- November 23, 2024
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The Emerald Legacy Dancers performed a routine, representing African roots.
Edwina Mezo Brown received a raucous ovation after delivering a poem that was written to President Obama from a Joyce McLaren, who sat in the audience.
Congressional candidate Val Demings
25th Anniversary Celebration Steering Committee member Edward H. Brown Jr.
Master of Ceremonies John Winston gives Edwina Mezo Brown encouraging words.
Matanzas High School JROTC Color Guard
When a some young black kids who were hanging around the old Walmart were allegedly being harassed by police, a group of African-Americans -- including James Sharpe Jr. -- sought a place to rent for the kids to play games. Ultimately, that renting space became the African American Cultural Society, which celebrated its 25-year anniversary on Sunday, Oct. 23, at Matanzas High School.
For two and a half decades, the AACS has stood as one of Flagler County’s most prolific institutions in enhancing African-African culture. Filled with historic artifacts, tribal masks and photos of some of the most renown African-Americans, the AACS has lived up to its mission, which is “to preserve and perpetuate the cultural heritage of African Americans through social, educational, artistic and intellectual activities.”
To continue its rich history of anniversary guest speakers, the AACS called upon congressional candidate Val Demings -- the first female to hold the position of Chief of the Orlando Police Department -- to provide the keynote speech. In the past, the Susan Taylor, Editorial Director of Essence Magazine, U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young and Dr. Howard Dodson, Director of the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center and Howard University Libraries, spoke at previous anniversary celebrations.
AACS board member and 25th anniversary Chairperson Stephanie Robinson has been with the organization for 24 years. Robinson says her best moments from over the years was celebrating at the AACS’s election night watch when President Barack Obama was elected president in 2008, the mortgage-burning party when the $380,000 mortgage was paid off early, and assisting with yesterday’s anniversary event.
“We’re looking forward to getting more youth and young adults involved,” Robinson said. “We need someone to carry on, when we can no longer carry on.”
For membership information, call 447-7030.
Making a difference
Over the last 25 years, the AACS has organized or participated in the following: Cub and Boy Scouts, little league baseball, golf tournaments, Juneteenth, Kwanzaa, Ashe' Art Show, annuall Jazz Breakfast.
The organization played a major role in implementing the African-American History Course at both high schools. It has held read-ins, African-American history contests, provided student internships and contributed to student computers and book donations.
The AACS has taken part in the Fourth of July parades in Flagler Beach, provided steel drum entertainment at public events, held candidate forums and offered its facility as a polling place.
It has engaged in the American Cancer Society's relay for life and other community drives, including the Home Show, the inter-ethnic groups and the Christmas Tree Lighting at the Flagler County Public Library.
