Members from various ethnic communities in Akron came together this week to push for greater voter turnout in the upcoming November 6, 2018, election through community art. The North Hill Diversity and Freedom Mural Project, a project supported by a grant from Citizen University, encourages Akron’s low-propensity and first-time voters to cast their vote this November 6, 2018. The project will include a mural which will feature the word “VOTE” in over 15 languages, embraces the joy of voting through diversity and inclusion. Additionally, five sandwich boards will be placed at various polling locations across Northeast Ohio on November 6, 2018, Ohio’s election day.
Swahili youth enrolled in ASIA, Inc.’s International Community Empowerment Project (ICEP) spent the day painting sandwich boards as part of the organization’s North Hill Diversity and Freedom Mural Project.
Swahili Community
Multigenerational Hmong families took time out of their busy schedules to come together for an evening and paint a tree which is a reminder of the interconnectedness we share in Akron.
Hmong Community
Hmong Community
Members from the Mon community also joined the project and prepared a sandwich board with the hashtag #IVOTE in both the English and Mon language. Ā
Mon Community
Mon Community
Aspiring youth artist and ASIA, Inc. intern, Mai See Lor is leading the North Hill Diversity and Freedom Mural Project including the design and the designed location of the mural in collaboration with Akron local artist, Mac Love.
Mai See with Community Mural Blueprint
The project will celebrate the mural completion with an official unveiling ceremony on November 2, 2018, at the ASIA, Inc. new office location (370 East Market Street) from 5:30 pm ā 9:00 pm. Several county and city dignitaries and elected officials are expected to attend. The event is open to the public. Guests will have an opportunity to take photos with the mural, using the hashtag #VotinginAkron. Free drinks and community performances will take place throughout the evening.
Flyer
For more information about the Joy of Voting mural project, or about the November 1st community get together, please contact Juleeah Vang at jvang@asiaohio.org or at 330-353-3263.