why it matters
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67% of white Americans have only white friends in their core circle.
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Over 90% of White Americans' close friends are also white.
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White Americans are more than twice as likely as others to have all-same-race friend groups.
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Bridging friendships across race and class are proven to boost economic mobility-even more than school or neighborhood.
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The average Black American’s friendship network is 78% Black, down from 83% in 2013-meaning 22% of their close friends are people of other races.
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Only 46% of Black Americans have all-Black friend circles, down from 65% a decade ago.
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70% of white adults say all or most of their close friends are the same race, compared to 62% of Black adults.
take action
JEDI Cohort 5 Application
The J.E.D.I. Experience is your first step in a lifelong journey to becoming a Relational Activist, someone who values people over profiles, culture over categories, and the Who over the What. This program equips you to connect across divides, grow authentic relationships, and engage in Cultural Humility in action.
Through this experience, you’ll strengthen Greater Akron communities by building meaningful human connections, developing skills to influence positive change, and learning to lead with empathy, understanding, and action. If you are ready to make an impact, grow personally, and contribute to stronger communities, we encourage you to apply.
Timeline:
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J.E.D.I. Mingle on January 12, 5:30–7:00 PM to learn more about the program, expectations, and to ask questions.
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Interviews will be February 9–20
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Cohort 5 Schedule is 2nd Tuesday of each month from March 9 – September 14 | 6:00–7:30 PM. | Doors open at 5:30 P at the Love Akron Gathering Space
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Upon acceptance there is a Participation Fee of $100.
JEDI Corporate Experience For organizations; available as a 4-8 hour retreat or multi-monthly sessions. Focuses on inclusivity, understanding, justice, and cultural humility. Click the button below to hear from a Love Akron staff member on how your organization could experience JEDI.
prayer
Heart of Justice and Understanding in Greater Akron Pray that God would cultivate a spirit of justice and understanding among the residents, leaders, and officials of Akron and Summit County. Ask Him to open hearts to see one another through His eyes, fostering empathy, respect, and compassion across all communities and faith backgrounds.
Unity in Diversity Across Greater Akron Pray for God to bring unity among the diverse people of Akron—residents, faith communities, and leaders—so they can come together to learn, listen, and grow in love and mutual respect. Ask Him to break down barriers of prejudice and division, enabling genuine relationships rooted in His truth and grace.
Spirit of Peace and Healing for Akron and Summit County Ask God to pour out His Spirit of peace upon Akron and Summit County, bringing healing to areas affected by racial division and social unrest. Pray that His healing touch would transform individual hearts and ripple outward, guiding communities, government officials, faith leaders, and residents toward reconciliation, understanding, and unity.
scripture
Micah 6:8 (MSG)
"But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, And don't take yourself too seriously— take God seriously."
common questions
What is the purpose of the JEDI ?
The purpose of the JEDI Council is to provide the opportunity to encounter individuals from diverse backgrounds in the quest for the higher level of understanding and connection that our times call for.
What is JEDI's origin story?
It was launched in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death, following conversations about racial divides. The focus is primarily on teaching and cultivating cultural humility, encouraging individuals to recognize their own limitations, learn from others’ experiences, and approach each interaction with openness and respect. This progression aims to create brave spaces and opportunities for our community to grow in understanding and work toward greater connection.
How does the JEDI Council approach these principles?
We approach these principles by listening, learning, and leading responsibly to address the Four Levels of Racism.
What are the Four Levels of Racism that JEDI aims to address?
Internalized – Within Us
Interpersonal – Between People
Institutional – Within Society or Organizations
Structural Racism – Within Systems
What is a major focus of the JEDI?
The major focus of JEDI is on cultivating cultural humility, which involves recognizing our own limitations, learning from others’ experiences, and approaching each interaction with openness and respect.
How does the JEDI work toward change?
We work by creating opportunities for meaningful encounters, promoting understanding, and taking responsible action to address racism at all levels within individuals, relationships, organizations, and systems.
Why is understanding these different levels of racism important?
Understanding these levels is crucial because racism operates not only between individuals but also within institutions and systems. Addressing all levels requires both justice and cultural humility—recognizing our own limitations, learning from others’ experiences, and approaching each situation with openness and respect. Only through this combined approach can we work toward true equity and justice in Greater Akron - Summit County Ohio.