Legacy Building Project
Akron's African American Cultural Center & Museum Complex
Support the AROPI Legacy Building Project!
Receive a free t-shirt and wristband (while supplies last) for showing your support.
Legacy Building Project
On Sunday, December 12, 2021, the Akron Rites of Passage Institute (AROPI) introduced a community project led by the Elders of Akron to support the ongoing growth, development and long- term sustainability of the African American community. On that day, Phase I of The Legacy Building Project’s “Legacy’s 3,000” Capital Fundraising Campaign initiated its soft launch. Nearly 100 Elders of the Akron community and abroad saw the vision and took the lead by making their financial contributions to the campaign. Several Black Elected Officials on city, county and state levels have joined us in this historic endeavor as well; and, so can you!
Our plan is to build a vibrant, purpose-driven community and cultural complex for the African American community in Akron/Summit County. Please join us in reaching our initial goal to obtain 3,000 Elders (age 55+) and key corporate organizations and sponsors to lead this effort by donating a minimum of $100, to the Legacy Building Project. This beautiful multi-million- dollar state of the art edifice will serve as a hub and think tank for the Black community’s economic empowerment, development and long-term sustainability. It will shine as a beacon of hope for the community – for us, by us – for many generations to come. This is HISTORICAL! This is YOUR LEGACY! As the Elders of this community, we need to do this NOW! Make your donation and compel other Elders to do so TODAY! We Can Do This!
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact:
Carolyne Collins, Co-Chair at 330-619-0266 or via email at 51collins1834@gmail.com Terrence Shelton, Co-Chair at 330-573-2774 or via email at kwabenatds@gmail.co
The Akron African-American Community is an important cultural and ethnic group in the greater Akron area, and their contributions are celebrated through the Akron Rites of Passage Institute (AROPI) Legacy Building Project. This project seeks to establish a state-of-the-art green energy facility, known as the Akron African American Cultural Center & Museum Complex, which will serve as a focal point for economic development, tourism, and community empowerment in Akron.
Through the Legacy Building Project, the Akron Rites of Passage Institute (AROPI) and other organizations are working to establish a headquarters for the African American community, which will provide a positive and inspiring rallying place for the community. This project is the first of its kind in Akron, dedicated to educating and empowering the Black community towards economic self-sufficiency. With a focus on restoring Black business districts and encouraging reinvestment in the community, the Legacy Building Project represents a significant step forward in creating a sustainable and thriving future for the African American community in Akron.
Through a robust fundraising project and capital campaign, The Legacy Building Project is planning to raise a projected $11.5 million over the course of the project.
In theory and design, the Legacy Building is a 25k sq ft. multi-functional center with a wide range of uses:
- AROPI Headquarters
- History and Cultural Museum
- Office Space
- Community Meeting Space
- Workshops
- Special Events
- Training
- Community Think Tank/Library
- Business Incubator
- Youth Empowerment
- Community Garden