Posted by Steve Buie on May 27, 2020
The Akron Rotary Club continues to have a strong commitment to serving our wonderful community. Last year, the club's President, along with a group of club leaders spent many months developing a strategic plan for the next 5 years. Part of that plan was to be deliberate and to choose to become more diverse and inclusive. We recognize that our city is blessed with tremendous people resources throughout and we need the help and involvement of black Akron and the International community.

We also realize that in order to successfully represent our great City, we need to see and hear the needs of all  Akron.

Recently, Robert DeJournett, director of diversity and inclusion, from the Akron chamber of commerce shared with our club during a virtual zoom meeting. He shared how our Club could take a much-needed step to help black small business owners who own barber shops and beauty salons throughout Akron.

The effects of the pandemic on these small businesses was overwhelming. Robert invited us to help meet a present need by purchasing much needed supplies for these shops to reopen in the first week of June. 
 
Our Club responded by saying yes, count us in! We have raised $6,000 for the purchase of supplies to be distributed to area salons and barber shops.

Rotarians will be meeting to put together the supply packages and to make deliveries.

We're thankful for the opportunity to serve and to build relationships with our brothers and sisters in need.

Steve Buie
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