An Open Letter in Support of our New American Neighbors For generations, immigrants and refugees from across the globe have come to Akron and Summit County in hopes of a better life and a brighter future. Many of us were raised on the stories of the optimism and apprehension our ancestors experienced as they embarked on a new and uncertain future in a foreign land. The life of a New American can be challenging, but America is the land of opportunity and Akron has long been a city of innovation and industry, where creative and hardworking men and women could learn, work, and raise a family. And while the landscape of our community has evolved over the years, these core values have remained the same—we reward determination, overcome adversity, build bridges, and dream big. The New Americans of today share these values of hard work and individuality, bring fresh ideas and ingenuity to the table, and help to build a stronger economy for all of us. A recent study conducted by the Partnership for a New American Economy and the Knight Foundation demonstrated that as a result of immigrants and refugees settling in the greater Akron community, our local population is stabilizing, our tax base is strengthening, housing prices are climbing, and businesses are forming and reviving. Our local immigrant and refugee populations support our community’s growth and development in many ways and are essential to our future success. Diversity is not just an inevitable byproduct of an increasingly global civilization; diversity is an essential, treasured ingredient in any thriving and prosperous society. So, as leaders in this community, we want to make it clear: whether you are foreign-born or home-grown, there is a place for you here.
Dreamers, Seekers, Learners and Entrepreneurs — Akron and Summit County welcome you. Daniel Horrigan, Mayor of Akron Ilene Shapiro, County of Summit Executive William Considine, President & CEO of Akron Children’s Hospital Jim McIlvaine, Chairman of the Summa Health Board of Directors Matthew Wilson, President of the University of Akron Para Jones, President of Stark State College Beverly J. Warren, President of Kent State University Joe Kanfer, Chairman & CEO of GOJO Industries, Inc. Elizabeth Z. Bartz, President and CEO of State and Federal Communications
Marilyn Keith, President of Akron City Council David James, Superintendent of Akron Public Schools Patrick Bravo, President of the Board of Education of Akron Public Schools Pastor Eugene Norris II, Mountain of the Lord Fellowship Bishop Joey Johnson, House of the Lord Staff, Board and Volunteers of International Institute of Akron Kara Ulmer, Office Director of World Relief Akron Michael Byun, President of ASIA, Inc.