Rethinking Race Logo

RETHINKING RACE

Sparking Courageous Conversations at The University of Akron


In 1997, U.S. President William J. Clinton chose The University of Akron as the location for his first Town Hall Meeting on Race.

In honor of this historic moment, University of Akron students,  faculty, and staff have come together annually to plan a series of events known as Rethinking Race. The two-week forum of events begins in late February and focuses on facilitating courageous conversations designed to promote inclusive excellence regarding race and race-related issues. Through films, performances, conversations, and keynote speakers, Rethinking Race engages The University of Akron and the wider Northeast Ohio community in diverse experiences, perspectives, and issues. All events are free and open to the public.

Rethinking Race is presented by The University of Akron's Office of Inclusion and Equity.


A large crowd attending the 2023 Keynote
Activist Luster Singleton speaking at an event
Michael Sutton posing with family and UA students

HIGHLIGHTS

Matthew Cherry Headshot

2022 KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Matthew Cherry, University of Akron alumnus and Academy Award winning filmmaker

Michelle Alexander Headshot

2023 KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Michelle Alexander, New York Times Best-Selling Author of The New Jim Crow

Past Events: 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2022




Thank You to Our 2023 Sponsors

County of Cummit Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services Board
Akron Children's Hospital
Akron Community Foundation
Alpha Phi Alpha Foundation
City of Akron
Cleveland Clinic Akron General
Community Action Akron Summit
FedEx Custom Critical
First Energy Foundation
Goodyear
Ilene Shapiro: County Executive
Mercury Plastics
Akron Area YMCA
The University of Akron Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences
University of Akron College of Business
University of Akron College of Health and Human Services
University of Akron Office of Inclusion and Equity
University of Akron Office of Multicultural Development
University of Akron Undergraduate Student Government
Philip 72 and Paulette Thompson
Dr. Sheldon Wrice