VIRGINIA BEACH — The African-American Cultural Center of Virginia Beach will have its first Capital Campaign private event.
The event is a step toward creating an open dialogue on the importance of diversity in our community, said former City Council member Amelia Ross-Hammond.
Ross-Hammond, who is the founder and executive director of the AACC project management is working hard to ensure the proposal to build the AACC go accordingly.
“The Capital Campaign kick-off is such an important contribution to the community and the future of AACC,” Ross-Hammond said. “This is a chance for members of the community to come together and talk about economic equity and inclusiveness within the community.”
Guest keynote speaker, Risë Nelson, who is the director of the Afro-American Cultural Center and assistant dean at Yale College, will discuss a variety of topics related to preserving African-American culture and history.
Because of Ross-Hammond’s efforts to create a safe space for the younger African-American community, the AACC is working in partnership with Virginia Wesleyan, Old Dominion University and other public schools in the city to create programs and curriculum that teach students about African-American heritage and culture.
“The center, which will act as an interactive museum, will be a great opportunity to give the younger African American generation a chance to learn more about their culture and have a safe place to be proud of,” Ross-Hammond sasid.
The kick-off will also be an opportunity to support plans for the AACC and learn more about the center’s goals.
“The city has over 20 percent of African American citizens,” Ross-Hammond said. “Next year, we will be celebrating 400 years of African-Americans in Virginia Beach.”
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The event will be on Thursday, April 26, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Westin Virginia Beach Town Center.
Williamsburg, VA 23188
For details visit www.aaccvb.org or send an e-mail to Info@aaccvb.org
