11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Visit the zoo to celebrate the life and work of Dr. King for racial equality and nonviolent social change. The Akron Zoo will be opening a temporary exhibit, Celebrating Black History in Perkins Woods. The exhibit shares little-known Black history that took place in the area that surrounds and includes the Akron Zoo. 

 The exhibit explores how the John Brown Monument, the community’s fight to keep the Akron Children’s Zoo in the neighborhood and a longstanding custard stand at the park’s edge were ways for Black residents to affirm community and make an enduring mark on the city during times of extraordinary change in the 20th century. 

A panel discussion will be hosted on Martin Luther King Jr. Day for the public to learn more about the shared history. Panels will include community members, local historians and other guests.  

Admission to the zoo is free for all guests. Visits to the exhibit are included with admission.