The AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL ALLIANCE (AACA) was founded in May of 1983 by several concerned African American community members in Nashville who wanted to promote the positive aspects of African culture

The primary concern of the African American Cultural Alliance is to enhance the awareness of the cultural and historical background of people of African descent, while providing various outlets in which we ourselves can take part in demonstrating our culture to others. The African Cultural Alliance embraces the definition of culture as all material and immaterial things that a people manifests in order to survive, adapt, control and flourish in their environment.

The AACA’s vision is Promote positive values in culture and education of the African Diaspora; Promote dignity and creativity in the world affairs of the African Diaspora; and Develop and sustain a vehicle for cultures of the African Diaspora and others to develop the abilities of its people to advance their holistic well-being through positive motivation and intercultural relationships. Through theatrics, music, history, poetry, and dance, we strive to educate our communities about the heritage of the people of Africa and the Diaspora, while building bridges that connect the large spectrum of our various cultures.

kwame leo lilLard

Executive Director 1983 - 2020
Born: September 16, 1940 - Passed December 20, 2020
Leo was the younger of 2 born in Bartow, Florida with a few grades completed there for schooling. With the entrepreneurial spirit in tow for a larger city, his mother and father chose Nashville to fulfill the calling to further the opportunity for business. With the burgeoning growth of Music City, his parents garnered customers for both cosmetology and upholstery, but Leo adored the bustling cohesive nature of the Black community. Read More —>

AFRICAN STREET FESTIVAL

African Street Festival (ASF)
The African Street Festival is held every September at Hadley Park in North Nashville. Organized by the African American Cultural Alliance, this festival features dance, music, drama, shopping and other events. Join thousands of visitors as they head to this event for a few days of fun. Sway to the reggae beats as you shop for artifacts, such as Ankhs, from the many vendors on site. Your children could be entertained by the storytellers, while you listen to some interesting lectures or catch a fashion show. Now if you are already impressed, check the website for details on the event, each day's schedule and starting times, opportunities to volunteer, setting up stalls or even donating to the organizer.