Akron Life December 2023

“I’ve dealt with trauma, grief and loss. I’ve always made it a point to tackle these things head-on,” he says. “It’s important to recognize we are all going through stuff.” He says breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health is key to solving big problems. “We’re seeing large increases in suicide and overdose deaths because people have a lot of hopelessness, and they aren’t getting help,” he says. “I’ve been talking with folks at ADM [County of Summit Alcohol, Drug Addiction & Mental Health Services] Board about, How do we get these resources better into our schools for our students and also for adults? ” As he prepares to hit the ground running Jan. 1, he’s trying to be mindful of his own time management and combating burnout. “He’s given 110 percent. He’s working around the clock to get ready,” Tracy Carter says. “We are reminding him the importance of trying to better strike a balance between work and life.” While Meghan Meeker says he doesn’t have an off button, he does take breaks by hiking in parks, hanging out with his cat, reading presidential biographies and going on trips. But he admits rest is a challenge. “I probably could do a little better,” he says. “People have entrusted me with an important responsibility. I take it really seriously.” Meeker recalls him attending a Well CDC fundraiser and a Torchbearers forum on the same night. “He was run ragged. He hadn’t really eaten and showed up to both things, answered as many questions as possible,” she says. “It’s a servant leader that gives them selves so openly and willingly.” That work ethic won over community members from all walks of life. “The importance of working with communities to impact their com munity is something people want and need,” Carter says. “He’s going to be the face of equity and diversity,” adds Judith Harrison. “He’s going to prove to be that individual who can listen and make a difference.” At the watch party during his Democratic primary win in May, Malik, dressed in a suit with a red tie, took the Knight center stage to cheers, whoops and hollers from the crowd. “People have asked me over the last few weeks whether I’m getting tired. These folks don’t know me,” he says. “I’ve never been more energized!” He explained that he believes in the people of Akron, loves his com munity and will use the example of service set by his mother to guide him through turning Akron around. “Akron is an amazing place that has everything it needs to reverse decline, to succeed and to thrive,” he says. “At the center of this vision, we need a city hall that is more open, more responsive, more collaborative — a city hall that is ready to partner with the people.” To thunderous applause from the people, he vowed to join them and make Akron a flourishing city for all. “CHANGE IS COMING!” he declares.

Arell Tee, Shammas Malik, Alice Duey and Julie Caruso // photo by Tyron Hoisten

GET TO KNOW SHAMMAS MALIK The Akron mayor-elect answers a few personal questions. How do you start your day? I like to start with going for a walk or meditating. What’s your favorite movie? Hard to decide. “Star Wars: Episode I” was my favorite movie as a child, and it might still be. What’s your favorite book? “Robert Kennedy and His Times” by Arthur Schlesinger [Jr.] is a really beautiful portrait of someone who loses his brother and turns that grief into service toward others. What was your first concert? Lupe Fiasco at Kent State [University]. What’s your favorite Akron holiday tradition? July Fourth fireworks on the Innerbelt were very memorable! What’s the best thing you ate in Akron? Swensons [Drive-In] or Luigi’s [Restaurant]. But probably Swensons. What’s your secret talent? I have a really great sense of direction, no matter where I am. What’s your favorite thing to do in Akron on a Saturday night? Go to Mustard Seed [Market & Cafe] and listen to live music. What’s your favorite thing to do downtown? Walk or run on the Towpath. What don’t people know about you? I have a cat named Graeters, after the Cincinnati ice cream.

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DECEMBER 2023 | akronlife.com