental work Black individuals have done - within our community and around the world. We must strive not only this month, but every month, to uplift these stories and people as we remember that our differences are not weaknesses. In fact, it is our diversity that is our strength.”
Mayor Malik encourages residents to follow the city’s social media pages (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) as we’ll be highlighting Black-owned businesses and history makers on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter feeds. Make sure to comment and tag some of your favorite local Black-owned businesses so we can amplify as many businesses as possible!
All month long, there will be events throughout the city to celebrate and honor Black History Month. See below for a list of some of those events and follow along on our social media as we repost events throughout the month:
Akron Symphony Orchestra’s Gospel Meets Symphony 2025: Gospel Meets Symphony is celebrating its 31st anniversary this year. The annual concert features the Akron Symphony Orchestra and the GMS Choir. Tickets start at $20. The event is Sat. Feb. 8 at 7:30pm at the E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Summit MetroParks Presents Archaeology & the Great African American Migration to Akron: On Monday, February 10 from 5:30pm-7pm, representatives from Summit MetroParks will give a historical presentation on the Wheelock Cuyahoga Acres at the Odom Boulevard Branch Library (600 Vernon Odom Blvd). This event is free and open to the public. Learn more here.
Shaw JCC’s WE HAVE A VOICE TOO! Youth Empowerment Summit 2025: All day conference on Friday, February 14, hosted by the Summit County Historical Society’s John Brown Institute at Shaw JCC (750 White Pond Dr.) from 9am-2:30pm. The event is free for students grades 8-12 and will feature a keynote address, networking opportunities, and brunch will be provided. Learn more here.
University of Akron Black History Month Concert: On Wednesday, February 19, join the University of Akron’s School of Music for a concert from students and faculty from 7:30pm-9pm. The performance will be held at Guzzetta Recital Hall (157 University Ave.) and will include works by Black composers from the late 19th century to the 21st This event is free and open to the public. Learn more here.
History of Black Women from The Tea Lady: Join The Tea Lady as she shares the History of Black Women Owned Tearooms from the early 1900's to date beginning at 1:30pm on Sunday, February 23 at the BLU-tique Hotel (1 S Main ). Taste 3- 4 exquisite teas and create your own tea sachets up to 4 of your very own creations. Purchase tickets and learn more here.
University of Akron’s Black-Owned Business Expo: Explore shops from local Black-owned businesses at the University of Akron’s 4th annual expo! Will be held on Tuesday, February 25 from 11am-1pm at the Jean Hower Taber Student Union (303 Carroll St.) and is free to the public. Learn more here.
Akron Zoo’s Perkins Woods Exhibit: Celebrate Black History in Perkins Woods with a new exhibit at the Akron Zoo (505 Euclid Ave.) The new exhibit looks at the history of Perkins Woods which is the former city park where the zoo now stands. Check it out any day between January 20 and March 7 from 11am-4pm. Purchase tickets and learn more here.
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