EPMD Rock The Lock In Akron Ohio

AKRON, Ohio — Legendary hip-hop duo EPMD delivered a memorable performance at Lock 3 on July 25, taking fans on a nostalgic journey through the golden era of rap with a set packed full of classic hits.

The iconic duo energized a large, enthusiastic crowd as they performed many of the songs that helped cement their place in hip-hop history. From start to finish, concertgoers celebrated the timeless music that has influenced generations of artists and fans alike.

The event was made possible by the Keepers of the Art Crew, an organization that has become a cornerstone of Akron's hip-hop community. Dedicated to preserving and celebrating the culture and traditions of old-school hip-hop, the group continues to bring nationally recognized artists to the city while providing a platform for local talent to shine.

Before EPMD took the stage, several local Akron artists showcased their skills and represented the city's vibrant hip-hop scene. Performances by EllGee 330, The Copley Road Bully and DJ Jaz, Flocco Terres, and Minus The Alien energized the packed crowd, each delivering their own authentic style while paying homage to the roots of hip-hop culture.

The evening served as more than just a concert—it was a celebration of hip-hop's legacy and its continued impact on the Akron community. By blending legendary performers with hometown artists, the event highlighted the importance of preserving the music, culture, and spirit that helped define one of America's most influential art forms.

With a packed venue, enthusiastic fans, and performances that bridged generations of hip-hop, the July 25 concert at Lock 3 proved that the sound and culture of the golden era remain as powerful and relevant as ever. Until next time, have some fun and get something done.

-Hiram Akeem

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Tara Mosley Weems Announces Run for Mayor of Akron 2027

Tara & George Carter

Former Akron City Councilwoman Tara Mosley Weems has officially announced her candidacy for Mayor of Akron in the upcoming May 4, 2027 election, entering the race with a message centered on experienced leadership, community accountability, and a renewed commitment to putting Akron residents first.

Mosley Weems brings more than a decade of elected leadership experience to her campaign, including ten years representing Ward 5 on Akron City Council. During her tenure, she developed a reputation as a consistent and engaged public servant, focusing on neighborhood revitalization, public safety, housing stability, government transparency, and expanding economic opportunity for city residents.

As part of her early campaign outreach, Mosley Weems also recently stopped by Akronhiphop.com to discuss this year’s Juneteenth celebrations taking place throughout Akron.

During the conversation, she highlighted the importance of Juneteenth as both a cultural observance and a community-building tradition, recognizing the role it plays in bringing residents together across generations and neighborhoods. The discussion also reflected her continued engagement with local media platforms and community voices that help shape public dialogue in the city.

Juneteenth celebrations in Akron have grown into a major annual tradition, featuring cultural events, education, music, food, and community programming that honor African American history and resilience while fostering unity across the city.

For Mosley Weems, the message is clear: her campaign is about returning focus to residents, strengthening neighborhoods, and ensuring Akron’s future is built on experienced and responsive leadership. Until next time, have some fun and get something done.

-Hiram Akeem

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Gerald Carter: The Community Builder Who Helped Make Juneteenth a Tradition in Akron

Gerald Carter

Throughout Akron's history, few individuals have left as lasting an impact on the community as Gerald Carter. A tireless advocate, organizer, and visionary, Carter dedicated much of his life to bringing people together through culture, education, media, and celebration. Today, his legacy continues to be felt throughout the city, especially during the annual Juneteenth festivities that he helped transform into one of Akron's most anticipated community celebrations.

Long before Juneteenth became widely recognized across the nation, Gerald Carter understood the importance of commemorating the end of slavery in the United States and celebrating African American history, culture, and achievement. Through years of dedication and community engagement, he helped establish Juneteenth as a yearly tradition in Akron that families, businesses, churches, and community organizations eagerly anticipated.

What began as a cultural observance grew into a vibrant community festival under Carter's leadership. The event brought together residents from every corner of the city to enjoy live entertainment, educational programming, local vendors, food, and fellowship. His efforts helped ensure that Juneteenth was not only a celebration of freedom but also a platform for unity and community pride.

Carter's influence extended far beyond Juneteenth. He was widely regarded as a pioneer in Akron's African American community and a champion of independent Black media. Through public access television, he provided a voice for stories, perspectives, and issues that often received little attention from mainstream outlets. His commitment to independent media helped inform, educate, and connect residents while creating opportunities for community members to share their experiences and achievements.

In addition to Juneteenth, Carter organized and supported numerous community events that became local favorites. Among the most memorable was the annual Collard Green Cook-Off, a unique celebration of culture, culinary traditions, and friendly competition. The event attracted participants and spectators alike, becoming another example of Carter's ability to bring people together through shared experiences.

Whether he was producing television programming, organizing festivals, supporting local causes, or mentoring others, Gerald Carter consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to Akron and its residents. His work strengthened community bonds and created traditions that continue to enrich the city today.

Although Gerald Carter passed away several years ago, his contributions have not been forgotten. Each year, as Juneteenth celebrations take place across Akron, many residents reflect on the vision and dedication that helped make these events possible. The city's ongoing recognition of his efforts serves as a testament to the profound impact he had on generations of Akron citizens.

Gerald Carter's legacy lives on in the festivals he helped create, the stories he helped tell, and the community spirit he worked so hard to foster. As Akron gathers each year to celebrate Juneteenth, it also celebrates the enduring influence of a man whose passion for community helped shape the city's cultural landscape.

His life reminds us that lasting change often begins with one person willing to dedicate themselves to bringing people together. For Akron, Gerald Carter was that person. Until the next time, have some fun and get something done.

-Hiram Akeem

Rashona Landfair a.k.a “Jane Doe” Reclaiming Life

When Dreams Meet Danger - Who Protects the Dream Chaser?

When we’re young, we’re told to dream boldly. Adults encourage adolescents to believe they can become anything they set their minds to. Teenagers are urged to chase opportunity with passion and fearlessness. But rarely do we talk about the darker side of ambition—the moments when the very people meant to guide and mentor young dreamers instead manipulate their innocence and exploit their trust.

Twenty‑seven years ago, the infamous R. Kelly “urination tape” was filmed, featuring a fourteen‑year‑old girl known publicly as “Jane Doe.” Today, that young girl—Rashona Landfair—is forty‑one and finally speaking in her own voice. Although she did not testify in the 2008 case, she courageously took the stand in the 2022 trial that resulted in R. Kelly’s thirty‑year conviction. The tape, which had long circulated as a source of mockery and denial, became key evidence. Rashona testified about the shame, secrecy, manipulation, and abuse that kept her silent for so many years.

On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, I watched Rashona’s interview on YouTube, and it instantly transported me back to conversations in the beauty shop where I worked in 2002. I remember the uneasy laughter, the dismissive jokes, and the way people minimized what was happening on that tape. I remember asking why so many were willing to overlook the fact that a child was being abused—and why anyone thought it was acceptable.

Watching Rashona speak now, with strength and clarity, filled me with pride. Her courage to reclaim her story after decades of shame is powerful. That journey inspired her book, Who’s Watching Shorty, available on Amazon, Audiobooks, Barnes & Noble, and ThriftBooks.

Her story also forces us to confront a painful truth: In our African American community, we often sweep abuse under the rug. We tell victims to “get over it,” to keep moving, to stay silent for the sake of family, reputation, or survival. But silence doesn’t heal. Shame doesn’t protect. And ignoring trauma only deepens the wound.

Speaking up should never bring embarrassment—it should bring support, understanding, and a path toward healing. Rashona’s voice is a reminder that breaking the silence is not just an act of bravery; it’s an act of liberation.

-Aunty Char

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