We Have a Voice Too! Youth Empowerment Summit 2026

The Summit County Historical Society's John Brown Institute will host a free youth summit in partnership with Shaw JCC and The Lippman School to provide students in the 8th - 12th grade the opportunity to express their voice. Local leaders will lead breakout sessions and students will meet representatives from local organizations at the partner booths. The program is sponsored in part by the City of Akron and the County of Summit.

All teens that sign up by February 2nd will receive a free shirt featuring our theme, Our Voice Has Power!

The keynote address will be given be Akron Mayor Shammas Malik. Mayor Malik has been involved with the program for numerous years and inspired the students in the past. This year, he will be part of the main program sharing his story as Akron's youngest elected mayor.

The event is free and includes breakfast and lunch. Students may be dropped off between 9:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Educational partner booths will be available for students to learn more about how they can participate in community programming, volunteering and planning. The event ends at 2:30 p.m. for pick up.

If you have a group to register or have questions, please contact Reva Golden at the Society for more information - 330.535.1120 or [email protected].

Please note that the registration here is for individual registrations. Organizations may sign up students one at a time or you can contact Reva to streamline the process.

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Host or Publisher The Summit County Historical Society of Akron, Ohio