Akron Urban League Hosts Innerbelt Reunion

AKRON – Fifty years ago, the Black community of Akron suffered a tremendous setback when the Akron Innerbelt highway was constructed.

The construction of the highway precipitated the destruction of Akron’s largest Black community, and on Sunday, August 28th, the Akron Community Center and Urban League (Akron, OH) hosted a reunion event for those who were displaced.

The Akron Innerbelt Reunion, held outside of the Urban League’s building, had a “Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow” theme. It had speakers speak on the history of the construction project, and its destructive impact on Akron’s Black community.

Ted Thompson, a local resident, said, “We want to reclaim revitalize, and renew our community, and this reunion is so important because it brings individuals together who want to commit to each other and ensure that the rebuilding of this community happens and that the history of this Black community is never forgotten.”

The event had several booths, including videos that contained testimonials from those who were displaced by the construction.

This event comes at a time when the city is asking for public input on repurposing a portion of the highway that was never completed. This 30-acre is now owned by the city of Akron, and the event served on how to best use that space.

Ward 4 Council Representative Russ Neal, who attended the event, said, “This Innerbelt reunion allows people to see the impact of flawed policy and how such policy can destroy a community. The ability to acknowledge the history of this community and not replicate such destructive policies in the future is so important, and I hope this reunion allows people to see just how unique this Black community was and what was lost with the Innerbelt’s construction.”

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