AKRON, Ohio — The City of Akron has announced that it will partner with the Akron Urban League to host a Juneteenth celebration following last week's last-minute cancellation of events.
The Juneteenth celebration will take place on Wednesday, June 19, from 1-7 p.m. at the John S. Knight Center in Akron.
Akron officials announced on Friday, June 14, that they were canceling all large public events, including last weekend's scheduled Juneteenth celebration, due to safety concerns in the wake of the mass shooting that took place near the intersection of Kelley and 8th Avenue on June 2.
“We appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with so many folks on short notice, and want to thank the Akron Summit Convention and Visitors Bureau for opening the Knight Center for this important commemoration,” said Mayor Malik. “Event organizers, the Akron Urban League, METRO RTA, and others have all joined hands to make this happen.”
During a press conference on Friday night, Mayor Malik canceled 11 public events, claiming that eight Akron council members asked that the weekend's Juneteenth celebrations be canceled.
However, Akron City Council released a statement on Saturday to "set the record straight," alleging that they "did not request that the mayor cancel all large gatherings on city-owned property."
City officials noted that safety remained a top priority while planning Wednesday's upcoming event. The City of Akron says that safety personnel and emergency medics will be at the events, and security screenings will be conducted.
Anyone interested in attending the celebration can park for free in the Broadway deck at 120 S. Broadway and the High Street deck adjacent to the Akron-Summit County Public Library.
The City of Akron also anticipates closing Mill Street between High and Broadway in front of the Knight Center as part of the event.