The thing with Akron, and everyone knows this, is that it is poised to do something great. Akronites are bubbling over with excitement because things are changing, and they are changing for the better.
The younger generation isn't waiting for the older one to move aside to let them through. They are affecting change now, on their own, and on their own terms; Akron is the benefactor of all their labor.
This weekend proves it. From idea, to concept, to execution, everything was amazing. Akron is amazing.
Akron Better block and Open Streets Akron were all about the people.
Strangers got to meet and join together to create the tangible (benches, food, decorations) and to create that which you cannot touch ( goodwill, friendships, and partnerships).
What will come from this is only limited by us. We can follow the mantra of the open street, access to everyone, or we can go back home after experiencing this living, breathing beast that was, and forget why we met here in the first place.
Our neighbors aren't that different from us. Our needs aren't as big as we thing they are. Don't stay home, don't walk the same streets, don't shop at the same places, and don't go back to doing the same old thing. Shop around, move around, stop and talk to the old men, and pet the friendly dogs. Go ahead and smile at the women is colorful saris, or at the young boys with the jet black hair.
Be a neighbor, and by default you might just come away being something special. That person on the other side of the street, across the invisible line between your neighborhood and theirs, might one day become your very best friend, and you theirs.
Go ahead. Be brave. When the barriers come down and the streets are open to traffic once again, dare to walk to the other side.
