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)The Afro-American Community Collaborative (AACC) is a dedicated coalition in Greater Lowell committed to uplifting the Black community and advocating for justice and equality for all individuals. As a 501(c)(3) organization, we drive positive change through targeted initiatives across five interconnected areas:💪 Physical Well-being: We promote healthy lifestyles and community engagement through events like youth basketball clinics 🏀 and neighborhood challenges.💰 Financial Empowerment: We create pathways to economic opportunity through programs like our Google Career Certificate Scholarship 🎓, providing access to in-demand skills and career advancement.🌱 Human Development: We invest in future leaders through programs that nurture individual growth and potential.🤝 Social Connection: We foster unity and celebrate our heritage through community events like the Juneteenth Block Party 🎉 and our Black History Month flag raising 🏴, our Father is in Focus initiative 👨👩👧👦, and the Mary Scott Mitchell Community Service Award 🏆, strengthening families, recognizing community contributions, and building bridges across communities.
🙏 Spiritual Enrichment: We weave spiritual growth and empowerment into all our activities, inspiring hope and resilience within our community.From celebrating our culture and recognizing community leaders to empowering individuals and strengthening families, AACC actively engages with the community to build a vibrant and resilient future.

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 grassroots, non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization in Greater Lowell. Made up of community members, AACC works to ensure the needs of the Black community are well-represented and supported. We work toward one goal: improving the quality of our community by bringing together community leaders and organizations to develop and implement programs that meet the community's needs, while also working to improve relations between our community and the city, as well as all other communities.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.

Get in touch

To Join our Mailing List

We respect your privacy. We will not share your information under any circumstances.

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!

Welcome to Fathers in Focus!

🌟 Why This Matters:
Fathers are pillars of strong families and communities, but many face challenges such as limited resources, societal stereotypes, and legal complexities. This initiative addresses these needs through mentorship, education, and a supportive network, ensuring fathers can build stronger bonds with their children and create lasting change.

What’s Included?✔️ Monthly 2-hour sessions led by specialists in family law, child development, financial planning, and more.✔️ One-on-one mentorship opportunities with experienced fathers.✔️ Develop essential life skills: Gain valuable tools for effective communication, conflict resolution, stress management, and goal setting.✔️ Build a stronger future: Discover resources and opportunities to enhance your overall well-being.

Program Structure: Your Journey to Better Fatherhood 👨🏾Fathers in Focus is designed with you in mind. We know you're busy juggling work, family, and life in the city. That's why we offer six monthly sessions, each just two hours long, packed with the knowledge and support you need to become the best dad you can be.Here's what you'll gain: 🧠Knowledge is power: Our sessions are led by specialists who understand the challenges you face. They'll break down complex topics like child support, co-parenting, and discipline into clear, actionable steps you can use today.Brotherhood and support: 🤝 Connect with other fathers who get it. Share your struggles, celebrate your wins, and build a network of brothers who have your back, no matter what.A mentor who believes in you: 🌟 We'll pair you with an experienced father who's walked in your shoes. He'll offer guidance, encouragement, and a listening ear when needed most, helping you stay focused on your goals. 👨🏾🤝👨🏾Why this matters, especially in our community:Rise above the challenges: ⬆️ Being a dad in a challenged communities isn't easy. We'll equip you with the tools to overcome obstacles, build a better future for your kids, and make them proud.
Rewrite your story: 📖 Break free from negative cycles and create a legacy of strength, resilience, and love for your family. You have the power to change the narrative.
Become the man you were born to be: 💪🏾 This program is about more than just fatherhood. It's about self-discovery, personal growth, and unlocking your full potential as a man.

Join "Fathers in Focus" and step into your power as a father and a leader.

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.