AACS stands at the forefront of community engagement, reaching out to the diverse populace of Palm Coast, Florida, and beyond. Committed to fostering a sense of belonging and shared cultural heritage, the mission and purpose of this dynamic organization is to preserve and perpetuate the cultural heritage of the African Diaspora through educational, artistic, intellectual, and social activities and services deemed to be in the best interests of the entire community.

The AACS Cultural Center and Museum building is located at 4422 North US Highway 1, Palm Coast, Fla. The mailing address is P.O. Box 350607, Palm Coast, FL 32135-0607. Telephone (386) 447-7030.

The AACS Membership Committee

This key committee has the goal of increasing enrollment by welcoming all members of the community who share the AACS vision, both locally and beyond. Its responsibilities encompass the development and distribution of membership literature, the maintenance of a recruitment presence at cultural events, and the management of membership data for communication and voting purposes.

The AACS Membership Committee boasts a roster of dedicated individuals. Their collective expertise and unwavering commitment to the AACS mission drive the committee’s success. Mamie Godfrey is the newly installed Committee Chair, Jean Tanner is Chair Emeritus, and Brenda Russel is Committee Secretary.

Committee Activities
The committee’s initiatives are as varied as the community served by AACS. Activities include discount membership dues programs for new and existing members, phone calling campaigns, email outreach, and membership appreciation events. These efforts create a warm and inviting atmosphere for both new and existing members.

Community Impact and Ambitions
AACS currently boasts a record of almost 400 members in a community of approximately 14,000 African Americans in Palm Coast and surrounding areas. The Membership Committee aspires to continue growing this number in coming years. Importantly, membership is open to all, regardless of residency, reflecting AACS’ commitment to inclusivity.

Challenges and Resilience
The COVID-19 pandemic posed a significant challenge to AACS and challenged plans for continued membership growth. However, with resilience and determination, membership growth remained normal and AACS’ revived cultural events drew in many potential members.

Future Goals
The committee’s vision for the future is ambitious yet attainable to regularly increase membership over the next few years. A key strategy involves engaging younger generations to ensure they connect with and embrace their cultural heritage.

Community Partnerships
Beyond its individual efforts, AACS collaborates with esteemed organizations such as the Flagler NAACP, SURJ (Standing Up for Racial Justice), the Carver Foundation, and the Lincolnville Museum in St. Augustine, further strengthening their impact on the community.

In conclusion, the AACS Membership Committee’s unwavering dedication to inclusivity and community engagement has positioned it at the cornerstone of the African American Cultural Society’s mission. With their sights set on the future, AACS is poised to continue making a difference in the lives of the people they serve. Use the below QR code to visit the AACS website and become a member or join its mailing list.

Ralph Lightfoot – Article Author