INSIDE AKRON: Akron Documenters are fanning out across the city’s 24 neighborhoods to elevate places, faces, voices and vibes — as shared by the people who live there. Expect a new profile every day through October.
Akron is a working class city with a deep undercurrent of the do-it-yourself ethos — a stroll through East Akron puts that mindset on display. Whether it’s the food pantry at New Exodus Christian Fellowship Church or the community events held at Joy Park Community Center, neighbors helping neighbors is the vibe.
Flanked by South Akron and Firestone Park to the west and Akron’s Ellet neighborhood to the east, residents in East Akron say there’s a lack of small businesses and accessible grocery stores. The economics of the neighborhood also mean there’s plenty of foot traffic on area streets, though residents say the lack of investment by the city in basic infrastructure such as street lights and intact sidewalks can make these walks difficult, especially at night.
But there is hope, and certainly resiliency, throughout the neighborhood. The residents you’ll meet below have taken it upon themselves to make sure their neighbors are taken care of, despite what they say is a lack of investment in their community.
VOICE OF THE PEOPLE: KL Hamilton, known as “Ms. Kim” in the neighborhood
Ms. Kim has lived in East Akron for 31 years and works at Joy Park Community Center.
What is the most interesting thing about East Akron?
Ms. Kim said the resilience of the people in the community is the most interesting thing. She said that, despite a lack of resources allocated to East Akron, residents and the families who live in the neighborhood find ways to improve their quality of life.
What is missing from your neighborhood?
Programs, jobs and small businesses are missing, Ms. Kim said. She’d also like to see more mentoring and leadership training available in the community. Courses about financial literacy and proper parenting would be helpful as well. She wants to see more positive and healthy outlets for children.
How has East Akron changed over the time you’ve lived here?
Ms. Kim said there used to be many more programs to help young people. The crime rate has increased, she said. And lack of homeownership has affected community pride. The feeling of East Akron as a “village” is gone, she said…