African American Cultural Center
Community Advisory Committee & Community Engagement
Who We Are
The prospect of an African American Cultural Center of Long Beach was greeted with enthusiasm from a wide range of people, as a means for celebrating and educating the African American community that has helped build the unique character of the City of Long Beach for over a century. Recognizing the past, present, and future contributions of the African American community is seen as a vital component in changing the negative narrative that has often been projected in society. Many community members strongly believe in our vision for Long Beach to have a Cultural Center dedicated specifically to the African American or Black experience.
This Cultural Center could serves as a central location for strengthening and healing in the African American community, as well as an economic generator and cultural destination for people of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds.
Many residents and AACCLB members have noted that the Cultural Center should be a permanent space for the Forgotten Images Gallery (a traveling educational exhibit and museum), which contains many artifacts from slavery to present day. Exhibits focusing on Long Beach history was very popular, specifically highlighting the City’s military roots and legacy of successful entrepreneurs, inventors, athletes, entertainers, Black hair and fashion, Black organizations, and a Wall of Excellence. Many see exhibits as an educational tool for all cultures to truly learn about the African American/Black community.
Testimonials - What do you Love about Long Beach and the AACCLB?
" I love that DIVERSITY is CELEBRATED in Long Beach! ~ Charlyn
I LOVE the presence of the Black Community in Long Beach. Also, the support network! ~ Community Member
"Long Beach is Everything! ~ April Parker
As a long time resident, I LOVE the Vision and evolution of our city ~ Gregory
Help us reach our goal in raising the necessary funds to keep carry out our vision and mission to serve our community by becoming an AACCLB member.
You can also PEER FUNDRAISER! Become a FRIEND on our social media platforms! Become an ADVOCATE!
The mission of the African American Cultural Center of Long Beach is to preserve, honor, and celebrate the heritage and advance the culture of the Black/African American community in Long Beach and beyond.
Our AACCLB membership and community at large, has expressed enthusiasm for programs and classes across a range of categories as a means of community enrichment. Music and Arts programs such as African drum and dance classes, history of Black music (Gospel, Jazz, Hip Hop, etc.), and music engineering workshops were the most requested. Youth mentoring programs as an opportunity for inter-generational exchange and rites of passage were also emphasized. Participants also mentioned LGBTQ parenting classes.
Other requested programs centered around health and wellness, such as cooking classes featuring healthy dishes of the African diaspora, including Soul Food, Caribbean,and African cuisine. Participants also mentioned financial education and literacy courses teaching self-reliance and economic empowerment.
Organization name
African American Cultural Center of Long Beach
Tax id (EIN)
85-0971521
Operating Budget
Small ($0 - $99,999)
Mission Category
Arts & Culture, Education
City Council District
District 5
Address
4321 Atlantic Avenue South GalleryLong Beach, CA, US, 90806