North Hill, Akron, Ohio, U.S.A.: International City of Peace

North Hill, Akron, Ohio, U.S.A.: In 2021, the neighborhood of North Hill in Akron, Ohio was designated as an International City of Peace.  Known as Akron’s International District, North Hill is a vibrant, diverse, and thriving community steeped in family and culture, and a welcoming home for many communities, including immigrants and refugees.

 

One Community, Many Cultures

A tagline that means literally the world in North Hill, Akron, Ohio.

Following an effort led by the North Hill Community Development Corporation (NHCDC), North Hill was named an International City of Peace in 2021.   The NHCDC’s geography is predominantly the North Hill Neighborhood of Akron, a neighborhood that enjoys a reputation as one of Northeast Ohio’s – and the country’s – most culturally diverse communities.

North Hill has not only endured over the past 100 years, it has thrived, despite long-term regional economic trends that have adversely impacted its social fabric, physical infrastructure and economy. A complex tapestry of racial and socioeconomic diversity, it is home for many communities of immigrants, and for others, it has been called home for generations. With over 20,000 residents, it is at its core a community of inclusivity, providing a safe and welcoming anchor for those emigrating, and a secure foundation for those whose histories began in North Hill. It is this coming together of neighbors that has created the rich cultural traditions that continue to be celebrated in this community.

As a result, the residents of North Hill are in a strong position to continue to drive social equity and economic growth. The NHCDC – as a collaborative partner and catalyst – aims do this through coalition building, economic development, direct community engagement and support, and creative placemaking, assuring a vibrant and thriving North Hill community that inspires, connects, propels, and celebrates its residents and its unique diversity for generations to come.

 

Note: Introduction page with information primarily at the time of joining International Cities of Peace. For updates, please contact the liaison.

Photos used by photographer permission through the NHCDC Director at time of establishment.

 

An Akron Police Officer and Mayor Dan Horrigan flank area residents attending a special event. Photo by Bruce Ford.

 

North Akron Community Development Corporation (NACDC)

The North Akron Community Development Corporation (NACDC) was granted nonprofit 501(c)(3) status in 2017. A volunteer board of directors governs the organization and provides strategic direction and oversight. Headquarters is located at 760 Elma Street in Akron, Ohio. The NACDC’s geography is predominantly the North Hill Neighborhood of Akron, a neighborhood that enjoys a reputation as one of Northeast Ohio’s – and the country’s – most culturally diverse communities.

North Hill has not only endured over the past 100 years, it has thrived, despite long-term regional economic trends that have adversely impacted its social fabric, physical infrastructure and economy. A complex tapestry of racial and socioeconomic diversity, it is home for many communities of immigrants, and for others, it has been called home for generations. With over 20,000 residents, it is at its core a community of inclusivity, providing a safe and welcoming anchor for those emigrating, and a secure foundation for those whose histories began in North Hill. It is this coming together of neighbors that has created the rich cultural traditions that continue to be celebrated in this community.

As a result, the NACDC and the residents of North Hill are in a strong position to continue to drive social equity and economic growth. The NACDC – as a collaborative partner and catalyst – aims do this through coalition build-ing, economic development, direct community engagement and support, and creative placemaking, assuring a vibrant and thriving North Hill community that inspires, connects, propels, and celebrates its residents and its unique diversity for generations to come.

A large group of residents attend a special Night Out. Photo by Bruce Ford.

Timeline

2017 – NACDC was founded. Exchange House opens as cultural hub and international hostel from a Knight Cities Challenge grant. Over 200 happenings directed and hosted by NACDC with the multicultural community.

2018 – NACDC builds out People’s Park (FKA the Backyard) with temporary market stalls, stage, and picnic seating to use as a public space for meetings, festivals, picnics, multilingual meals, and concerts.

2019 – NACDC starts renovations on a second house next to Exchange House to create a women’s empowerment and makerspace. Programming continues with happenings increasing every year that demonstrate the cultural and ethnic diversity of the neighborhood.

2020 – NoHi Pop-up opens with over $100,000 in net sales from August to December, returning $40,000 back to culinary art entrepreneurs during the pandemic. NoTique Re-tail opens with 20 minority- and female- vendors, makers, and artists selling their products. Even with the global pandemic, NACDC created a prototype for economic development in the Temple Square business district by offering a pipeline for entrepreneurs with mitigated risk.

 

About North Hill CDC

North Hill Community Development Corporation (NHCDC) is a community non-profit serving the North Hill community and fosters community assets such as The Exchange House, People’s Park, The Maker House, NoHi Pop-Up & Cafe, and NoTique to provide resources that foster economic development, creative placemaking, and social cohesion.

 

Mission

The mission of North Hill Community Development Corporation is to unite people, places, and programs in stimulating a robust and creative economy in North Hill, while anchoring a flourishing intercultural community that celebrates its vibrant diversity.

 

Vision

North Hill Community Development Corporation serves as a nationally recognized catalyst and CDC partner for the North Hill community, engaging and empowering its members to amplify their diverse voices, share their lived experiences and, together, create the community they dream of.

 

Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony at NoHi Cafe. Photo by John R. Aylward.

North Hill’s City of Peace Pledge

As an International City of Peace, North Hill and the NHCDC are committed to the following:

  • Establishing a culture of peace in the community as an example to encourage other neighborhoods and the entire city of Akron to become an International City of Peace.
  • Celebrating the International Day of Peace ceremony on September 21 or adjacent to that date.
  • Promoting the concept of “True North” as an example to the community. True North stands for the best of oneself. To find or proceed on the correct course or in the right direction. True North refers to what we should do, not what we can do. It is a term used to describe the ideal or state of perfection the community and individuals should be continually striving towards.
  • Annually, honoring members of the North Hill community with True North Awards recognizing those organizations or individuals who have contributed special efforts and demonstrated results to the community.
  • Fostering relations with other International Cities of Peace, thus enhancing the community’s international brand and building relations with countries that our residents have come from as well as others.
  • Partnering with Akron Rotary to expand youth relations to build diplomatic and international skills for area youth locally and elsewhere.
  • Supporting and expanding efforts for beauty in the neighborhood with cleanup, art, garden projects including peace gardens to build aesthetics as well as improve the environment.
  • Continuing to expand North Hill’s economic impact while retaining and expanding recent successes.
  • Being active problem solvers, strong leaders, and innovative thinkers for the betterment of all.

 

 

 

Karen and Nepali dancers in the Exchange House getting ready and waiting to go onstage for the North Hill Music Festival by Himalayan Music Academy. Photo by Katie Beck.

 

 

 

CONTACT INFORMATION

To contact or support this initiative, contact the North Hill Community Development Corporation (NHCDC) at:

Justin Chenault, Executive Director

justin@northhillcdc.org

330.940.9508

ABOUT AKRON AND NORTH AKRON, OHIO, U.S.A.

Akron is the fifth-largest city in the U.S state of Ohio and is the county seat of Summit County. With a population of about 200,000 it is the 125th most populous US City. The city nears its 200th anniversary in 2025. North Akron also referred to as North Hill has a proud and rich tradition as Akron’s ethnic community for more than 100 years. About 20,000 residents have always shared distinct cultures and traditions from numerous countries over the years.

The strong cultural mix is noted at North High School which is one of the most racially/culturally diverse high schools in the state of Ohio. North Hill has a deep cultural heritage that continues to evolve to meet the needs of all area residents whether immigrant or native-born. This is a thriving and changing neighborhood proudly looking to the future as it grows in economic development, art, recreation and community engagement.

Set in a scenic area, the neighborhood sits mainly between the Gorge and Cascade Valley metro parks and state Route 8. It has been an important part of Akron for more than a century. Last century, most of the immigrants and refugees came primarily from Eastern and Western Europe. There is still a stronghold of community clubs themed around Italian, Polish, and more. Today there are a wide range of residents primarily hailing from Asian, African, Middle Eastern, and Central American countries.

Akron is designated as one of America’s Welcoming Cities and North Hill embraces that spirit as it continues to welcome numerous immigrants and refugees primarily from Asia and Africa. A variety of stores have particular ethnic brands allowing for a rich mix of foods and products that attract customers from around the greater area. North Hill bridges neighboring communities both literally and figuratively as the All American Bridge connects North Hill and downtown Akron. There are also bridges from the nearby Akron expressway and from the city of Cuyahoga Falls that connect North Hill to greater Akron. Coming from downtown Akron to North Hill across the All-American Bridge, when one enters the neighborhood history meets them at the entrance.

 

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