Click Here To Watch Previous Masterpiece Theater Replays.
Dunn Pearson, Jr. - Award-winning Pianist, Composer and Arranger
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The final artist in the VAACC Masterpiece Series for 2021 is writer, composer, arranger and producer, Dunn Pearson, Jr. Dunn is affectionately referred to as Black Beethoven by his peers in the music industry and has over 25 awards to his credit. One might say, if you can name it, Dunn Pearson, Jr. has done it as it relates to music. Whether it’s arranging, producing or performing, Dunn has been there and done that. He has worked with artists like the O’Jays, Stephanie Mills, Roy Ayers, Gerald Levert, Stevie Wonder and the list goes on and on. Dunn Pearson Jr. has not only arranged, written and produced for others but has also released six (6) soul-jazz albums of his own.
Anywhere music is required Dunn's talents have been utilized. He has produced the musical content for McDonalds' and Wendy's commercials, arranged scores for television and Broadway. Dunn has written and arranged the theme scores for TV shows and movies like New York Undercover and the HBO movie Head Office. Dunn Pearson Jr. is also an author, TV host and has established the God Has A Blessing Foundation. Dunn shows no signs of slowing down and we can’t wait to hear about his latest projects. Please join us on December 23rd at 7:00PM for an insightful and informative musical journey with the legendary Dunn Pearson Jr. |
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René Dickerson - Renowned Artist
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Join VAACC for an evening with the talented René Dickerson. René will discuss and demonstrate his artistic process, that can only be described as his genius. Hidden within his art is always a surprise, something more to see. His art and story are inspiring and his passion contagious. This Virginia artist by way of the San Francisco Bay Area, had parents who must have known his talents at birth as they named him after surrealist René Magritte. René was also fortunate enough to have a father who loved art and saw his talents and encouraged his work as an artist. The support of his family did not stop there as he was surrounded by art and books that spoke to his soul. This self-taught artist has a body of work that spans four decades with many awards and accolades from the art industry and collectors. His art is in the private collections of Oprah Winfrey, Berry Gordy, Otis Williams and many other well known collectors. René has a long history with the Temptations and has produced original works of art for their album covers. René's art has allowed him the opportunity to give back to various foundations and non-profits through fundraisers. His generosity offers opportunities for others to fulfill their dreams and achieve their goals. René will complete and offer one of his works of art in a silent auction conducted during his Masterpiece presentation. On November 8th, 2021, at 7:00PM, don't miss your opportunity to become a René Dickerson collector. On November 12, 2021 a link to our silent auction will be emailed and placed on our website. On December 1, 2021 the winning bidder will be notified. For additional information please contact: info@vaaccvb.org 
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Dr. Anthony Hailey - CEO Mosaic Steel Orchestra.His early musical education was in the realm of orchestral percussion, however, Dr. Hailey shifted his attention to African and Caribbean music styles during graduate school. Hailey is a native of Charlotte, NC, and he began playing the double second steelpan in 1990 as an undergraduate music student at East Carolina University. This experience led him to West Virginia University where he studied steelpan construction, tuning and arranging with Ellie Mannette. After receiving a Master's of Music in 1994, Hailey noticed a growing interest in ethnic and world music among music educators in the U.S. This shift of interest prompted Hailey to pursue his doctorate degree in world percussion from West Virginia University, which he received in May 2005.
An active percussionist in Hampton Roads, Virginia; Hailey has performed locally with many artists including Ben Vereen, the Girls Choir of Harlem, and Dance Theater of Harlem and he has served as professor of percussion studies at Tidewater Community College and Old Dominion University. Internationally Hailey has studied and performed at the University of Ghana, Legon, toured South Korea performing at the Seoul International Drum Festival and the 2002 World Cup Opening Ceremony. Dr. Hailey performed in the 2006, 2007 and 2008 Trinidad and Tobago National Steel Band Panorama Finals with Skiffle Bunch, Starlift and Renegades steel orchestras respectively. In 2015, Hailey lead his Mosaic Steel Orchestra to place 20th out of 24 bands in Trinidad during the Inaugural International Conference and Panorama where he also presented his research paper “Positive Propensity of Pan”. As an arranger, in 2017 Dr. Hailey was the first African-American to work as musical arranger in the Trinidad & Tobago National Steel Band Panorama composing for the Sangre Grande Cordettes Steel Orchestra. Dr. Hailey has received several grants from the US Embassy in Port-ofSpain, Trinidad for his youth outreach work in Trinidad. Hailey is the CEO of Mosaic Steel Orchestra, which he founded in 2006 to share his passion for the art form with American youth - encouraging them to strive for excellence while building the discipline and self-confidence necessary to overcome life’s challenges. Mosaic Steel Orchestra is a 501c3 not-for profit organization dedicated to strengthening the community through cultural performing arts. |
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Community Fall Festival
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.
Inside a Silent Tear
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
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An Excellent Opportunity!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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GivingTuesdayNow05/05/20
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 Festival10/05/19
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 Lives10/26/19
Presented by the New Journal and Guide |
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Entering Equity In The Sustainable Building Sector Initiative10/28/19
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
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 Celebration06/22/19
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 Tour03/01/19
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 Culture02/22/19
In conjunction with the Chrysler Museum. More details coming soon
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Step Afrika02/10/19
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
01/15/19
In January, Date TBD More information coming soon!
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Wasn't That Funny Comedy Night Benefit12/01/18
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
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 Challenge04/26/18
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
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
11/14/17
6:00 PM
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
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
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
10/15/17
October 19, 2017
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
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-Violence09/24/16
Our Blessing of the Land was an enormously successful event. Visit our News page to read all about it!
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