Building Akron's First
Black Cultural Landmark
Advancing intergenerational empowerment and economic impact.
$450,000 raised of $20M goal
01 Vision
More than a building.
This is a permanent institution designed to preserve history, activate economic opportunity, and position Akron as a national center for culture, innovation, and ownership.
Why this matters now
The construction of the Innerbelt disrupted and displaced Akron’s Black communities, removing spaces that once anchored culture, business, and identity.
The Legacy Building Project restores that foundation by creating a permanent institution designed to preserve history, strengthen identity, and expand opportunity.
A permanent investment in culture, identity, and future opportunity.
02 Investment
Where the capital goes.
Every dollar is strategically allocated to ensure long-term cultural impact, operational sustainability, and measurable community return.
Construction
58%Exhibits & Archives
5%Technology
12%Operations/Programming
10%Endowment
15%
03 The Campaign
A structured path to $20 million.
The campaign is designed to build momentum, secure leadership investment, and expand into a broad base of community and institutional support.
$20M
Total Campaign Goal
Capital raised across construction, programming, and long-term sustainability.
3
Phases
Quiet Phase → Public Launch → Endowment & Expansion
Hybrid
Funding Strategy
Combining major gifts, corporate partners, and community participation.
04 Investment
Choose your level of impact.
The campaign is structured to allow individuals, organizations, and institutions to participate at a level aligned with their capacity and vision.
Leadership Investment
$50,000+
Permanent recognition, naming opportunities, and direct alignment with the long-term legacy of the institution.
Strategic Support
$10,000 – $49,000
Recognition, program alignment, and visible contribution to the development of the project.
Community Investment
Up to $10,000
Collective ownership and participation in building a lasting cultural institution.
05 Participation
Where you fit in the campaign.
This campaign is structured to engage individuals, institutions, and partners at every level — each playing a distinct role in building and sustaining the Legacy Building Project.
Local Impact
Community Leadership
Residents, families, and local supporters contributing to ownership, identity, and long-term cultural preservation.
Statewide Growth
Economic & Workforce Partners
Organizations and institutions supporting workforce development, education, and regional economic expansion.
National Influence
Institutional Investors
Foundations, corporations, and national partners driving transformational investment and long-term sustainability.
Naming Opportunities
Naming opportunities allow individuals, families, and organizations to establish a permanent legacy within the Legacy Building Project.
Leadership Naming
Premier
Building Naming
$2,000,000+
Premier
Performance Auditorium
$1,500,000+
Major Spaces
Major
Business Incubator
$1,000,000
Major
Galleries
$750,000
Major
Great Hall
$500,000
Program & Functional Spaces
Program
Atrium
$400,000
Program
Trade & Investment Center
$350,000
Program
Conference Rooms
$250,000
Program
Huddle Rooms
$150,000
Be part of what lasts.
Support the Legacy →
Taskforce
Leadership & Governance
The Legacy Building Project is guided by a coalition of leaders across community, business, and cultural institutions.
Board of Directors
Angela Higgins
Co-PresidentTerrence Shelton
Co-PresidentJasina Chapman
Co-SecretaryDr. Lathardus Goggins II
Co-SecretaryVictor Daniel
Co-TreasurerCharmaine Thurman
Co-TreasurerDr. N. J. Akbar · Sondra Bryant · Earl J. Holmes · Adreyan Martin · Derrick Graham · Johnny Osby · Kirk Shelton · Kevin Tillery · Beverly Woolridge
Project Taskforce
Carolyne Collins
Co-Chair · Program LeadershipTerrence Shelton
Co-Chair · Strategic DevelopmentCharmaine Thurman
Grants & Fiscal ManagementDr. N. J. Akbar
Administrative LeadDr. Angela Brown · Victor Daniel · Rob Deck · LaSalle Harris · Angela Higgins · Simonne Hinkson-Wright · Marki Johnson · Johnny Osby · Gwen Petway · Evelyn Stokes · Beverly Woolridge
Advisory Board
Dr. N. J. Akbar
ChairSteve Buie · Marie Curry · Victor Daniel · Mark Greer · Brant Lee · Towanda Mullin · Woodrow Nash · Nathan Oliver · Butch Reynolds · Dr. Vernon Sykes · Kevin Tillery · Esther Thomas · Dr. Sheldon Wrice