The African American Educational and Cultural Festival, Inc.

04/01/2026

In celebration of America at 250, a nonpartisan forum will explore the historical legacy and contemporary impact of the Black vote

In celebration of Black History Month, a nonpartisan forum will explore the historical legacy and contemporary impact of the Black vote

03/21/2026

https://www.aaecfinc.org/so/7ePqHpTci?languageTag=en

AAECF, Inc is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: AAECF March Monthly Meetings are as follow: Friday, March 27, 2026 - 6:00 pm – Fund Development Committee 6:30PM - Board & Chairs 7:00pm - Membership Topic: AAECF MONTHLY BOARD & Membership ZOOM MEETING: Join Zoom Meeting Time: (Easter...

03/21/2026

The AAECF, Inc honors Sororities of “The Divine Nine” during Women’s History Month!

The four historically Black sororities belonging to the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) or “Divine Nine” are Alpha Kappa Alpha (1908), Delta Sigma Theta (1913), Zeta Phi Beta (1920), and Sigma Gamma Rho (1922). These organizations, founded at Howard University (except for Sigma Gamma Rho), focus on sisterhood, academic excellence, and community service.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA): Founded in 1908 at Howard University, they are known as “The Ivies” and represent the oldest Greek-letter organization for Black women.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (DST): Founded in 1913 at Howard University, this is the largest Black sorority, known for public service and social activism.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (ZPhB): Founded in 1920 at Howard University, they are the first Black sorority to be constitutionally bound to a fraternity (Phi Beta Sigma).

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. (SGRho): Founded in 1922 at Butler University by seven educators, focusing on community uplift through sisterhood.

Other notable professional organizations include Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, a business sorority founded in 1929.

02/25/2026

EVENT POSTPONED - AMERICA AND THE BLACK VOTE
“Due to additional snow and slippery conditions forecast for today, we have made the decision to cancel our event.

Safety is our top priority, and unfortunately the current weather conditions make it unsafe to proceed as planned.

This event is very important to us and we are committed to making it happen. We will be in touch shortly with the rescheduled date.

We are reminded that ‘Black History is not limited to one month, but 365 Days a year’.
Thank you for your understanding.”

Marylin Banks-Winter, President
James ‘Dr. Love’ Banks, Vice President

02/20/2026

In honor of Black History Month, join us for a powerful, nonpartisan community forum: ‘America and the Black Vote’
PLEASE SHARE❤️🖤💚 MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND REGISTER—-> SEATING IS LIMITED! Registration required: https://AAECFInc-American-and-the-Black-Vote-Forum.eventbrite.com

This important conversation will explore the history, impact, and future of Black political participation—and what civic engagement means for our democracy today.

Special Performance: ‘Winston Irie’

“Lift Every Voice and Sing” & other Musical Favorites by Musician Minister Ted Turpin

Presentation: View the New Suffolk Voting Machines, Provided by the Suffolk County Elections. Ahands-on demo of new voting machines with the Suffolk County Board of Elections in collaboration with of our initiative.

Panelists include civic leaders, attorneys & advocates
Riverhead Free Library (Grand Room – Lower Level)
330 Court Street, Riverhead, NY 11901
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
FREE & Open to the Public (Seating limited)
Registration required: https://AAECFInc-American-and-the-Black-Vote-Forum.eventbrite.com

Let’s learn, engage, and strengthen democracy—together.



BlackVote CommunityForum VoterEducation LIVOTEREADY RiverheadNY LongIslandEvents AAECFinc DemocracyInAction

02/17/2026

We are sadden to hear about the passing of The Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. on Feb. 17, 2026. The AAECF, Inc salutes one of the greatest leaders of our time and . The Rainbow/PUSH Coalition pursues social justice, civil rights, and political activism.

Jesse L. Jackson, Sr
Born: October 8, 1941 – Greenville, South Carolina
Reverend Jackson was a civil rights leader, minister, and political activist. He studied at the University of Illinois and graduated from North Carolina A&T State University in 1964. He later earned a Master of Divinity from Chicago Theological Seminary.
He worked closely with The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the Civil Rights Movement and led programs within the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. He founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition to promote economic and political empowerment.
Jackson ran for U.S. president in 1984 and 1988, expanding voter participation. He also served as a U.S. envoy to Africa under Bill Clinton and has acted as an international diplomat, working with leaders such as Nelson Mandela. He was a major figure in civil rights and social justice advocacy. Reverend Jesse Jackson began his activism in 1960, leading sit-ins and working to desegregate public facilities. In 1965, he became an organizer for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and was appointed by Martin Luther King Jr. to lead Operation Breadbasket.
Jackson ran for president in 1984 and 1988, registering millions of new voters and expanding political participation. In 1991, he became a U.S. Senator (shadow senator) for Washington, D.C., Internationally, he negotiated hostage releases in Syria, Cuba, Iraq, Kosovo, and Liberia, protested apartheid alongside leaders such as Nelson Mandela, and received global recognition, including an award from UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown. He has long championed civil rights, labor rights, education, anti-poverty efforts, and nonviolent social change, earning numerous honors and publishing several books. He was the father of U.S. Representative Jonathan Jackson and Jesse Jackson, Jr.
❤️🖤💚

02/11/2026

02/11/2026

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02/10/2026

❤️🖤💚 🗓️ EVENT POSTPONED - AMERICA AND THE BLACK VOTE

“Due to additional snow and slippery conditions forecast for today, we have made the decision to cancel our event.

Safety is our top priority, and unfortunately the current weather conditions make it unsafe to proceed as planned.

This event is very important to us and we are committed to making it happen. We will be in touch shortly with the rescheduled date.

We are reminded that ‘Black History is not limited to one month, but 365 Days a year’.
Thank you for your understanding.”

Marylin Banks-Winter, President
James ‘Dr. Love’ Banks, Vice President

02/07/2026

🎉 OUR AAECF RECOMMENDED BLACK HISTORY FILM PICK! “PEOPLE WOULD BE SURROUNDED WITH EACH OTHER, OF ALL DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS, AND THEY GO…’YEAH I’M NOT ALONE IN THIS’, I LIKE THE FEELING OF NOT BEING DIVIDED”~ Michelle Obama (former First Lady of the U.S.) NETFLIX Documentary ‘BECOMING’ 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

01/21/2026

AAECF, INC BOARD ANNOUNCEMENT! We are excited to welcome Katrina Minter-Williams (Board Executive Secretary) and Patricia Odusami (Board Member) to the AAECF Board of Directors and look forward to the valuable contributions they will bring!