Release Date: February 5,2021
RubberDucks Team Up with Local Small Businesses, Akron Public Schools for Two February Community Initiatives
RubberDucks to Celebrate Black History Month by Introducing Local, Minority-Owned Small Business Spotlight and Black History Month Essay Contest for Akron Public School Students
(AKRON, OHIO) February, 5 2021 – The Akron RubberDucks are proud to announce two community initiatives in support of February’s celebration of Black History Month: The Local, Minority-Owned Business Spotlight and the Black History Month essay contest. During the month of February, the Akron RubberDucks will launch two simultaneous initiatives to promote and celebrate the diversity of backgrounds in the Greater Akron area.
Minority-Owned Small Business Spotlight
First, the RubberDucks will utilize team social media channels to showcase one minority-owned business within Greater Akron per week for the month of February. Businesses will be selected through a nomination process via the RubberDucks website where nominations include the business’ name, website, social media handles, and a testimonial about its importance to the community. Business owners as well as customers are encouraged to nominate their favorite minority-owned small businesses in the Greater Akron community.
Submission Link: milb.com/akron/forms/akron-
Black History Month Essay Contest
Second, the Akron RubberDucks and Akron Public Schools have teamed up to introduce a Black History Month essay contest for students kindergarten through 12th grade. Students will be asked to submit a double-spaced, one-page essay on what Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have A Dream Speech” means to them personally. Winners will be selected from three groups of students: Grades K-5th, 6-8 and 9-12.
This essay contest is under way, and submissions will be accepted until Feb. 26 at 5 p.m. Each entry must be submitted to win@quakron.com and must include the student’s name, age, grade level and school in order to be accepted for the contest. Each grouping will have one winner for the contest and that student will win tickets to an upcoming RubberDucks game for their whole class. Winners of this contest will be notified by email and announced on Feb. 26.
“We believe in celebrating the broad backgrounds and diversity of our communities within Greater Akron,” said Akron RubberDucks GM, Jim Pfander, “Remembering the cultural history, with events like the Akron Black Tyrites night, and amplifying the voices within our community with this student contest and small business spotlight has been and always will be our mission here in Akron.”
The Akron RubberDucks are the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. Fans can purchase tickets by calling 330-253-5151 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, or visit www.akronrubberducks.com. For more information about the team, please call 330-253-5151, visit the website at akronrubberducks.com, Facebook page facebook.com/AkronRubberDucks, or on Twitter at @AkronRubberDuck, and Instagram at @akronrubberducks.