VAACC 2025 Annual Report
|
|
"A place of bringing people together."
Great Plans In the Works
|
The work has just begun, and the vision is enormous. Find out all about our Cultural Center and the incredible plans that are underway and here's a sneak peak of our new conceptual rendering video.
|
|
Conceptual Site Plan and Building Spaces
|
|
Stay tuned for more.................
Site - Lake Edward Park
744 Hampshire Lane, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462
|
This week-long celebration honoring African heritage and culture, observed from December 26 to January 1.
The holiday was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga as a response to the cultural disconnection experienced by African Americans. Kwanzaa is based on seven core principles known as the Nguzo Saba, which include unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. Each day of Kwanzaa is dedicated to one of the principles, encouraging reflection and community engagement. |
The celebration incorporates various cultural practices, including lighting the kinara (candle holder), sharing stories, and participating in communal feasts. Kwanzaa emphasizes the importance of family, community, and cultural identity, fostering a sense of belonging and pride among participants. The holiday is not a religious observance but rather a cultural celebration that can be enjoyed by people of all faiths.
“Kwanzaa.” National Museum of African American History and Culture, 4 Feb. 2025, nmaahc.si.edu/explore/moments/kwanzaa. |
Kwanzaa reminds us that our strength lives in our people, our stories, and our shared responsibility to one another.
VAACC honors the past, engages the present, and helps future generations through African American culture, history, and community |
Harambee and Happy Holidays from VAACC!
Blessing of the Land
The Blessing of the Land was the kickoff for the development of the African American Cultural Center. See the Gallery and news articles below to find out about this important event.
Photo Gallery
News Coverage
November 02, 2016
Princess Ann Independent News - Blessing the land, looking ahead to the future home of African American Cultural Center in Virginia Beach
VIRGINIA BEACH — During the ceremony this past month, before the blessing of 4.8 acres of Lake Edward Park that someday will be the home of the African American Cultural Center, young people worked at a row of tables adorned with canvases that, when united, form a greater work.
Princess Ann Independent News - Blessing the land, looking ahead to the future home of African American Cultural Center in Virginia Beach
VIRGINIA BEACH — During the ceremony this past month, before the blessing of 4.8 acres of Lake Edward Park that someday will be the home of the African American Cultural Center, young people worked at a row of tables adorned with canvases that, when united, form a greater work.
September 23, 2016
The Virginian-Pilot - "It was important to start on the right foot spiritually": Land is blessed for African American Cultural Center in Virginia Beach
The sound of the beating drums — steady, upbeat and soulful — set the tone Saturday for the blessing of the land ceremony at the site of what will be the African American Cultural Center.
The green space at the corner of Newtown Road and Hampshire Way is no longer just an empty area waiting for a building.
The Virginian-Pilot - "It was important to start on the right foot spiritually": Land is blessed for African American Cultural Center in Virginia Beach
The sound of the beating drums — steady, upbeat and soulful — set the tone Saturday for the blessing of the land ceremony at the site of what will be the African American Cultural Center.
The green space at the corner of Newtown Road and Hampshire Way is no longer just an empty area waiting for a building.
September 24, 2016
13 News Now - "Blessing of the Land" for new African-American Cultural Center
An African American Cultural Center is expected to go up in Virginia Beach. Project leaders came together to "bless" the land the building will be on in the near future. It's at the intersection of Newtown Road and Diamond Springs Road.
13News Now photojournalist Bonifacio Herrera was there.
13 News Now - "Blessing of the Land" for new African-American Cultural Center
An African American Cultural Center is expected to go up in Virginia Beach. Project leaders came together to "bless" the land the building will be on in the near future. It's at the intersection of Newtown Road and Diamond Springs Road.
13News Now photojournalist Bonifacio Herrera was there.
September 23, 2016
Southside Daily - Ceremony Saturday at site of proposed African-American center
Spoken word, artifacts and gospel choirs only scratch the surface of the artistic lineup for Saturday’s “Blessing of the Land” ceremony.
Southside Daily - Ceremony Saturday at site of proposed African-American center
Spoken word, artifacts and gospel choirs only scratch the surface of the artistic lineup for Saturday’s “Blessing of the Land” ceremony.
