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Release Date: January 16,2025

City of Akron to Issue Birthday Greetings for Centenarians

Akron, Ohio, Jan. 14, 2025 — The City of Akron’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is accepting requests for birthday greetings from Mayor Shammas Malik to be sent to Akron residents 100 years and older. The city will begin accepting requests immediately and will backfill requests for those who celebrated a 100 year or older birthday since the beginning of the Malik administration, January 1, 2024.

Akron residents who have turned or are turning 100 or older can request a certificate from the City of Akron to celebrate the occasion. Loved ones can also make the request on behalf of their family member. Please make your request online here, at least 4 weeks in advance of the birthday. If your birthday or your loved one's birthday has passed prior to this release but occurred after Jan. 1, 2024, please fill out the form to request a birthday greeting.

Only 0.03% of the United States population is comprised of centenarians, according to the Pew Research Center, making this stage in life a special accomplishment and the City of Akron would like to celebrate this occasion with residents.

“Celebrating centenarians in the City of Akron is an opportunity to honor living history,” said Mayor Malik. “These individuals carry a wealth of experience that spans decades of societal change, personal achievements, and cultural shifts. Recognizing them highlights the wisdom gained through their long lives and the legacy they leave for the future.”

Centenarians serve as a bridge to the past and offer inspiration to the future. By celebrating them, Akron is fostering intergenerational connections, reminding younger generations of the value of perseverance and the importance of learning from those who have come before us.

“It is very important to pay homage to the wisdom of our residents in the City of Akron. We do this in remembrance of our elders,” said Esther Thomas, Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

If you would like to send in a photo of yourself or your loved one turning 100 years or older, please email a copy to Summer Hall at SLHall@akronohio.gov, subject line: 100 years.

Additionally, to learn more about services and volunteer opportunities to enhance the lives of our aging adults and elders, below are some agencies in Summit County who can assist: