NOTE: This event is RAIN or SHINE!
We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, August 22nd for the African American Heritage & Cultural Celebration (AAHCC). The main stage and entertainment is outdoors as is the dining area. All museum galleries throughout the Cleveland History Center will be OPEN for FREE. The Children's Village will also be indoors right next to the entrance of the Grand Carousel. Unlimited rides on the Euclid Beach Park Grand Carousel available 11am-5pm. Last ride will be 5pm.
Parking: Accessible Parking is available at University Circle Inc. Public Parking is available at the VA Hospital Employee Garage. Guests are welcome to also park along any available street spaces or at their own expense at any of the neighboring parking garages.
Doors to the event and to the Cleveland History Center will open at 11am. There is one entrance for everyone which is at our parking lot entrance located off Magnolia Drive. Exterior wayfinding and signage will lead to this entrance.
THANK YOU!
The 2026 African American Heritage & Cultural Celebration (AAHCC) will reconnect families and institutions, create meaningful spaces for youth engagement and artistic expression, foster civic pride, and elevate the stories that have shaped Cleveland's African American identity across generations. The 2026 AAHCC continues a long tradition of elevating culture while investing in Cleveland's future. The event will feature a dynamic mix of performances, historical exhibitions, oral history reflections, youth programming, artisan vendors, and community dialogue.
Come experience the return of a legacy as we celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Kevin "MC Chill" Heard becoming Cleveland's first national rap recording artist and the first non-New York solo rap act to chart nationally.
Main Stage Entertainment includes:
MC Chill & Friends
Carlos Jones - and the P.L.U.S. Band
Lord Jazz
Mix Master Ice
Ric Robinson
The Robeson Singers
Full Event Schedule will be announced soon.
The event is FREE and open to ALL. Tickets are limited and advance registration is required.
Additional activities include:
Cultural Marketplace
Food + Vendors
Children's Village
Exhibits & Living History
Poetry Slam
Genealogy & Family History
Unlimited rides on Euclid Beach Park Grand Carousel
Access to all galleries and exhibits at the Cleveland History Center
Sponsorship Opportunities are now available.
We are also now accepting individual donations in support of this celebration. All names will be listed on event day!
Thank you to our sponsors.
Presenting Sponsor:
Thank you to our additional individual sponsors:
GSW Fund of the Community Foundation for the Mahoning Valley
Darnell Brown & Terri Hamilton Brown
E.F. Boyd & Son
This event is presented in partnership with RLRIII & Associates:
Robert L. Render, Barbara Brown, Rhonda Crowder, Vicki Dansby, and Kevin "Chill" Heard.
