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AFRICAN CULTURAL CENTER OF BUFFALO INC
Buffalo, NY · EIN 160920652 · Form 990 · FY2024 · NTEE A230 · Arts, Culture & Humanities · Small ($100K-$1M) · aaccbuffalo.org
revenue
$528K
expenses
$684K
net assets
$224K
employees
0
program ratio
92%
mission · from form 990

TO PROMOTE SPONSOR AND DEVELOP AN APPRECIATION OF AND ALLEGIANCE TO AFRICAN AND AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE AND COMMIT TO ENHANCE SOCIAL BEHAVIOR AMOUNG AFRICAN AMERICAN YOUTHS THROUGH MULTI DISCIPLINARY EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN THE ARTS.

profile · synthesized from sources

African American Cultural Center of Buffalo, founded in 1958, promotes and preserves African and African American heritage through arts, education, and cultural programming. Based in Buffalo, NY, it serves youth and adults via dance, drumming, theater, and enrichment programs rooted in West African traditions. The organization operates as a nonprofit cultural institution with a focus on community development and cultural pride.

named programs · 7 · from sources

What they call their work

After School Enrichment Program
Multi-disciplinary educational program for youth focusing on arts, culture, and personal development.
Classes in Dance and Drumming
Hands-on instruction in traditional West African dance and drumming with live accompaniment, available to all ages.
Kakilambe African Dance and Drum Performance Company
Professional performance ensemble offering authentic West African dance and drumming rooted in traditions from Mali, Senegal, and Guinea; performs regionally and nationally.
Lecture/Demonstrations
Educational sessions on the history and cultural significance of West African dance and drumming, offered to schools and community groups.
Paul Robeson Theatre
Theatrical program dedicated to producing performances that reflect African and African American heritage and experience.
Pine Grill Jazz Reunion
Community event celebrating jazz music, a key element of African American cultural expression.
Summer Enrichment Program
Youth-focused summer programming that integrates cultural arts and education to support development and engagement.
activities · 4 groups

What they do

  • Free Outdoor Music Concerts 1 activity
    • Host and promote cultural programs celebrating African and African American heritage
      Operates ongoing cultural programs including the Paul Robeson Theatre, Kakilambe African Dance and Drum Performance Company, and the annual Pine Grill Jazz Reunion, which features two weekends of free live music in Martin Luther King Jr. Park. These programs promote and preserve the history, art, and culture of the African Diaspora and serve individuals aged six through senior across Buffalo.
  • After-School Academic and Enrichment Programs 1 activity
    • Provide arts-based youth enrichment programs
      Offers after-school and summer enrichment programming that supports homework completion and fosters confidence, cultural awareness, and competency through multidisciplinary arts education and training, specifically designed to enhance social behavior among African American youth.
  • Facility Accessibility Improvements 1 activity
    • Renovate and maintain cultural facility for safety and accessibility
      Completed Phase One of a full renovation of its 4,400-square-foot facility in 2025, including demolition, rebuilding the dance chamber floor, replacing doors and windows, remodeling ADA-compliant restrooms, and upgrading electrical, plumbing, and drainage systems to ensure safety, functionality, and accessibility.
  • Uncategorized 1 activity
    • Deliver traditional West African dance and drum instruction
      Provides hands-on classes and lecture-demonstrations in traditional West African dance and drumming from Mali, Senegal, and Guinea, featuring live drum accompaniment and instruction on the cultural significance, rhythms, and techniques of the art forms.
financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$528K
Contributions & grants$528K100%
Program service revenue$00%
Investment income$100%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$684K
Program expenses92%
Admin / overhead8%
Fundraising0%
Salaries & benefits$312K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$310K
Cash$200K
Investments$0
Liabilities$86K
Net assets$224K
Liquid reserves3.5 mo
4 years on record · 2019–2024 · YoY revenue -4.0%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024

Who runs it

board members · 6
  • DR LEAH ANGEL DANIEL — EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
  • JAVEENA EDWARDS — BOARD MEMBER
  • JUSTINE DAVID — BOARD MEMBER
  • MARK SCOTT PHD — BOARD MEMBER
  • THEMBI DUNCAN — BOARD MEMBER
  • TRACY GARNER ROBINSON — BOARD MEMBER
relationships · 13

Who they work with

  • City of Buffalo Government — Provides Community Development Block Grant and Anti-Violence & Cultural Arts Funding to the Center.
  • County of Erie Government — Provides public funding support through the Erie County Youth Bureau and other county agencies.
  • Erie County Government — Receives cultural funding grants from Erie County.
  • Erie County Government — Receives cultural funding grants from and responds to audits by Erie County.
  • Erie County Government — Receiving and addressing grant funding from Erie County, including responding to audit findings related to prior grant use.
  • Kakilambe African Dance and Drum Performance Company Partner — Founding component of the African American Cultural Center of Buffalo, delivering performances, classes, and cultural education.
  • Kakilambe Dance and Drum Performance Company Network — Integral performance group within the African American Cultural Center's cultural programming.
  • Malcolm Erni Partner — Founder of the African American Cultural Center in 1958.
  • NYS Council on the Arts Government — Funding partner supporting the Center with support from Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.
  • Paul Robeson Theatre Network — Part of the African American Cultural Center's programming and cultural offerings.
  • Sherman Webb-Middlebrooks Partner — Photographer for the 36th Annual Pine Grill Jazz Reunion.
  • United Way of Buffalo & Erie County Funder — Public funding supporter of the African American Cultural Center of Buffalo.
  • YouTube Partner — Hosts virtual tours of the renovation on its YouTube channel.
strategies · 4

How they approach the work

Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.

  • Arts-Integrated Education for Youth Development
    methodology: arts-integrated education
    By using arts-based instruction and multidisciplinary training, the organization builds academic competence, positive social behavior, and cultural connection in youth because creative engagement provides an accessible and affirming pathway to learning and personal growth.
  • Cultural Exchange for Community Revitalization
    methodology: cultural_exchange_for_community_revitalization
    By facilitating authentic cultural exchange—particularly through West African rhythm and movement—the organization revitalizes community life and promotes educational enlightenment because immersive cultural practices re-energize communal spaces and deepen cross-cultural understanding.
  • Cultural Preservation as Community Empowerment
    methodology: cultural_preservation
    By actively preserving and promoting African Diasporic history, art, and cultural expression, the organization strengthens community identity and intergenerational continuity because shared cultural heritage fosters collective pride and resilience.
  • Culturally-Centered Personal Development
    methodology: culturally-centered personal development
    By integrating multidisciplinary arts and cultural programming into personal growth initiatives, the organization fosters self-understanding, confidence, and social development—particularly among African American youth—because cultural identity strengthens individual potential and community belonging.