Perkins Woods, a city park now largely comprised of the Akron Zoo, was a place where Black residents in Akron made local history through the changes and challenges of the 20th century.
In this temporary exhibit, you'll discover how Black residents in Akron expanded the John Brown Monument, fought a plan to move the zoo from Perkins Woods and operated a long-lived Custard Stand at the park's edge as ways to affirm community and make a lasting impact on the city.
Upcoming Events
Rededication of the John Brown Monument
Sunday, September 28 Akron Zoo Parking Lot B
- 3 - 4:30 p.m. Program with speakers, musical selections and wreath laying procession
- 4:30 - 6 p.m. Mingling, activities and light refreshments
The John Brown Monument, located in a wooded area of the Akron Zoo, symbolizes struggles for civil liberties and civil rights by Akron's early settlers. Inspired by the abolitionism of John Brown, Akron's German American Alliance erected the monument's central pillar in 1910, and the Negro 25 Year Club added bench seating, fountains and a sculpted plaque in 1938.
This ceremony, based on the 1938 re-dedication ceremony organized by the Negro 25 Year Club, weaves the monument's fascinating history with understandings of its current meaning and significance.
Don't miss this once-in-a-quarter-century opportunity to remember our ancestors' commitments to freedom and equality.
RSVP by Wednesday, Sept. 24 by emailing externalaffairs@akronzoo.org or calling 330-842-6162.
*This event is FREE and open to the public
Thank you to our Community Advisors & Historians:
- Edna Borders, County of Summit
- Malcolm Costa, Community Action
- Judi Hill, NAACP Akron Chapter
- Barbara Crooks, Akron Public Schools (Retired)
- Melissa Haskins, Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority
- Donovan Landry, Greener Grounds Landscaping
- Jerome Moss, Guys and Gals Community Partnership
- Leianne Neff Heppner, Summit County Historical Society