Established in 1976, the Akron Roundtable is a community forum that inspires and promotes dialog by presenting speakers who inform and educate listeners on diverse topics of importance to the region, the nation and the world. To date, more than 400 major corporate executives, writers, government officials, artists and civic leaders from around the country have shared their ideas with the region.

Each Akron Roundtable event will be recorded by media studies students working for the Z-TV television station, with guidance from PBS Western Reserve and Ideastream producers, offering a valuable, hands-on learning experience for the students. 

All AKRON ROUNDTABLE episodes are available to stream on-demand at PBSWesternReserve.org or the PBS App following their broadcast premiere.

Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):

Thursday, July 23, at 6 PM

Ismail Al-Amin, Documentary Film Director 
Butch Reynolds, OLYMPIC track and field legend

Ismail Al-Amin is a veteran educator, concert promoter, and social entrepreneur with 20 years of experience as a teacher and professor in Akron, Ohio’s public, charter schools and universities. Al-Amin’s successful dual career path in education, art and culture supports his innovative approach for professional learning. Al-Amin holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of the Akron and a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of the District of Columbia.

Butch Reynolds was a 400 metre runner who ran at the 1988 and 1996 Olympics, winning a silver medal in the 400 in 1988 and a gold medal that year in the 4x400 relay. Reynolds was a three-time gold medalist in the 4x4 at the World Championships, helping US teams win in 1987, 1993, and 1995. He also won silver medals in the 400 at the Worlds in 1993 and 1995 and a bronze in 1987, and added a gold medal in the 400 at the 1993 World Indoor Championships.