VIRTUAL ARTIST MASTERPIECE SERIES RETURNS!
Featuring Singer/Songwriter
Sesil Jenkins
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The VAACC will kick-off the 2024-25 season of its highly acclaimed Virtual Artist Masterpiece Series on Nov. 7, 2024, at 7p.m., featuring Norfolk’s own, singer and songwriter Sesil Jenkins. Known as the last protégé of Marvin Gaye, Jenkins has travelled all over the world, collaborating with many great artists as a choreographer, singer and songwriter.
This engaging, online event features a moderated interview discussion by VAACC Director of Programming Crystal Sessoms. Join us and watch as Jenkins reflects on the earlier days of his career, from working with Gaye to his ongoing journey as an artist and how he uses his talents to make change in the world. |
The event will end with an audience Q&A. Viewers must register in advance online for this free, virtual event sponsored by the Virginia Beach Arts & Humanities Commission.
VAACC Family Field Day!
TRS KIDS PRESENTS OZ!
Sponsored by VAACC
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Come check out OZ! - an amazing production and performance by TRS Kids!
August 10th, 2024 Showtimes at 2:30 PM & 6:00 PM Princess Anne Highschool 4400 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 TRS Kids is a 501c3 Performing Arts & Production company for children ages 5-17 years old. We provide children in the Hampton Roads community with high-quality performing arts skills. At TRS Kids, your child will learn performance techniques, stagecraft, set design as well as various other aspects of the performing arts. To Learn More about TRS Kids Visit their Website! |
3rd Annual VAACC Golf Tournament
Thank you to everyone that participated in this year's Golf Tournament! Special thank you to all of our sponsors for making this event and future VAACC programs possible.
See you all next year!
See you all next year!
Free, Family Fun After Dark
Brighten the night at Parks After Dark! Let's flip the switch and light up the night with free, family fun after the sun goes down at Williams Farm Park. Bring your family and friends for summer nights filled with FREE recreational activities, entertainment, and more!
- June 6-Aug. 24 (There will be no PAD events June 20-22)
- Thursdays, Fridays, & Saturdays, 6-11 p.m.
- Williams Farm Park
- 5269 Learning Circle, Virginia Beach, VA 23462
LEARN MORE HERE
VIST OUR TENT FOR FREE VAACC SWAG AND TO
LEARN MORE ABOUT BECOMING A MEMEBER!
7/26/24
8/2/24
LEARN MORE ABOUT BECOMING A MEMEBER!
7/26/24
8/2/24
Another Day
(Emancipation Proclamation)
The Young People’s Guild production “
Produced : Dr. Chief Apostle Joyce Tasby
Sponsored by VAACC
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Another Day an evening of enactment of day we arrived in Hampton, Virginia on a Pirate ship packed like sardines.
The truth about Emancipation Proclamation and what it did for African Americans. This theater production though play monologues, poems , singing, dancing tell our story. How we changed, rose from enslaved people to people who soon learned their identity wasn’t based on what we were told but, fought for what is the Truth. Hush somebody’s calling my name, Freedom, I wanna go to heaven when I die, Sometimes I feel like a motherless child, Say it loud I’m Black and I’m Proud, Young Gifted & Black , How the watch meeting got started. Saturday July 13 2024 at 04:00 pm
Kroc Center Hampton Roads, 1401 Ballentine Blvd, Norfolk, VA Donation $35 |
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JOIN US FOR OUR
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TRUTH AND FREEDOM
The Virginia African American Cultural Center presents a live recording of its highly acclaimed Virtual Artist Masterpiece Series featuring “Truth and Freedom”, a theatrical production written and directed by VAACC’s own Crystal Sessoms. Join us as we watch many of Virginia’s African American heroes fight for the truth and freedom in their lives.
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“Truth and Freedom” is a theatrical production highlighting the lives of African American heroes in Virginia. The production consists of 12 actors/singers and 2 musicians (Piano, drums) and one dancer. The show runs approximately 1hour & 15 minutes and will be followed with a brief discussion/interview with the talent. The event is part of our Virtual Artist Masterpiece Series as well as VAACC Juneteenth programming. Viewers must register online in advance for this free event, hosted in part by the Virginia Beach Arts & Humanities Commission. A Z Ticket Bank FREE performance provided by Virginia African American Cultural Center. Additional funding for this performance comes from the City of Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs through the Arts and Humanities Commission. |
Highlights from the VAACC 4th annual Community Fall Festival
Thank you to our sponsors, entertainers, vendors and attendees!
VAACC Unity in the Community Art-Walk Summer 2022
The Virginia African American Cultural Center, Inc. nonprofit announced today that it will host an inaugural Juneteenth Festival partnership with the City of Virginia Beach, at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. The event includes reflective public art murals created by artists from across the Commonwealth in celebration of the theme “Unity in the Community and families activities.”
In collaboration with the ViBe Creative District and the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, VAACC selected artists to paint live from June 16-19, between 15th and 31st streets. The public is invited to come watch the artists work as they paint live during the four-day weekend. Following an open call for artists in early May, which garnered more than 60 artwork submissions, VAACC worked with the Virginia Beach Public Art Committee to select artists to paint 30 temporary murals located in 15 locations along the Virginia Beach boardwalk for an art walk stretching 1.25 miles long. The artworks will be visible from both the paved boardwalk and the beach to create memorable photo opportunities.
The purpose of the art walk is to: promote positive public dialogue about important social issues; strengthen bonds between diverse communities and local government; embrace and showcase the multi-cultural arts community in Virginia Beach; provide residents and visitors to the Boardwalk an engaging, positive memory to share on social media and with friends and family that celebrates all people.
"We hope this art project creates a space where diverse cultural viewpoints are shared and appreciated by one united community," said Dr. Amelia Ross-Hammond, founder and chairman of VAACC. "The City of Virginia Beach's partnership on this project reflects the importance of Juneteenth as a national, state and city holiday."
See List of selected Artist and Full Press Release.
Artist Masterpiece Series 2022 Featuring - Morgan Avery McCoy May - 19, 2022 - 7PM
Evolution of a Black Girl: From the Slave House to the White House
Morgan is an American award-winning actress, author, motivational speaker, educator, CEO of production company, M.A.M. Inc. & Executive Director of her non-profit, A.C.T. 4 Life, Inc. She can be seen on national TV commercials, films, and most recently the BoxOffice Hit Harriet starring Cynthia Erivo and Janelle Monet. While not on set, Morgan tours the country speaking and presenting her one woman shows: Evolution of a Black Girl: From the Slave House to the White House, She’s Got Issues, and Care for Me: The Cry of the Fatherless. Within the shows, Morgan utilizes her unique story telling ability through comedy and drama to motivate audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Academy Award winner, Lou Gossett Jr. was so impressed with Morgan’s performance that he co-sponsored her 30 college multi-state tour in 2015. After garnering national exposure, Morgan won the 2015 Cultural Act of the Year Award from the Association for the Promotion Campus Activities. She is often invited to perform and speak at colleges, middle and high schools, corporations, churches and other organizations across the country because of the authentic message of hope she shares with her audiences. Prior to becoming an actress, Morgan was valedictorian of her high school, received her B.A. in Theater Performance from Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia and an M..A. in Communications from Regent University in Virginia Beach, VA.
"Beck G" April 7, 2022, 7:00PM
Beck G is a native of Norfolk, VA. She has had a colorful experience in the entertainment industry, first as an artist. As a young teenager, she was the lead singer in a 4-girl A cappella singing group called Elegant Harmony. They won Teddy Riley's first talent show in VA in the '90s, performed with celebrities like Heavy D, and even appeared on BET. After moving back to Virginia from living in Atlanta, GA for a short while, she picked up her desire to impact the entertainment industry. Beck went on to learn the entertainment business away from the mic.
Beck G is the proud founder and principal of Beck's Management Public Relations firm. Her company's niche is working with entertainment, events, and entrepreneurs. She has a unique knack for branding, networking, creating opportunities, building relationships, and professionalism. Her company's mission to help her clients realize their greatest goals. Beck G also has the role of Public Relations Manager for Wu Tang Management.
She was also the PR Director and the award-winning radio personality for her own top-rated Saturday morning show, "The Morning After Show" at 'Famous Radio Live' heard by over one million listeners a year in 13 countries! Beck G now houses her radio talents at Wu World Radio, where she co-hosts The Vinyl Word. She is a captivating & inspiring motivational speaker with an upbeat, passionate, and energetic personality.
Previously recorded: Watch the full interview
To View Full Presentation click On White Arrow Above
Tennis Rodman "Today" Availaible on Bandcamp
Artist Masterpiece Series 2021/2022
Click Here To Watch Previous Events in the Artist Masterpiece Series
Monday January 24,2022 at 7pm
DJSuave is an Open Format Dj from VA Beach, a member of MP3Wax DJ coalition. He has performed at the South by Southwest event in Texas and recently at the Funk Fest in Orlando, Florida as well as international venues.
DJSuave is an Open Format Dj from VA Beach, a member of MP3Wax DJ coalition. He has performed at the South by Southwest event in Texas and recently at the Funk Fest in Orlando, Florida as well as international venues.
Community Events
Community Fall Festival
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The 2nd Annual Virginia African American Cultural Center Community Fall Festival. This free event is produced annually to celebrate African American culture and bring the community together. This year’s event will take place from noon to 5 pm, and feature several entertainment acts, including The Fuzz Band.
The festival is being held on the corner of Newtown Road and 744 Hampshire LN, in the Kempsville section of Virginia Beach, the future site of the African American Cultural Center. Families can expect plenty of fun-filled activities including contests, games, arts, crafts, and organized children’s activities.
The event will also include viewing of the public art installation, “Portraits from a Place of Grace” by Richard Hollant. Food trucks and vendors including African cultural items will be on hand.
The festival is being held on the corner of Newtown Road and 744 Hampshire LN, in the Kempsville section of Virginia Beach, the future site of the African American Cultural Center. Families can expect plenty of fun-filled activities including contests, games, arts, crafts, and organized children’s activities.
The event will also include viewing of the public art installation, “Portraits from a Place of Grace” by Richard Hollant. Food trucks and vendors including African cultural items will be on hand.
BLACK HISTORY INITIATIVE
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Inside a Silent Tear
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Several works in the Chrysler Museum’s collection were made by Black artists who fashioned their adversities into art. Silenced by society, they created pieces that embody their experiences with racial inequality and injustice. Explore the Black experience in America through art in a conversation led by docent Becky Livas, McKinnon Curator of Modern & Contemporary Art Kimberli Gant, PhD, and Dr. Amelia Ross-Hammond and Joan Rhodes-Copeland from the African American Cultural Center of Virginia.
Free. Registration required. The Zoom link will be sent with the confirmation email.
Image: Elizabeth Catlett (American, 1915–2012), Ife, 2002, Mahogany, Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr., by exchange, in honor of Andrew S. Fine in recognition of his outstanding service as a Museum Trustee and as Board Chairman, 1999–2002, 2002.3
Free. Registration required. The Zoom link will be sent with the confirmation email.
Image: Elizabeth Catlett (American, 1915–2012), Ife, 2002, Mahogany, Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr., by exchange, in honor of Andrew S. Fine in recognition of his outstanding service as a Museum Trustee and as Board Chairman, 1999–2002, 2002.3
Chairman Jones Screening 02/25/2021
7:00PM - 8:30PM EST
7:00PM - 8:30PM EST
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An Excellent Opportunity!Read more
We couldn't let another day go by without telling you about our exciting new partnership with the 28th Annual African Diaspora International Film Festival. It began virtually on Friday, Nov. 27, and runs through Sunday, Dec. 13. The festival features 75 films from 31 countries including 27 New York and U.S. premieres. VAACC members and friends can receive an amazing discount price of only $2 per film by using the code ”VAACC” now through the end of the festival. Share with family and friends! These films are excellent and well worth watching! #NYADIFF #VAACCVB #culture #foreignfilms #2020 Find out more |
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GivingTuesdayNowRead more
05/05/20 We donated 700 masks to 4 facilities with 300 more on the way. We could not have done this without YOUR support! |
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First Annual Community Fall FestivalRead more
10/05/19 Celebrating our cultural history on the site of the future home of the African American Cultural Center The Virginia African American Cultural Center hosted its 1st Community Fall Festival on October 5th 2019 to celebrate on the land which was officially “Gifted” by the City of Virginia Beach to our communities. Even though we had not broken ground we felt it was important to give back to these historic neighborhoods by hosting a family-friendly outing showcasing talented artists, musician’s storytellers, African arts and crafts, informational and local vendors, food trucks as well as organized children activities, all free and open to the public. Many of these families are unable to afford the luxury of attending formal concerts, art exhibits or learning about their culture and history in a safe place. With a small budget of $1000.00, donations from business sponsors, great volunteers and other cultural art partners including the City, we entertained an intergenerational multicultural crowd of over 500 and it was a great success! We are excited to institute the Community Fall Festival as an annual event and look forward to growing the event and its outreach. |
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6th Annual Impacting LivesRead more
10/26/19 Presented by the New Journal and Guide |
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Entering Equity In The Sustainable Building Sector InitiativeRead more
10/28/19 Working Retreat Communities of color and low-income communities bear the brunt of the impacts of unhealthy, energy inefficient, and disaster vulnerable buildings through poor health and financial impacts of high energy bills, as well as the disproportionate negative effects of climate change, to which buildings contribute as a major consumer of fossil fuel-based energy. Yet, as one looks around the tables or worksites of the sustainable and regenerative building sector, there is little representation of the populations most impacted by our current proliferation of unsustainable, inefficient, sometimes unsafe, and often unhealthy building stock. Whether it’s as policy makers, advocates, architects, project managers, contractors, or even in the construction workforce, the most impacted communities are underrepresented in the design, construction, and occupancy of sustainable, regenerative, healthy buildings. Find out more. |
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Community members talk about equity, race in South Hampton Roads
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10/17/19 Add some more info about this item.. “How has the dismantling of public and low-income housing impacted Hampton Roads?” “How do you define equity?” “What’s the solution to the problems that plague our community?” Those were among the tough questions asked Thursday night at the latest event in Beneath the Surface: Race and the History of Race in South Hampton Roads, an 18-month joint effort by the Hampton Roads Community Foundation and Virginia Humanities to examine race and its role in the five cities. Read the full article. |
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Aurthur Ashe Boulevard CelebrationRead more
06/22/19 Visit the website for information about a series of events to celebrate the naming of Aurthur Ashe Boulevard! |
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Frederick Douglass Speaking TourRead more
03/01/19 Join us at the Zeider Theater, performed by Poet, Nathan Richardson PRESENTED BY AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER March 29, 2019 Friday at 7pm This performance will take place in the Main Stage Theater. CLICK THE IMAGE FOR TICKETS As we commemorate 400 years when the first Africans were brought to North America in 1619, this living history reenactment, continues to connect Douglass’ remarkable legacy with the history of the African diaspora and future aspirations of African Americans in the USA. Poet and Author, Nathan Richardson, captures completely the physical and spiritual essence of writer, orator, and abolitionist Frederick Douglass. |
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Tour of National Museum of African History and CultureRead more
02/22/19 In conjunction with the Chrysler Museum. More details coming soon |
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Step AfrikaRead more
02/10/19 Sandler Center for the Performing Arts 5:00pm - 6:30pm The Company blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities, African traditional dance and influences from a variety of other dance and art forms. Performances are much more than dance shows; they integrate songs, storytelling, humor, and audience participation. The blend of technique, agility, and pure energy makes each performance unique and leaves the audience with their hearts pounding. |
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Installation and Unveiling of the African American Cultural Center, Inc Temporary Public Art
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01/15/19 In January, Date TBD More information coming soon! |
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Wasn't That Funny Comedy Night BenefitRead more
12/01/18 PRESENTED BY THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER OF VIRGINIA BEACH & GREG POWELL PROMOTIONS WASN’T THAT FUNNY ! COMEDY SHOW & TARLTON MANNING JAZZ DEC. 1, 2018 • 6PM - 9PM TICKETS : $30 E RAY COX CONVOCATION CENTER AT NEW HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH 395 OLD GREAT NECK RD VIRGINIA BEACH, VA 23454 TABLE SPONSORSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED |
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Capital Campaign Kick-Off
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04/26/18 High-level supporters and donors joing AACC for a successful evening Hosted by Founder & Executive Director Dr. Amelia Ross-Hammond, the AACC Executive Board and Public Officials. Guest speaker was Dr. Rise Nelson, Assistant Dean of Yale College and Director of the Afro-American Cultural Center at Yale University. Master of Ceremonies was Mr. Kurt Williams of WTKR. We are grateful for all our partners and sponsors. Click the image to read more. |
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Gary's ChallengeRead more
04/26/18 High-level supporters and donors joing AACC for a successful evening At the AACC Capital Campaign Kick-Off event, Rev. Gary McCollum issued Gary's Challenge Grant - a $12,000 matching funds challenge. Gary's Challenge brought in over $14,000 in contributions, for a total of $26,979! Click the image to learn more. |
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Gallery Talk at the Chrysler
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02/03/18 2:00 PM Join us at the Chrysler Museum on February 3rd for Gallery Talk. Black History Month Gallery Talk with Amelia Ross-Hammond and Becky Livas The Chrysler Museum of Art commemorates Black History Month with a special Gallery Talk with Dr. Amelia Ross-Hammond, Founder & Executive Director of the emerging African American Cultural Center, and Docent Becky Livas. See works from our collection that highlight the history, culture, and many artistic contributions of the African American community. |
AACC Community Town Hall Meeting
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11/14/17
6:00 PM
Please join us for a Community Town Hall Meeting on November 14 at Williams Farm Recreation Center, 5252 Learning Circle, Meeting Room 1
6:00 PM
Please join us for a Community Town Hall Meeting on November 14 at Williams Farm Recreation Center, 5252 Learning Circle, Meeting Room 1
Evening with the Greeks
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11/02/17
The African American Cultural Center Executive Board requests the honor of your presence for an introduction to the African American Cultural Center in Virginia Beach.
Our “Evening with the Greeks” will be held on November 2nd Two Thousand Seventeen from six o’clock p.m. until eight p.m. at The Westin Center in Virginia Beach 4535 Commerce St., V.B., VA, 23462
There will be drinks and light hors d’oeuvres and an opportunity to share in our vision for the City’s first African American Cultural Center.
We look forward to seeing you.
Dr. Linda Bright President
Cc: Dr. Amelia Ross-Hammond Executive Director
Mrs. Cheryl Davidson Secretary
The African American Cultural Center Executive Board requests the honor of your presence for an introduction to the African American Cultural Center in Virginia Beach.
Our “Evening with the Greeks” will be held on November 2nd Two Thousand Seventeen from six o’clock p.m. until eight p.m. at The Westin Center in Virginia Beach 4535 Commerce St., V.B., VA, 23462
There will be drinks and light hors d’oeuvres and an opportunity to share in our vision for the City’s first African American Cultural Center.
We look forward to seeing you.
Dr. Linda Bright President
Cc: Dr. Amelia Ross-Hammond Executive Director
Mrs. Cheryl Davidson Secretary
National Week of Non-Violence
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10/15/17
October 19, 2017
The Honorable Mayor, William D. Sessoms, Jr.
Members of City Council
Dear Mayor and Council Members: On behalf of the Human Rights Commission (HRC), I would like to thank you for your support in proclaiming October 15, 2017 through October 23, 2017 the Week of Non-Violence.
The Week of Non-Violence was initiated in 2013, in recognition of countless minority youth and adults, who are victims of gun violence and random violence. The goal is to promote and educate peaceful means of conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques in law enforcement and the community.
The Virginia Beach Human Rights Commission (HRC) is proud to join with Black Women for Positive Change, the City of Virginia Beach, the African American Cultural Center, faith- based leaders, and national organizations in recognizing the 5th Annual Week of Non-Violence.
The HRC remains committed to advocate for the human rights of all and to work towards a just, nonviolent, equitable and inclusive community.
Sincerely,
Rajeeb Islam, Chairman Human Rights Commission
cc: Council Member Shannon DS Kane
Council Member Bob Dyer
Regina Hilliard, Director of Human Resources
October 19, 2017
The Honorable Mayor, William D. Sessoms, Jr.
Members of City Council
Dear Mayor and Council Members: On behalf of the Human Rights Commission (HRC), I would like to thank you for your support in proclaiming October 15, 2017 through October 23, 2017 the Week of Non-Violence.
The Week of Non-Violence was initiated in 2013, in recognition of countless minority youth and adults, who are victims of gun violence and random violence. The goal is to promote and educate peaceful means of conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques in law enforcement and the community.
The Virginia Beach Human Rights Commission (HRC) is proud to join with Black Women for Positive Change, the City of Virginia Beach, the African American Cultural Center, faith- based leaders, and national organizations in recognizing the 5th Annual Week of Non-Violence.
The HRC remains committed to advocate for the human rights of all and to work towards a just, nonviolent, equitable and inclusive community.
Sincerely,
Rajeeb Islam, Chairman Human Rights Commission
cc: Council Member Shannon DS Kane
Council Member Bob Dyer
Regina Hilliard, Director of Human Resources
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National Week of Non-ViolenceRead more
09/24/16 Our Blessing of the Land was an enormously successful event. Visit our News page to read all about it! |
