Celebrating Black History in Perkins Woods is an initiative of the Akron Zoo to share meaningful local history that took place in that portion of Perkins Woods/Perkins Park that is now the zoo. Each winter, we operate a historical exhibit at the Akron Zoo and organize special events and pop-ups throughout the year to explore:
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The role of the German American Alliance and Negro 25 Year Club in establishing and championing a monument to John Brown
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The Akron NAACP and West Side Neighbors' fight to keep the zoo in Perkins Woods, despite calls to move it
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A long-lived custard stand that served Akron's Black community through the rise and fall of the rubber industry
The initiative is community-advised and would love to see you visit the exhibit or attend an event. Please check back regularly for updates to the events calendar.
For more information, contact Michelle Camou at m.camou@akronzoo.org or 330-395-2550 x 7207.
Upcoming Events
Rededication of the John Brown Monument
RSVP by Wednesday, Sept. 24 by emailing externalaffairs@akronzoo.org or calling 330-842-6162.
Share Your Own Memories of the Custard Stand
*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