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.We strive to ignite a passion and enthusiasm in people to be more active in their neighborhoods. At AACC, we offer a platform for gatherings and activities that draw from the interests of the local population, the organizations and businesses that serve them, and those in a wider region.

We hosted a Black History Month “Black Excellence Gala” on February 4th, 2023, at UTEC from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM!This evening was a memorable occasion, with various entertaining activities, and a keynote speech from Mayon Mitchell that offered an informative and uplifting perspective on the history of Slavery and the Lowell Mill Culture.

We are also celebrated Black History Month with a special flag-raising ceremony.

This event was open to all community members. The flag-raising is a powerful symbol of solidarity and the progress made by Afro-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 flag-raising ceremony occurred at Lowell City Hall on February 4th, at 11 AM.

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

At the heart of our mission lies the goal of creating a collaborative, inclusive space that celebrates the beauty, diversity, and creativity of Greater Lowell's Black community. By coming together and fostering a spirit of unity, we strive to create a movement of positivity and empower each individual to reach their full potential. We are dedicated to cultivating a respectful environment, affirming and enriching. Our shared histories must be recognized, and our unique perspectives, talents, and skills celebrated. We strive to build a platform together where we can learn, grow, and create a better future. Through collaboration, we can effect change and demonstrate the potency and brilliance of our communities.The Afro-American Community Collaborative is dedicated to using our resources to improve the lives of our community through Five (5) distinct yet interconnected Community Development Concepts: Physical, Financial, Human, Social, and Spiritual.Physical development is essential for a happy and healthy life. It strengthens our bodies and helps to clear our minds, boost our self-esteem, and energize our spirits. Financial development helps to ensure the financial sustainability of a community and the short-term health of its citizens. Human development concentrates on the educational, cultural, and employment opportunities available to the citizens of our community. Social development seeks to create a sense of community and connection, as well as to promote diversity and tolerance. Finally, spiritual development seeks to provide a sense of spiritual and moral guidance and meaning to a community. Together, these five distinct yet interconnected community development concepts form the foundation of a healthy and sustainable community.

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.We plan social and cultural events that the community can attend. Such as Black History Month Flag Raising, Community Basketball 🏀 Clinics, Juneteenth Community events, MLK and Black Unity Ball, Teen Dances, and our Annual Community Outing, aka "Black Festival."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!

At the Afro-American Community Collaborative, we highly value our community partners and recognize their contributions to our success. This page is dedicated to expressing gratitude to those who have supported us so far in 2023!

Thank you to everyone for your continued support and dedication to our organization. We recognize that our success would not be possible without you, and we are grateful for the opportunity to work alongside you. We look forward to continuing our partnership and achieving even greater success together.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our collaboration opportunities, please do not hesitate to contact us.