AKRON URBAN LEAGUE INTRODUCES THE JUSTICE & EQUALITY GIVING SOCIETY

In its 95^th year of service the Akron Urban League officially kicked off the Justice & Equality Giving Society, a campaign to provide opportunities to join together as a community to support economic empowerment, equality and social justice. “Our city, indeed our country, is at a turning point to eliminate racism and achieve equity, we’re asking you to demonstrate your commitment to the Akron Urban League and those it serves,” states Alan Rothenbuecher, Board Chair of the Akron Urban League. 

Akron Urban League Welcomes Dr. Jennifer Ross

Dr. Jennifer Ross has been appointed as the Director of Diversity & Strategic Initiatives for the Akron Urban League

Dr. Ross brings more than 20 years of experience in higher education, race theory and policy studies to the newly created position.

Permaculture Akron’s August Meetup at Purplebrown Farm

How to Grow Mushrooms

Story and photos by Scott Myers

Sasha Miller hosted Permaculture Akron’s August meet-up for an active demonstration of her Purplebrown Farm’s foray into growing edible mushrooms.

Shamelessly copying and pasting from Purplebrown’s Facebook page: 

“Purplebrown Farmstead joined the Countryside Initiative Program in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park in 2016. Our approach is to apply an intensive permaculture design process to develop a long term vision for these 12 acres.  We are growing a resilient and productive food forest, including cider apples, diverse fruits & nuts, herbs, flowers, mushrooms, and livestock.  We are host community events throughout the year, focused on community, permaculture, education and recreation.”

Carson Barnes “make Akron – particularly Summit Lake – a better place.”

Carson Barnes

Story by Scott Myers

Last week I met with Michael Starks and a good friend of his, late morning at Angel Falls. We met to talk about the Board for Michael’s organization SLAAP (Start Living and Acting Positive), which I describe as a non-residential re-entry program.

Since it was a very nice day we sat outside.

While we were talking I heard someone playing the saxophone just up the street.  I was so focused on our conversation about what SLAAP does and how its Board could function that I couldn’t pay much attention to the music.

Our conversation ended when Michael’s friend needed to leave for another engagement. As Michael and I sat enjoying the sunshine, the saxophone player also took a break and wandered over to our table.  No surprise, he and Michael are long-time friends.  Michael introduced me to Carson.  When the topic of our earlier conversation came up Carson said he knows and loves what Michael does, and that he would love to play at a fundraiser for SLAAP.

Later when I left, I passed Carson playing on the bench in front of the apartments.  As we talked he told me about all of the community improvement initiatives he has worked on all across town and how many new ideas he has to make Akron – particularly Summit Lake – a better place.  I asked if I could take his picture.  He said, “Sure,” and started to play his horn.  I said no, let’s just keep talking.

Carson Barnes.  Musician.  Community builder.

Project Rise hosts 11th Annual Harvest Dinner for Local Families Experiencing Homelessness

 

This November, Project Rise and Kenmore-Garfield High School hosted the 11th Annual Project Rise Harvest Dinner for the students and families experiencing homelessness. The Harvest Dinner gives these families and youth the opportunity to celebrate this festive time of year with food, fun and friendship. The evening included arts and literacy activities, parent-child activities, Thanksgiving dinner, giveaways, and entertainment. Altogether, around 125 attendees enjoyed the special evening!