The flag-raising is a powerful symbol of solidarity and the progress made by Black Americans in the United States. As we honor the accomplishments of our past, we look forward to the future with hope and optimism.Let us come together to recognize Black History Month's importance and pledge our commitment to creating a more equitable and just society.

The Afro-American Collaborative Community held our First Annual Juneteenth Black Tie Gala celebrating the community's culture and unity. This event created an environment where everyone was able to network with each other, honor our community's achievements, and have time to be proud of our history, culture, and heritage. 275 people joined us for a night of excellent food, dancing, and entertainment.Our Keynote speaker was Dr. Julius Wayne Dudley, professor emeritus of history at Salem State University. Dr. Dudley has played a pivotal role as a civil rights activist and educator throughout his lifetime. From marching alongside Martin Luther King, Jr. and Congressman Joe Lewis in the 1960s to working with Archbishop Desmond Tutu in post-apartheid South Africa, Dr. Dudley has devoted himself to serving others.Recognizing his tireless work, we honored Dr. Dudley with the Afro-American Community Collaborative Perfecting Unity Award.

In the spirit of community celebration and national recognition, The Afro-American Community Collaborative was excited to announce our 3rd Annual Juneteenth & Father's Day Block Party. The Green @ UTEC provided us with the space where BIPOC-owned vendors, local artists and performers, and community-based organizations showcased their brilliance and celebrated their culture with the community in a fun and safe environment. Our vision was to create a welcoming space for all with 300+ guests. With Free food and snacks for all

This year, the Afro-American Community Collaborative collaborated with community leaders and organizations from the Merrimack Valley to help create a culturally transformative event.

Afro-American Community Collaborative, Lowell Police Youth Services Program, and Merrimack Valley Flag Football collaborated on a free flag football clinic for Lowell youth.Students at the clinic got to meet and talk to former Lowell High School football star John Blake Galvin, who went on to play for Boston College and then the Jets and Vikings in the NFL, and Leon Powe, a former power forward for the Boston Celtics who shared in the team’s 2008 championship. Lowell High School Football Coach Shyheim Cullen also attended and spoke to the students.Approximately 60 Lowell youth in grades 5 to 8 participated in the clinic from Aug. 16-18 at Cawley Stadium, with T-shirts, flags, water, snacks, and even a post-clinic BBQ provided.

We held talks with residents so they could hear directly from the candidate and learn more about them. This was an opportunity for residents to get to know the candidates and ensure their votes counted.

HolidayFestIn Collaboration with dedicated Community advocates, we celebrated the holidays with 75+ community members.We were able to provide and distribute the following:
- 150 pairs of sneakers and socks
- 40 hats and gloves
- Pics with Santa
- Free Food for all

The Afro-American Community Collaborative (AACC) is a dedicated coalition in the Greater Lowell area, rooted in strength and committed to uplifting the Black community. We stand in solidarity with all BIPOC communities, recognizing our collective power to achieve true freedom, justice, and equality. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, we focus on fostering a thriving community through initiatives across five key areas: Physical, Financial, Human, Social, and Spiritual. Our mission is driven by our recent successes and ongoing projects, demonstrating our commitment to making a tangible impact.In the area of Physical development, we've participated in city-wide initiatives such as the April Vacation Basketball Clinic, which promotes physical activity and teamwork to bring fun and health to youth. We also prioritize Financial empowerment through programs like our Google Career Certificate Scholarship, which provides new career paths and economic opportunities. For Human development, we’ve invested in the Lura Smith Scholarship Fund to nurture the next generation of leaders. Our commitment to Social cohesion is exemplified by events like the Juneteenth Block Party and the Black History Month Flag Raising, where we bring together over 500 people to honor our cultural heritage and strengthen our community network. Spiritual enrichment is interwoven into all our activities, uplifting and motivating members through events like the 'Breaking Chains, Building Community' Gala.We are not just planning; we are actively engaging with the community. Our involvement in our first MonsterBash and the City of Lights Parade demonstrates our commitment to festive community engagement. Additionally, the Mary Scott Mitchell Community Service Award and the Flag Football Neighborhood Challenge highlight our dedication to recognition and active, enjoyable community involvement.As we look ahead to another impactful year, the AACC remains steadfast in our commitment to building strong, vibrant, and resilient communities. We are driven by past successes and the promise of the future, and we invite everyone to join us in this journey of empowerment, celebration, and growth.

LOWELL, Mass. — Aug 15, 2024
A three-day flag football camp hosted by police, the Afro-American Community Collaborative and Merrimack Valley Flag Football is underway at Cawley Memorial Stadium in Lowell."These kids are going to carry this into their personal lives. They're going to be able to go home and explain to their family and friends that, 'Hey, we had a great time with the police. They're there to help us. They’re there to encourage us,'" Lowell Police Department Capt. Matthew Penrose said."It helps you understand how they perform and how they actually treat people — even if they're a bad guy," student Robert Mitzner said.Mayon Mitchell is volunteering at the camp."I think football is a good team-building thing, so it's a thing to get people out of their comfort zone, where they have to interact with a different person," Mitchell said.What's special about the camp this year is high school girls are part of it, and they can learn valuable athletic skills that can help in academic pursuits."You probably know it's a scholarship sport now, so girls have an opportunity to get scholarships to college through high school level flag football, so we're just trying to get that into this area," Mitchell said.

Who we are:

The Afro-American Community Collaborative (AACC) is a group of community members who work together to ensure the needs of our community are well-represented and supported.This group works toward one goal: improving the quality of the community by bringing together community leaders and organizations to develop and implement programs that meet the community's needs.When you Collaborate, you can create genuine interactions with people from different cultures that can expose you to new ideas that are not duplicative with one's own; exchanging ideas in the conversation could result in a novel combination of significant outcomes.

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Thank you

We look forward to collaborating with you!

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have consistently supported and remained committed to our organization. Your invaluable contributions have played a pivotal role in our achievements, and we deeply appreciate the privilege of collaborating with you. As we move forward, we eagerly anticipate furthering our partnership and reaching new heights of success hand in hand.

Should you have any questions or wish to explore potential avenues for collaboration, please feel free to reach out to us without hesitation. We are always here to assist you and provide additional information about the exciting opportunities to work together.

All proceeds from these event will go to The Afro-American Community Collaborative, a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization committed to advancing the welfare of the Black community. Our mission is to create a collaborative, inclusive space that celebrates the beauty, diversity, and creativity of our community while also fostering a spirit of unity and empowerment. We strive to create a movement of positivity that inspires each individual to reach their full potential.Through our programs and initiatives, we seek to address the needs and priorities of our community across five distinct yet interconnected development concepts: Physical, Financial, Human, Social, and Spiritual. By supporting The Afro-American Community Collaborative through your participation in the Juneteenth celebration, you are contributing to our mission and helping us to build a stronger, more connected community.Thank you for considering joining us for this special event and supporting our work. We look forward to celebrating with you!

You're invited to the Afro-American Community Collaborative 2nd Annual Juneteenth Gala on Friday, June 16th, 2023, from 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM at Princeton Station in Chelmsford, MA. Theme: "Breaking Chains, Building Community," honoring Juneteenth and community empowerment.Featuring:
Keynote Speaker: Dennis D. Everett Jr., Co-Founder of Power of Self Education (POSE) Inc.
Raffle and DJ
Formal Attire

Prepare to be inspired at our Gala as we welcome our esteemed keynote speaker, Dennis D. Everett Jr., the Co-Founder of Power of Self Education (POSE) Inc. Through his powerful words and inspiring journey, Dennis will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on all attendees, motivating us all to strive for personal and community growth like never before.Get ready for an enchanting evening filled with captivating discussions, live entertainment, and a delicious dinner. This is not just an event but a chance to reflect on our shared history, celebrate our progress, and strengthen the bonds that unite us.Let us come together, united in our efforts to build a brighter future for ourselves and our community. Join us, and let's make this a night to remember!#BreakingChainsBuildingCommunity #JuneteenthBall #CommunityEmpowerment

Get ready to join us for an unforgettable Juneteenth celebration! This year, we are taking our event to the next level by bringing in more vendors and activities. Our goal is to create the biggest Juneteenth celebration in the area, and we want you to be a part of it! We invite vendors from all backgrounds to showcase their unique crafts, merchandise, and services that celebrate Black culture and history. Let's come together to honor this important moment in our nation's history and celebrate the rich and diverse contributions of the Black community.We are thrilled to offer you an excellent opportunity to showcase your brand, connect with the community, and be a part of our exciting journey to make this the premier Juneteenth celebration in the region. We welcome all community partners who are interested in sponsoring or collaborating on the event. Your support is crucial to making this event a success and providing a platform for celebrating Black liberation in our community. We are excited to collaborate with local businesses, community organizations, and cultural institutions.

Google Career Certificate Scholarship

Introducing the Afro-American Community Collaborative (AACC) first program in partnership with Grow with Google. This collaboration is a milestone in our mission to foster a flourishing community through digital skills and resources. We are proud to offer scholarships for Google Career Certificates, providing an incredible opportunity for community members to enhance their education and career prospects. Our efforts focus on Physical, Financial, Human, Social, and Spiritual development, with a particular emphasis on Human and Financial Development.In the digital age, acquiring digital skills is essential. Our alliance with Grow with Google bridges the digital divide and equips our community to thrive. We are thrilled to offer Google Career Certificates in six diverse fields.

We welcome all eager learners, with no prior knowledge required. The only ask? Your determination to learn, collaborate, and possibly transform your professional path. The best part? It's FREE!Tech skills open doors to personal and financial advancement, and we're looking at addressing the gap in Black tech talent and promoting inclusivity. Key points to consider:- Tech-related jobs are growing rapidly, with a 13% growth rate from 2020 to 2030, surpassing other sectors.
- Diversity in tech fosters innovation, financial prosperity, and a more inclusive society.
- Racial diversity in tech positively impacts the industry, work, and the broader economy.By offering Google Career Certificate scholarships, we unlock these benefits. This initiative empowers individuals to develop in-demand tech skills, increase earning potential, and contribute to a diverse and inclusive tech landscape. Together, we build a legacy of empowerment, inclusivity, and growth.

About Grow with Google:Grow with Google helps ensure that the opportunities created by technology are available to everyone. Since launching in 2017, Grow with Google has trained more than eight million Americans on digital skills. And through a network of more than 8,700 partner organizations–including local libraries, schools, and nonprofits–more people across the country can reach their full potential.About Afro-American Community Collaborative (AACC):The Afro-American Community Collaborative (AACC) is a group of dedicated individuals working together to bring hope and opportunity to the Greater Lowell area. As a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization, we are committed to creating strong, vibrant, resilient communities through resource mobilization and advocacy.