The African-American Cultural Complex (AACC) is a unique collection of artifacts, documents and displays of outstanding contributions made by African-Americans and are housed in several buildings along a picturesque nature trail. The AACC originated in 1984, as a hobby, by Dr. and Mrs. E. B. Palmer, then opened in 1989 as the Black Heritage Park. The Palmers and George Barner incorporated AACC in 1994 with the Palmers having entered into a lease agreement in 1991 for $ 1 per year. The park includes approximately 3 acres of wooded land to the rear of the Palmer House at 119 Sunnybrook Road. The AACC currently has 3 exhibit houses located along a natural trail beside a creek, a mini-amphitheater, a bird sanctuary, nature preserve and picnic area with botanical gardens. No admission fee is required, though donations are graciously accepted. The AACC is attempting to be self-sustaining. Plans for purchasing more land for the construction of a major museum complex are being developed. A permanent and mobile exhibit of “Women of Note” is one of the new expansion projects. The display of a reproduction of the Amistad Slave Ship is being planned as well. The mutiny on the Amistad symbolizes the first civil rights case in America and an example of how the judicial appellate system worked in America and North Carolina. A drama, telling the Amistad Story will be produced during July and August annually. Additionally, the history of The Benjamin Spaulding Family (NC Mutual Life Insurance Co.) will be presented and preserved in a fourth exhibit house. News of the Palmers vision spread slowly initially and has since gained momentum. As educators, the Palmers have made excellent lecturers, and the facilities were opened to visitors wishing to have tours through the complex. During 2000, over 140,00 visitors experienced the concept at the complex. Some supporters of the program are the following: Capital Area Visitors Bureau, North Carolina Department of Archives, schools in the Piedmont Area, North Carolina Association of Educators, Downtown Raleigh Development Corporation, Raleigh Arts Commission, A.J. Fletcher Foundation, Cannon Foundation, United Arts Council, Triangle Community Foundation, National Education Association, and the D. Michael Warner Foundation. Dr. Tonea Harris Stewart, actress, was designated “National Spokesperson” for the AACC while Christopher Coombs, Jr. (a nine-year-old Durham student) was designated “National Youth Spokesperson” for the Amistad Project. Support for the endeavors will aid in expansion of the services and a larger society. Officers are Rev. Paul L. Anderson, President; Ms. Rhonda Russell, Treasurer; Ms. Carol Hunter, Media and Public Relations. The Mission Statement is the following: “The African-American Cultural Complex makes people aware of contributions by African-Americans to NC and America through structured educational programs.” Work Cited
© 2003 Elaine Jenkins |