Centenary is a small, historically Black Church in the Methodist tradition. But their impact in Akron and the region of cities South of Cleveland has been immense. 

When we met the leadership at Centenary, they were already being trained in community organizing and experiencing revitalization in the congregation. Our training supported their prayerful ambition to organize with greater power in Akron by adding collaborating congregations and organizations to build a local organizing collective. 

Over time, Centenary and their new institutional colleagues founded the Akron Community Action Network (Akron CAN). Akron CAN has already won a significant waste management action with the city that includes a $1 million package to benefit local neighborhoods, the closure of a problematic transfer station, and independent air quality oversight to ensure increased environmental safety. 

Centenary and Akron CAN are just getting started with many future organizing victories for beloved community justice clearly in sight.