African American Cultural Center

African American Cultural Center Dedicated to promoting and preserving the history, art, and culture of the African Diaspora. Now under the guidance of Agnes M.

The African American Cultural Center was founded by Malcolm Erni, an evangelist with Caribbean roots who had a devout faith in the virtue of his ancestry. Born and raised in Buffalo NY, Erni dreamed of a cultural and spiritual sanctuary where young people would learn that, God is a God of all races. Bain, the African American Cultural Center continues to evolve in response to the changing landscap

e of real time and the future. It serves clientele ages six through senior throughout the city of Buffalo, and remains a sentinel to Malcolm founding vision. With a careful eye on meeting the contemporary needs of its users and patrons, its mission remains steadfast to the guiding principles and ancient rhythms of the ancestry it promotes and preserves. From the multi-disciplinary AACC Cultural Enrichment / Educational Directives for After School Program and Jumpin Jambalaya Summer Program, to the soul-stirring AACC Dance and Drum Performance Company (its cornerstone component), inspirational Paul Robeson Theatre and entertaining Pine Grill Jazz Reunion, the Center stands firmly committed to promoting a positive sense of self among the community it was founded to serve. Its programs and services are still structured to motivate personal growth, stimulate untapped potential, and facilitate a better understanding of cultural diversity among all people.

The African American Cultural Center invites you to experience West African drum and dance as they were meant to be lear...
06/05/2026

The African American Cultural Center invites you to experience West African drum and dance as they were meant to be learned in “SABAR MEETS DJEMBE”: An African Drum & Dance Intensive with N’Gewel/Griot Alassane Sarr, featuring Sister Robin (Ramatouleye)!

These immersive workshops will focus on the traditional rhythms and movements of the African Diaspora. Most commonly from West African regions like: Mali, Senegal and Guinea.

How much do you know about the language and history behind the rhythms and movements of West African Drum and Dance? How do the drums communicate with one another? How does the dancer respond to the drum, and the drum respond to the dancer? What is the different between a Sabar drum and a Djembe drum? What is a true definition of polyrhythms?

Move beyond the physical practices into the meaning and the regional origins behind the dances and rhythms.

In this unique four-session intensive, participants will explore the history, cultural/social significance, techniques (skill building- how to play these polyrhythmic drums: Sabar, Djembe and Dunduns. Learn specific accompaniments, specific roles within an ensemble). Learn the aesthetics (breaking down intricate, high energy movements of the traditional dance) alongside live drummers. Allowing ALL of the participants to experience the dynamic synergy between rhythm and movement of West African drum and dance through this immersive three-part class structure.

Sabar drums will be available for rental, and a limited number of Djembe drums will be provided in class, but participants are encouraged to bring their own drums. First come, first served. More details to follow.

📅 Dates: Saturday Aug 15, 22, 29 & Sep 12

🕐 Doors: 12:30pm | Class begins at 1:00 pm sharp!

📍 Location: African American Cultural Center, 350 Masten Avenue, Buffalo

Call for more info or to rent Sabar drums: (716) 884-2013

AACC’s Website: https://www.aaccbuffalo.org/

Fee: $25

Save the dates and stay tuned for more updates!

05/16/2026

The African American Cultural Center is proud to be back hosting the 37th Annual Pine Grill Jazz Reunion!

Rooted in the legacy of the legendary Pine Grill nightclub on Jefferson Avenue, this beloved tradition celebrates Buffalo’s rich Black culture, music, and community with two weekends of FREE live music in MLK Jr. Park.

Vendor applications and artist submissions are now open!

Visit the Linktree in our bio or apply here:
https://www.aaccbuffalo.org/pine-grill-jazz-reunion

Reflecting on a whirlwind week of rehearsals, workshops, and two readings of Michelle Tyrene Johnson's new play THE QUES...
05/04/2026

Reflecting on a whirlwind week of rehearsals, workshops, and two readings of Michelle Tyrene Johnson's new play THE QUEST(ION).

For this project, we transformed the AACC's Paul Robeson black box theatre into an experimental theatre space that was a perfect home for a play in its infancy.

Thanks to First Look Buffalo Theatre Company for partnering with us, thanks to everyone who came out to the workshops and readings, and thanks to the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo for making this project possible.

This is how plays are made!

📷: Buffalo One Photography

The African American Cultural Center is proud to serve as a site for the Say Yes Buffalo FREE summer camp program!The pr...
04/28/2026

The African American Cultural Center is proud to serve as a site for the Say Yes Buffalo FREE summer camp program!

The program will run from July 6 through August 14, 2026, Monday through Friday, 8am-12 noon. An extended day option of 12-3pm is available for a fee.

We'll offer enrichment in arts and academics for students in grades K-6.

Slots are filling fast, so register today! Three ways to register:

Apply online: https://sayyesbuffalo.org/summer

🌟 Fill out a paper application at the Say Yes Buffalo office: 1166 Jefferson Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14208 (corner of Jefferson and Southampton), Monday-Friday 9am-5pm

🌟 Visit the AACC to pick up a paper application: 350 Masten Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209 (Call first: 716-884-2013)

🌟 There will be a waitlist, so make sure you register now!

The final FREE playwriting and acting workshops for The Quest(ion) are this morning at 10am at the African American Cult...
04/25/2026

The final FREE playwriting and acting workshops for The Quest(ion) are this morning at 10am at the African American Cultural Center. See you soon!

Playwriting with Michelle Tyrene Johnson
Acting with Ebony Pace

Then we'll see you tonight at 7 for the final reading. It's been an amazing week!!

Playwright Michelle Tyrene Johnson is in town for our New Play Development project with her play "The Quest(ion)!"Make s...
04/22/2026

Playwright Michelle Tyrene Johnson is in town for our New Play Development project with her play "The Quest(ion)!"

Make sure you come out to the readings! Friday, April 24th and Saturday, April 25th at 7pm at the African American Cultural Center!

See you there!

ICYMI: Our Playwriting workshop with Michelle Tyrene Johnson and Acting workshop with Nahiem Paris went great this morni...
04/22/2026

ICYMI: Our Playwriting workshop with Michelle Tyrene Johnson and Acting workshop with Nahiem Paris went great this morning!

We'll be continuing our workshops today at 5:30 pm:
Playwriting with Michelle Tyrene Johnson and Acting with Mary Craig. Then we'll return Saturday morning at 10:00 am for Playwriting with Michelle and Acting with Ebony Pace Come join us!

These workshops are free and are located at the African American Cultural Center, 350 Masten Avenue, Buffalo NY.

For more details, check out our classes and workshops page: https://www.aaccbuffalo.org/classes

If you have questions, email [email protected] or call 716-884-2013.

THIS WEEK!! Join us at the African American Cultural Center for two staged readings of Michelle Tyrene Johnson’s new pla...
04/20/2026

THIS WEEK!!

Join us at the African American Cultural Center for two staged readings of Michelle Tyrene Johnson’s new play THE QUEST(ION) featuring , , Jo O’Donnell, and !

Synopsis: As the seventh granddaughter of a seventh granddaughter, Tima has a quest to make. A quest born of a  prophecy that goes back to when her African ancestors stepped foot on new American soil.

Readings are this Friday and Saturday at 7:00 pm at 359 Masten Avenue in Buffalo.

This project includes acting and writing workshops by Michelle Tyrene Johnson, Nahiem Paris, Ebony Pace, and Mary Craig.

In partnership with

01/02/2026

’Twas a beautiful way to kick off 2026: performing at the Inauguration Reception of Buffalo’s new mayor, Sean Ryan.

Kakilambe opened the year with power, and our excitement is growing for all that we have ahead.

We share African dance forms, history, language, and culture across Buffalo and beyond! Learn more at our link in the bio, or email [email protected] for bookings.

Address

350 Masten Avenue
Buffalo, NY
14209

Telephone

+17168842013

Website

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