This Week in Indivisible Akron News
Starting difficult conversations, plus make more calls on the SAVE Act & more ways to defend democracy
Are We Asking The Right Questions?
By Noelle Bowman, co-founder of Indivisible Akron
In the 5 months our community of Indivisible Akron has existed, we’ve grown from 19 middle-aged white women to over 900 people. We’ve done a good job of diversifying into the LGBTQ+ community, thanks in particular to one of our leaders who is in the community and attends events. Take note.
But, I keep hearing a recurring theme: “Why aren’t more young people, Black people, and Hispanic people joining our meetings, rallies, conversations and events? Why aren’t they fighting with us?”
The answers I hear over and over: They’re tired. They’re scared. They’re fed up. They’re apathetic …
Listen, I’m not qualified to speak on behalf of any marginalized group. And I think that before any of us does, we first need to look at our own networks. What are you, my fellow community activists, doing to learn about racism? What are you doing to understand what Gen Z, Gen Y and Gen Alpha care about? What are you doing to support the immigrant communities? What are you doing to stop conversations that veer into marginalization and ‘othering’ territories? Change starts with conversations.
I have two challenges for you. First, learn. Join our May book club for a discussion of “Dear White Women.” Details below (May 21). If you can’t join our book club, start your own even if it’s with one other person. We’re compiling a list of books, podcasts, Substacks, blogs, and streaming sources to help you start conversations. Let’s Really Learn About Diversity.
Second, meet folks where they are. Attend predominantly Black or Hispanic churches. Go to a high school musical, sporting event or activity that’s open to the public. Find ways to connect, like through the Akron NAACP and Akron Urban League.
Now, on to business.
Read, Listen, Watch
Why Protest?
If you’ve wondered whether protesting makes a difference, Kathie J. from Medina shared this article from the Daily Kos, “Needed: 9.1 Million Americans.” The TL;DR (too long; didn’t read) of it: The number of protests has doubled since Trump’s first term. Protests are a form of civic resistance intended to oppose authoritarianism and protect democracy. The momentum is growing. Read this if you need a quick lift.
So You Want to Be a Dissident?
Another community member, Suellen R. shared this article from The New Yorker that’s worth a listen (28 minutes) or read. “So You Want to Be a Dissident?” discusses the rise of dissidents in the Trump era, highlighting how challenging Trump has become increasingly dangerous.
Fascism and the English Language
The Research Collaborative has compiled a guide to speaking about the Trump regime, including things to say and not say. Example: Do say “Trump regime,” but don’t say “Trump administration.” Why? “We have entered into fascist rule, a break from any recent form of government.” Get the guide here. (Thanks to Sherry M. for sharing this with us.)
Calls to Action (CTAs)
NOW: Learn More About Ohio HB 96 & Take Action
This opinion piece from Ohio Capital Journal explains how the Cleveland Browns owners donated big money to Ohio lawmakers and are now asking for $600 million in taxpayer subsidies. The Republicans want to give $600 million in state-backed bonds to the Browns while also slashing public schools, childcare, Medicaid and other essential services. State Representative Sean Patrick Brennan (D-Parma) explains it here, saying, “Prioritizing an unvetted billion-dollar loan to subsidize one of the wealthiest professional sports leagues on earth over Ohio’s children, hard-working middle class, and senior citizens is heartbreaking.” Every Ohioan, save for the Haslam family (Browns’ owners), should object to this greedy grab.
KEEP CALLING: Oppose the SAVE Act (AKA Silencing Americans Act)🔥🔥🔥🔥
The SAVE Act may be our biggest threat at the moment. If it goes through, we will have a steeper hill to climb in the midterm elections. We have to do everything we can to oppose this dangerous piece legislation.
Download 5 Calls now and call senators Moreno and Husted daily. We cannot be discouraged by their lack of presence and voter outreach.
Your action items are here. The information on the HR 22 is here.
April 21: LBGTQIA+ Working Group Meeting
The LGBTQIA+ working group of Indivisible Akron will gather at 6:00 p.m. to meetup and discuss upcoming events, calls to action, and how we can support the community. If you would like to attend, please email indivisibleakron@gmail.com and we will share the location, which is in the Fairlawn/Copley area.
April 21: Resilience Group Meeting
Indivisible Akron has launched a resilience group that meets twice a month. The next meeting is 5:30 p.m. in the Highland Square area, location shared upon RSVP. What’s a resilience group? It’s a facilitator-led support group where members can sit in a circle, and share their fears, frustrations and joys. It’s a private meeting, and we’ll share the location when you RSVP to indivisibleakron@gmail.com.
April 22: Social Gathering
Join members of Indivisible Akron, Akron Democracy Defenders and locals for an informal gathering every Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. at Mustard Seed Market in Highland Square. No RSVP required. No agenda. No speakers. No action items! Come, grab a drink and a snack from MSM’s delicious cafe and socialize with like-minded residents. More info here (Facebook).
April 24: Indivisible Akron Equality Collective
This Thursday, April 24, the Equality Collective (our working group that stemmed out of diversity, equity and inclusion) will meet at 6:00 p.m. in the conference room at Mustard Seed Market in Highland Square.
April 25: Arbor Day at Joy Park
Arbor Day Event with the Akron Tree Commission at 5:00 p.m. at Joy Park Community Center. Join Mayor Malik, city staff, and the Tree Commission in honoring Arbor Day with a tree planting ceremony/event. No RSVP necessary.
April 27 Save Democracy Rally in Medina!
Come raise your voice for democracy from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Medina Square on Sunday, April 27. Bring your tambourines, maracas, drums and signs (make a sign; supplies available at the gazebo). Information at prodemocracy1775@gmail.com.
May 1: May Day National Day of Action
On May Day 2025, workers, parents, community members, students, and working families are coming together to raise their voices for better, safer, and stronger communities across the country. “We deserve places that center the needs of working families, neighborhood public schools, affordable housing and access to high-quality healthcare.” Join the concerted effort at one of the locations listed below.
May 1: Throughout Ohio — May Day Events presented by the Mayday Coalition Project
Join the May Day protest in Akron. More information is here, and you can RSVP (or just show up). This event is not organized by Indivisible Akron; it’s a coalition effort through the Mayday Coalition Project.
There are more events throughout Ohio. The links below go to the Facebook event pages. If you aren’t on Facebook, event details are on Mayday Coalition Project’s website.
Protect the Working Class: 4:00 p.m. at the Ohio Statehouse
Rally for the Working Class: 5:00 p.m. at Dayton Courthouse Square
Fight for the Working Class: 5:00 p.m. at 1 Government Center in Toledo
Fight for the Working Class: 5:00 p.m. at Mahoning County Courthouse
Fight for the Working Class: 5:00 p.m. at Kalahari Sandusky
Fight for the Working Class: 5:00 p.m. 8 West Washington Street, Athens
Fight for the Working Class: 5:00 p.m. Ziegler Park in Cincinnati
Fight for the Working Class: 6:00 p.m. Market Square in Cleveland
Fight for the Working Class: 6:00 p.m. Cascade Plaza in downtown Akron
May 6: Vote in Ohio
What’s on the ballot? Akron-Summit County Public Library’s Issue 18 will help fund building renovations for the library system’s 18 locations. When it passes, it will cost property owners $35 a year for every $100,000 of the property’s appraised value. Learn more from Signal Akron. Learn more from Akron-Summit Library.
Key Information:
Election Date: May 6, 2025 (Polls Open 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.)
What’s On My Ballot: Enter your information
Early in-Person Voting: April 8, 2025, and includes the Saturday and Sunday before Election Day.
Absentee Voting by Mail: Begins April 8, 2025 (If not returned by mail, absentee ballots must be received by your board of elections by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day).
How to Register or Check Your Status: Visit Ohio's official voter registration website or check with your local election office.
ID Requirements: https://www.ohiosos.gov/elections/voters/id-requirements/
If you have questions, visit the Summit County Board of Elections website, or give them a call at (330) 434-1311.
May 8: Benefit for Immigration
If you’re out and about in the Cuyahoga Falls area on Thursday, May 8, stop in at Tiki Underground, where they will donate $1 from every drink ordered to an immigration-related cause TBD (to be determined). Tiki Underground is at 1832 Front Street. Public parking is available (but parking in the Sheraton parking lot is a no-no). No RSVP necessary. Show up thirsty and hungry (menu).
May 12: Indivisible Akron’s Monthly Meeting
Join Indivisible Akron for its monthly meeting. Learn about the community, find out how you can get involved. Meet like-minded people who want to fight for democracy, defend human rights, and protect the Constitution. Hear about what our working groups are doing. Guest speaker announcement and agenda coming soon. We are working to have better sound. Monday, May 12 at 6:00 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. RSVP required.
May 14: Citizens’ Police Oversight Board Committee Meeting
The board’s next committee meeting is Wednesday, May 14 at 4:30 p.m. in the Community Room of Maple Valley Branch Library, 1187 Copley Road in Akron . Meetings are live-streamed via the city’s YouTube page. Details on upcoming meetings and events are here.
May 21: Citizens’ Police Oversight Board
Akron’s Citizens’ Police Oversight Board (CPOB) meets the third Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in city council chambers at 166 South High Street, 3rd floor.
May 21: Indivisible Akron Book Club
The Indivisible Akron book club is reading “Dear White Women: Let’s Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism.”
Book description: “From the creators of the award-winning podcast Dear White Women, this heart-led, evergreen book breaks down the psychology and barriers to meaningful race discussions for white people, contextualizing racism throughout American history in short, targeted chapters.”
We’re meeting at the Highland Square library in the larger community room from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. RSVP here. The book is available from the Akron-Summit library in print and audio; however, we recommend you buy the print edition. It is a keeper. Find the book online:
You can also try local independent bookstores: Little Sparrow Bookshop in Canton, Shelf Life in Cuyahoga Falls, and Black Cat Books & Oddities in Medina. This post by Everyday Akron includes other sources for finding books.
Noelle -- thank you for the compilation of Events!