Hillsborough County Commissioner Gwen Myers

Rendering of new African American Arts and Cultural Center

By MONIQUE STAMPS

Sentinel Staff Writer

          Hillsborough County Commissioner Gwen Myers wants to hear from the Black community.

    Residents are invited to provide feedback on the plans showing the layout of Hillsborough County’s new African American Arts and Cultural Center (AAACC) located at 2103 N. Rome Ave., Tampa, FL 33607.

     Residents will have the opportunity to participate in three public meetings starting on May 6, 2024.

      The AAACC features permanent and temporary exhibitions, dedicated studios for performing and literary arts, and areas for events and festivals. There will be community spaces providing a home for clubs and social activities that promote creativity and engage the Tampa metro area’s 350,000+ African American community members and school children.

   Many in the Black community are pleased and excited that the future and past of our communities in a way that displays the many talents of the rich history in Hillsborough county.

       “The AAACC will focus on the importance of creating community outreach programs and building networks and strategic partnerships with regional groups such as County School Board, Library Services, Children Services, Head Start, Children’s Board and other non-profits to co-host events,” says Commissioner Myers.

    The three meetings will be held in convenient locations for community members.

• On Monday, May 6, 2024, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM at the C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library, 2607 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Tampa
• On Thursday, May 16, 2024, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM at the Emanuel P. Johnson Recreation Center, 5855 S. 78th St., Tampa
• On Monday, May 20, 2024, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM at the West Tampa Community Resource Center, 2103 N. Rome Ave, Tampa.

        Residents can also see the progress of the cultural center by visiting the county’s engagement and education hub, at https://HCFLGov.net/HCEngage.