Akron Life May 2023

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UP F RON T

[ Managing Editor | Kelly Petryszyn | kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup.com ]

Shine Bright

Local celebrities’ connections to Akron make an impact.

hand sanitizer dispensers in bathrooms. Akronites are everywhere in pop culture too, from James playing for the Los Angeles Lakers to Dove’s book, “Playlist for the Apocalypse” gracing The New York Times ’ list of 100 notable books of 2021. Almost all the stars trace their start back to seeing examples of others living their dreams and being encouraged to do the same. Martin felt that he could make it to Broadway because of the people at Weathervane and beyond who supported him, and he loves to return the favor. “I was that kid in my bedroom in Akron singing along to Broadway musicals, imag ining I was onstage,” he says. “So to now get to inspire the kids that look like me, that’s the best part.” U.S. Rep. Emilia Strong Sykes followed in her politician parents’ footsteps, and she speaks to young people about internships and being a congresswoman and even hears their concerns to take into consideration when legislating in Washington, D.C. As a young Black congresswoman, she’s faced several obstacles but has broken many bar riers and is cognizant that her example is instrumental in helping others believe in their potentials and press on no matter what stands in their ways. “It has to take society being willing to change the way they think and what they think the face of leadership is. It does look like someone like me,” she says. Perhaps someone in The 330 or people on the pages of this magazine are inspiring you. These stories are a testament that when people feel represented, they are bolstered to go after their dreams, do incredible things and give back.

photo by Kelly Petryszyn

impact of the foundation’s incredible work. James and the foundation team are doing it because they care about the community. As we caught up with local celebrities for “Star Struck” on pg. 20, what astounds me is that each keeps a connection to The 330 and takes opportunities to uplift the com munity, because they care about it too. Read how British Open champ Ben Curtis is coaching aspiring golfers in Kent, “Bachelor in Paradise” star Michael Allio is developing a revolutionary treatment to a side effect of chemotherapy and “Aladdin” Broadway star Marcus Martin taught young actors at Weathervane Playhouse where he got his start. I had the pleasure of talking to Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Rita Dove, and her words about Akron’s influence moved me. “Growing up I felt that Akron and Ohio, in general, was such a wonderful place to live because it was a place of becoming. Things were always moving and growing,” she says. “It was a city where the world moved through.” In our daily lives, Akron is everywhere, from the tires on our cars to the Quaker Oats on our breakfast tables to the Gojo

After a transformation into House Three Thirty, the iconic Tangier is almost unrecognizable aside from the Cabaret that was kept in its original Las Vegas style. The LeBron James Family Foundation made it into a modern showpiece with striking crystal chandeliers, curved velvet sofas and stylish event spaces. But despite all the glamour, I think House Three Thirty’s most influential spot is the Happy, Happy Room. It’s basic at first glance — an employee supply room with lip balms, snacks, toothbrushes, deodorants, feminine products and more — but to someone who may be struggling to secure those things, it’s a path to dignity. Plus, there’s a living room-style break area and a salon staffed with a hairstylist, braider and barber in addition to laundry, financial counsel ing, mentorship coaching and more. The concept of the room and House Three Thirty as a whole is radical — it’s built with employees in mind first. It’s taking a chance on the approach that designing a facility and a business model around employee sat isfaction will result in a thriving business. What I love about it too is that it’s a com munity center open to everyone, so for the first time, the public can experience the

[ Managing Editor Kelly Petryszyn is an adventure seeker, forever a dreamer and an avid supporter of #TeamFiona. ]

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MAY 2023 | akronlife.com