RETOLD: African American Art and Folklore

Through March 24
RETOLD features more than 40 artists whose work examines the joy and struggles of the African American experience. The Akron Art Museum is open Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Gallery admission is free on Thursdays.

Gina Washington: “Universal Child” 

Through Feb. 10 
Akron Soul Train artist-in-residence Gina Washington examines Black American identity in her exhibit “Universal Child.” Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The exhibit is free and open to the public. 

A Book Club To Go book discussion

Feb. 1 | All day
Pick up a copy of the Akron-Summit County Public Library’s Goodyear Branch book of the month, “Black Cake” by Charmaine Wilkerson, during library business hours. Discussion questions are included.

Zoom: Black History Month Four-Part Music Series

Feb. 7 | 6-7 p.m.
Dive into blues, jazz, gospel, R&B, disco, hip-hop and rap during the first of a four-part series highlighting African American music. Register online or in person or call the Odom Boulevard Branch of the Akron-Summit County Public Library at 330-434-8726. 

Story Time with Hassan

Feb. 8 | 6-7 p.m.
The Highland Square Branch of the Akron-Summit County Public Library is hosting an all-ages storytime with Hassan Rogers, an acting coach and director with Weathervane Playhouse. The program is interactive and family-friendly. 

University of Akron Black History Month keynote speaker: Kofi Boakye

Feb. 8 | 5 p.m.
The “other kid from Akron,” Kofi Boakye, a two-time, Emmy-nominated pianist, producer and actor, will host an “unplugged” conversation at the Jean Hower Taber Student Union’s Gardner Theatre. The event is free and open to the public. 

Akron Symphony Orchestra: Gospel Meets Symphony

Feb. 10 | 7:30 p.m.
Gospel Meets Symphony is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. The annual concert features local musicians and vocalists, including the GMS 2.0 Choir, the junior gospel choir. Tickets are $15 to $60.

Story Time with author S.R.D. Harris

Feb. 24 | 11-11:45 a.m.
The Highland Square Branch of the Akron-Summit County Public Library is hosting a story and playtime for young readers ages 3 to 5. Author S.R.D. Harris will lead an interactive reading of her two books, followed by a craft and group playtime.

Grown-Up Book Fair

Feb. 24 | 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Elizabeth’s Bookshop & Writing Centre is partnering with Everyday Akron for a “grown-up” book fair highlighting Black-owned businesses in Akron. Merchandise will include books, candles, jewelry and more. Entry is free, but registration is encouraged for the sensory-friendly shopping hour from 11 a.m. to noon.

Multimedia reporter/producer (she/her)
Kassi Filkins strives to be an active part of whatever community she finds herself in and joins Signal Akron in its mission to bring accessible and community-focused news to all Akronites.

Kassi was born and raised in Central Ohio and is a photojournalism graduate of Kent State University. She was a staff member at the Southeast Missourian and the Hartford Courant before working in non-profit communications.

Kassi lives in Highland Square and enjoys local coffee shops, walking along trails in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and hanging out with her dogs, cat and husband.

Community & service reporter (they/them)
Reegan Davis Saunders is Signal Akron’s community & service reporter. Reegan studied journalism and art at Kent State University, and they are passionate about the intersection of the two disciplines.

Although Reegan grew up in metro Detroit, they have always been an Ohio State Buckeyes fan. After living in Kent the past few years, they are excited to explore more of Akron, especially the coffee shops.

At Signal Akron, Reegan hopes to serve underrepresented communities by creating more accessible content.