Draft:Afro Caribbean Cultural Center

The Afro Caribbean Cultural Center (ACCC) is a nonprofit organization based in Downtown in Waterbury, Connecticut that serves as an Afro-Caribbean center of culture and community for members of the African diaspora / Taíno descendants.

History
The center was founded in 2021 after Rafael came home to Waterbury and aspired to be part of an art community to celebrate the Afro Caribbean diaspora. He gathered his friends and began offering programming once a week out of the Heart and Soul Dance Studio before finding a permanent home for the center at 174 Grand St. The center’s administration includes 10 board members.

The center offers arts and cultural programs, including the making of Vejigante masks, a folkloric symbol of African and Taino cultures. There also are educational programs on Afro Taino and Afro Caribbean cultures, as well as theater and summer youth camps.

Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of ACCC is the governing body. The members of the ACCC board focuses on the high-level strategy, oversight, and accountability of the organization.

Facilities
ACCC is currently located at 174 Grand Street, in Downtown Waterbury, CT in the former Waterbury American Newspaper building.

Programs and Services
The Afro Caribbean Cultural Center offers the following programs and services.

Art Gallery

Association of Latino Businesses: ANL

CreARTE

Cuyo Summer Arts Camp

C.A.C.I.Q.U.E.

Pa'lante Theater Company - award winning Blackbox Theater Company. Successfully launched in 2023 and has produced world premier productions including Calling Puerto Rico by Juan Ramiez Jr. and hosts the Afro Latino Film Festival

Taíno Learning Community (Laton Nation)