It is both an honor and a privilege to serve as Executive Director of the African American Art & Culture Complex and to return to a place that has meant so much to me and to generations of San Franciscans. I do not take lightly the responsibility of stewarding an institution that is a home for Black creativity, culture, community, and possibility. I thank Niquole Esters for her leadership and for helping AAACC survive during a critical period. I am also pleased to share that Niquole has graciously agreed to remain with our team as we focus on the transition ahead and prepare for the seismic retrofit. As I have spent these first few weeks getting to know the AAACC team, including our employees, consultants, contractors, artists, and partners, it has become astoundingly clear that this is a special collective. They care deeply about preserving the arts and ensuring that Black culture remains visible, valued, and central to San Francisco.

My favorite day at AAACC thus far was when the building came alive at once. we hosted MO'MAGIC's Summer Learning Day with youth were outside enjoying jumpers, games, face painting, food trucks, music from a DJ, and the joy young people bring. At the same time, seniors from Booker T. Washington Community Service Center were in the Hall of Culture enjoying bingo and fellowship. Just down the hall, students from the African-American Shakespeare Company were rehearsing for their August 1 performance of Schoolhouse Rock Live! In one afternoon, I witnessed children, seniors, artists, educators, families, and community members experiencing AAACC in their own way. That day gave me a glimpse of what AAACC has always been, what it is today, and what it can become. We stand on an extraordinary legacy, and it is our responsibility to build upon it with courage, excellence, creativity, and love. As the African proverb reminds us, “When the roots are deep, there is no reason to fear the wind.”

Murrell D. Green, Ed.D.

Executive Director, African American Art & Culture Complex

Email: drgreen@aaacc.org

Still So Grateful <3

It’s hard to believe it’s been a little over a month since our Black Family Reunion celebration. For the first time this year’s Black Family Reunion was a three day celebration of art, culture, and Black liberation in San Francisco.

A massive thank you to all who made it happen, you are appreciated.

Check out all of the beautiful photos taken by our resident photographer/documentarian Don Bowden and if you find yourself, share it and tag us!

For more information on how to access photos contact Don at: alvsdb@gmail.com

AAACC BLACK FAMILY REUNION PHOTOS

BACK TO SCHOOL BOOK FAIR

Come out on Saturday, August 22nd, 2026 from 1:00PM - 5:00PM for activities, giveaways, resources and BOOKS! Everyone is welcome.

For more information contact Sr. Programs Coordinator Ashley Smiley at: smiley@aaacc.org.

Los Siete: A Solidarity Story

On Thursday, August 20th, 2026 join us for an evening tracing the legacy of the Black Panther Party through the story of Los Siete, a revolutionary group brought together by a murder case in the Mission District. Hear from members of Los Siete as they talk about the history of the case, how the Black Panthers aided and guided the organization, and the lessons in solidarity that continue to be relevant today. After the talk filmmaker and photographer Vero Majano will present excerpts from her film Remember Los Siete that paints a vivid picture of the Mission District at the time of the case.

For More Information Contact:

Rio Yañez, Creative Development Director

creativedevelopment@aaacc.org

Tap In For Community Day!

AAACC's Community Day program is still going strong! Sign up to host an event, pull up to vend/share community resources and most importantly COME OUT and spend time with your local musicians, entrepreneurs, and community producers every Wednesday and Saturday from now through October 31st.

To find out more and put in your application go here: AAACC COMMUNITY DAY APPLICATION

Note: While there are some weekly regulars you can count on (like our weekly Jazz Jam with Ernest East and the SF Rainfall Band), the offerings for Community Day are subject to change day by day and week by week so while no particular event is truly guaranteed, what is guaranteed is that at any moment you'll have the opportunity to see family and meet new friends.

For more information contact Sr. Program Coordinator Ashley Smiley at: smiley@aaacc.org.

Schoolhouse Rock Jr. LIVE!

AAACC is proud to with the African American Shakespeare Company's "Shake The Stage" production of Schoolhouse Rock Jr.! LIVE!

Support the next generation of performers and storytellers on Saturday, August 1st, 2026

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

11am + 2pm shows

Leading up to the performance, you can attend our weekly Jazz Jam on July 29th for a special Conjunction Junction Function to get excited for the upcoming performance.

For more information contact James Mercer II at: james@african-americanshakes.org.

On View at AAACC

The AAACC currently has three exhibits across all three floors for community members to experience for free. Check out information about each exhibit below and swing by to see us.

For private tours and more information regarding our exhibitions please contact Rio Yañez via email: creativedevelopment@aacc.org.

SMILEY HAS A DREAM!

We've got good things brewing this Fall and would love to connect with our local community to make them happen. So, if you are interested in vending, performing, presenting or anything in between please reach out!

Single-Day Events:

• Saturday, August 22nd, 2026 | 1:00pm - 5:00pm | Back To School Book Fair
• Wednesday, September 23rd, 2026 | 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Grown Folks Book Fair
• Saturday, September 26th, 2026 | Robotics Hackathon
• Saturday, October 31st, 2026 | The Big Spooky Spectacular [tentative name]

Recurring Events:

• Literacy is Liberation [every Wednesday in September] : Events celebrating literacy in all forms.
• Vote For Your Life [every Wednesday in October] : Voter and Civic Engagement centered events and activities

To tap in please contact Sr. Programs Coordinator Ashley Smiley at: smiley@aaacc.org and include the event you are interested in.

Rent the AAACC!

Interested in holding your event at the AAACC? Fantastic because we would LOVE to have you. Scan the QR code on the image or go to the rentals page on our website to learn more about our current available spaces and rental rates!

The website will also provide access to our current rental application [space fills fast so don't delay!] and our current rental rates (but please note that we review rentals on a case by case basis).

CHECK IT OUT

For more information regarding space rental please contact Managing Director Niquole Esters at: events@aaacc.org.

Volunteer At the AAACC

The AAACC needs you! As we ramp up our events and programming we could really use the support of volunteers! Whether it be assisting with exhibition tours or setting up/breaking down for a Community Day, support from volunteers makes it all possible!

Scan the QR Code, click the link and spread the word!

This opportunity is great for youth groups, reentry programs, workforce development and more.

SIGN UP HERE and/or email: info@aaacc.org

Take a Guided Tour!

Tuesday - Friday bring your you group of friends, students, coworkers etc for a guided tour at the AAACC. Learn more about the Emory Douglas: In Our Lifetime exhibition, experience the murals and the history of the AAACC.

Scan the QR Code, click the link and spread the word!

SIGN UP HERE and/or contact: creativedevelopment@aaacc.org.

Donate to the AAACC

The AAACC heavily relies on the support of our community... for everything! Donations keep the lights on and our spirits up. No donation is too big!

SIGN UP HERE