Celebrating African American Heritage

We hosted our inaugural cultural festival, bringing together artists, musicians, and the community to celebrate African American heritage.

We introduced educational programs aimed at teaching young people about African American history and cultural contributions. Lionel Holder, Bob Brooks, Burt Green, and later Rob Whiting spearheaded this program

Celebrating a Decade of Legacy: AACS 10th Anniversary & Cultural Center Opening

The African American Cultural Society, Inc. (AACS) proudly marked a major milestone with the celebration of its 10th Anniversary and the Grand Opening of its Cultural Center. This historic occasion was more than a ceremony—it was a tribute to the vision, perseverance, and collective effort of those who founded and built the organization from the ground up.

The opening of our Cultural Center represented a powerful symbol of progress: a permanent home where the heritage, art, and contributions of African and African American communities could be preserved, shared, and celebrated. What began as a dream took shape through dedication and unity—and now stands as a vibrant hub for cultural education, engagement, and empowerment.

This event honored not only a decade of growth and impact but also the founding members and community supporters whose commitment made it all possible. It was a day filled with pride, reflection, and renewed purpose as we stepped into a new era, grounded in our mission and inspired for the future.

Let me know if you want to add photos, quotes from founders, or a timeline section.

In a remarkable display of commitment and collective effort, members of the African American Cultural Society (AACS) successfully retired the organization’s mortgage within just 13 years. Originally scheduled for a 15-year term, the mortgage was fully paid off in 2012—two years ahead of schedule. This achievement reflects the dedication of AACS members, supporters, and the broader community, who consistently prioritized financial responsibility and sustainability. Their early payoff not only eliminated long-term debt but also positioned the organization for growth, allowing it to focus more fully on its mission of preserving and promoting African and African American culture.

Over 30 years, the African American Cultural Society in Flagler County has grown from seven founding members to its current 354 members.

The non-profit’s mission for the past 30 years has been “to preserve and perpetuate the cultural heritage of African Americans through educational, artistic, intellectual, and social activities and services deemed to be in the best interests of the entire community.” Rep. Barbara Lee was the guest speaker. This text is an excert from te Palm Coast Observer.

Florida Humanities, in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution’s Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES), launched a new exhibition partnership program, “Exhibition Starter Kit: FOOD” and selected the African American Cultural Society Inc. (AACS) as an inaugural recipient along with eight other nonprofit organizations.

The funding they received from Florida Humanities will partially support the creation of exhibitions that capture and share local narratives on food, utilizing templated resources as well as virtual and in-person support from the Smithsonian Institution.

Exhibition Starter Kits provide a Smith-sonian-developed framework to guide selected venues through the development of local humanities-based exhibitions using their own collections and cultural content. This text is courtesy of DaytonaTimes