Mission Statement

The mission of the African American Cultural Center (SOPPAAC) is to recover, research, collect, preserve, interpret, teach and promote knowledge and appreciation of the rich, ancient and varied culture of African people with emphasis on African Americans. Through educational programs, communal and public dialog, collections, exhibitions and other initiatives, we engage and serve participants of varying ages, interests and walks of life. Moreover, our cultural project poses historical and current African paradigms as a framework and foundation for thought and practice directed toward addressing the critical issues of our time. Thus, undergirding our work is the interrelated African-centered invitation and challenge: to know the past and honor it; to engage the present and improve it; and to imagine a new kind of future and forge it in the most ethical, effective and expansive ways.