International Institute of Akron

06/19/2026

Happy Juneteenth!

In observance of this important day, the International Institute of Akron will be closed today and will reopen on Monday, June 22.

As we commemorate the end of slavery for all enslaved people in the United States, we encourage those who have the day off to take time for reflection, learning, meaningful conversations, and action toward building a more just and equitable future for all.

Looking to deepen your understanding of Black history, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of freedom? Here are a few books and films we recommend:

📖 The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois
A foundational work that explores life after emancipation and the concept of "double consciousness." Du Bois offers powerful historical insight and emotional depth, illuminating how African Americans have navigated a society shaped by systemic barriers.

📖 Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Written as a letter to his son, Coates reflects on inherited trauma, identity, and the realities of being Black in America, offering a poignant examination of race and belonging.

📖 The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel reimagines the Underground Railroad as a literal subterranean train, following a young woman's courageous journey toward freedom while exploring themes of resistance, hope, and survival.

🎬 Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom (2022, PBS)
This documentary explores the history and significance of Juneteenth through the eyes of a Black man learning about the holiday from descendants of those who were liberated on that historic day.

🎬 13th (2016, Netflix)
A powerful documentary that examines the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the United States, tracing the legacy of slavery through modern systems and policies.

Today, we honor the generations who fought for freedom, celebrate the resilience and contributions of Black Americans, and recommit ourselves to the work that still lies ahead.

06/18/2026

Immigrant Heritage Month continues to bring powerful stories of community, connection, and joy through soccer!

The World Cup is still just getting started and it has offered a welcome moment of celebration and unity amid a year filled with difficult news and challenges affecting immigrant and refugee communities.

Take a look at this news clip of Democratic Republic of the Congo fans celebrating yesterday’s draw with Portugal in Houston. The energy and joy in these moments feel very familiar to what we have experienced here in Akron as well!

Houston fans react after Portugal-DR Congo FIFA World Cup match end...

06/18/2026

Today's World Cup matches start at noon! Who are you rooting for and how are you celebrating today? Let us know in the comments!

06/17/2026

We’ve got a 🇨🇩 DR Congo vs. 🇵🇹 Portugal World Cup watch party underway at IIA with the Congolese community, and what a match it has been! The energy is incredible, and both teams are putting on a fantastic performance. This one has everyone on the edge of their seats. A nail-biter from start to finish! ⚽

06/17/2026

The IIA team has been looking forward to today's matches for weeks! We can't help but cheer for Team DR Congo and celebrate the vibrant Congolese community that helps make Akron such a welcoming and diverse place.

🌍 Fun World Cup Fact: This is Uzbekistan's first-ever appearance in the FIFA World Cup!

Good luck to Team DR Congo and Team Uzbekistan as they take the world stage today!

Who are you rooting for?

06/16/2026

Check out this awesome event at North Hill Akron-Summit County Public Library tomorrow!

06/16/2026

Wow! We have an exciting lineup of World Cup matches today, and they come at the perfect time as we begin celebrating World Refugee Day on June 20.

Who are you rooting for today?

Did you know that Akron is home to a vibrant Iraqi immigrant community? The IIA team is especially excited to see Iraq on the world stage, representing their country in the World Cup for the first time since 1986!

We're also giving a special World Cup shoutout to one of Akron's immigrant-owned businesses, Kabylia Baguette. Since opening at Bounce Innovation Hub last year, Nourdine and Hilary have created a beautiful gathering space filled with great coffee, incredible baked goods, and delicious breakfast and lunch offerings.

Everything is made fresh, and every bite is worth the visit. With IIA's office just across the street, Kabylia has become a tried-and-true favorite among our staff. If you're looking for the perfect place to grab a coffee and catch up on today's matches, we highly recommend stopping by!

06/14/2026

Check out today's matches for the World Cup!

A fun World Cup fact: This is Curacao's first appearance at the World Cup!

Let us know in the comments who you're rooting for today, and what your favorite part of the World Cup is!⚽

06/13/2026

What team are you cheering for today?

If you're rooting for Team Brazil, be sure to show some love for Cleveland’s authentic Brazilian restaurant! Grab a refreshing drink, enjoy some delicious pão de queijo, and get ready to cheer on Brazil during the World Cup. Supporting Batuqui is perfect way to celebrate the culture, food, and passion that make Brazilian soccer so special.

A fun World Cup fact: This is Team Haiti's first time at the World Cup since 1974. Let's go Team Haiti!

One of the best parts of the World Cup is the chance to celebrate the cultures, traditions, and communities that make our region so vibrant. Let us know which team has your support in the comments!

06/12/2026

Today's World Cup matches are set! ⚽🌎 Who are you rooting for?

A fun World Cup fact: More than one-third of both the U.S. and Canadian national teams are immigrants or the children of immigrants. A reminder that soccer has always been a global game shaped by people, cultures, and stories from around the world.

Here's to celebrating the diversity that makes the World Cup, and our communities, stronger!