The Commons Community: Phyllis DeHart
Akron Civic Commons is highlighting the neighbors and partners that make our work in downtown Akron, Ohio & Erie Canal Park, and Summit Lake possible. This week, we’re highlighting Phyllis DeHart, Ohio & Erie Canal Park resident and advocate, and true connector of those in and around her community.
Tell me a little about your path.
I am from Orrville, the proud daughter of Earl and Maddie DeHart. I’m grateful for them because they taught me how to love anybody. And that’s been something that’s been passed on from generation to generation. Orrville was a community of different cultures which I am grateful for. I never really knew much about real prejudice, and couldn’t see it, until maybe my senior year in high school. We wanted to have a Black history celebration, and it caused a big ruckus in Orrville. That was the first time we really saw some prejudice, but I think it was a lack of communication and understanding, and not true prejudice.
Coming from a small community, from good values and good teachings, I don’t know strangers. That’s who God has made me. But even now, in 2021, we are still segregated, we are segregated in thought.
I am part of the Interfaith Church Council, which meets once a year and discusses cultural differences and what we can do to bring the community together. Similar to what the Akron Civic Commons does with trying to bring the community together here.
What would you like people to know about your community?
I have been at Williams Towers for six years. I think that we are a community that, largely in part to the Ohio & Erie Canal Park Steering committee, is trying to bring unity and fellowship to others. I would like people to know that we are here, we’re a loving people, and we are a diverse community.
Can you tell us more about your involvement with the Ohio & Erie Canal Park Steering Committee?
Tom Fuller (Alpha Phi Alpha Homes) invited me to join the committee. I love working with the community and bringing people together, and am pretty vocal, so I decided to join. I continue to work to try and get more tenants involved.
What would you like to see happen in the future?
I would like to see a village of homes. Not everybody wants to live in a high-story building. Our grandchildren come to visit and we don’t have enough space. Mixing daycare with seniors, old with young...the older folks could deposit their wisdom onto some of the younger residents. Stores, coffee shops - get the people who live here to be business owners. You could look back with pride and say ‘This is where I live. Come in and see what makes us different.’ That’s what I would like to see.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I would like people to know that they should get involved. If the city is making the opportunity - the doorway is open - dream big! Don’t limit God.