What began as a local community initiative blossomed into a powerful symbol of unity and purpose – a testament to the transformative impact of collective effort that honors the past and offers a shared vision for the future. Sojourner Truth in a photograph from 1863. | Photo: Library of Congress In 2020, commemorating the 100th […]
Article · May 17, 2024 by Knight Foundation and Kyle Kutuchief
Cities across the United States are transforming urban landscapes once divided by highways, fostering new connections to rebuild communities. In the mid-20th century, highways were built that sliced through vibrant neighborhoods, causing displacement, disconnection and loss. However, recent years have seen a shift toward reimagining and reconnecting these spaces. Local leaders are spearheading projects to […]
Article · November 28, 2023 by Kelly Jin, Lilly Weinberg, Kyle Kutuchief, Jai Winston, Charles Thomas and John Churchill
Akron’s Summit Lake was once neglected, but members of the community came together to ensure the lake served Akronites as an accessible and popular public space. Summit Lake’s transformation includes the construction of a destination park, and most recently, a Nature Center that will open its doors in July. Knight’s Kyle Kutuchief shares more about […]
Article · June 23, 2021 by Kyle Kutuchief
On September 22, 2020, Knight Foundation announced nearly $8M to support the expansion of public spaces in Akron. Click here to see the press release. Knight’s Kyle Kutuchief shares more below. As Greater Akron navigates COVID-19, outdoor public spaces have taken on a new importance in daily life. All of us need more fresh air. […]
Article · September 22, 2020 by Kyle Kutuchief
Akron is growing. That is a phrase we haven’t been able to say since the 1960’s when population peaked at 292,000. Since then, the city has lost roughly one-third of its population. Yet Akron grew by 135 people in 2015, according to the most recent Census estimate. It’s not a lot – you could line […]
Article · November 16, 2018 by Kyle Kutuchief
Above photo by Micolo J on Flickr. Who wakes up every day thinking about the 62.4? Jack Knight did. I do too. For the first time in 28 years, we have a new mayor and a new administration doing the same. 62.4 is the size of the city of Akron in square miles. This piece […]
Article · February 17, 2016 by Kyle Kutuchief
Bahia Ramos is arts program director and Kyle Kutuchief is Akron program director at Knight Foundation. Photo: Ape, a screen printer coming to the 7th annual Crafty Mart; photo by Daniel Lozada. This post has been updated to reflect that winners will be announced in March 2016. Our first Knight Arts Challenge Akron launched just […]
Article · November 19, 2015 by Kyle Kutuchief
Taste of Akron at Hardesty Park, July 24, 2014. Photo by Flickr user Tim Fitzwater. The Knight Cities Challenge offers applicants a chance to share in $5 million by focusing on the question, “What’s your best idea to make cities more successful?” The challenge will test the most innovative ideas in attracting and retaining talent, expanding economic […]
Article · October 28, 2014 by Kyle Kutuchief
Torchbearers, a group that develops leadership among young professionals in Greater Akron, Ohio, is piloting two talent attraction and retention programs with support from Knight Foundation. Below, Torchbearers Vice President Kyle Kutuchief writes about the new programs. Above: A Torchbearers mentoring session. Photo credit: Kyle Kutuchief. In a job market where competition for talent is so high, it […]
Article · December 7, 2013 by Kyle Kutuchief