The Akron community is invited to attend the ceremonial swearing in of Shammas Malik, Akron’s 63rd mayor, on Saturday, Jan. 6, at 1 p.m. at the E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall. Doors open at noon, and attendees can register for the free event online. Parking is available at the E.J. Thomas Parking Deck, Lot #27 and Lot #26, which is the North Campus Parking Deck.

Malik, was officially sworn in on Monday around 12:01 a.m. in the City Council chambers in a private ceremony that included members of his transition team, cabinet and family and friends. 

The event will begin with performances by Hearts for Music and the Akron Symphony Orchestra Gospel Choir. Carla Davis and Lauren Marsh will perform “A Change is Gonna Come” before Malik is sworn in at 2:30 p.m. 

There will be headsets available for Spanish and Nepali interpretation services at the ceremony. Anyone interested should contact Kelly McHood at kelly@togetherforakron.com to reserve a pair. 

Sensory bags will also be provided by the Accessibility Library for guests with sensory sensitivities.

After the ceremony, a community celebration will be held at House Three Thirty at 532 W. Market St. at 6 p.m. Guests can meet with the mayor, enjoy refreshments and watch surprise performances at this family-friendly event. Reservations for this event are closed. 

Metro RTA will offer free fares on METRO Direct & ADA services on Saturday.

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.