Meet The Team

GETTING TO KNOW THE PEOPLE WHO HELP PUSH THE VISION FORWARD

Tina Washington-Abubeker

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Tina Washington-Abubeker has a desire to see the AACC as the epicenter for the arts and community engagement of WNY, uniting us all through a common goal of education and cooperative economics. The AACC welcomes her as our new Executive Director!

Yao Kahlil

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Yao Kahlil Newkirk is a native of Buffalo, NY. He is a well-rounded practitioner of the Arts with an MA in Theatre Performance and current PhD student of Transnational Studies at the University of Buffalo. His work focuses on "Origin Stories", and transracial/intra-racial identities. As Artistic Director of the historical Paul Robeson Theatre, Yao Kahlil is excited to showcase the local talent of WNY.

Lynette Simmons

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF DANCE

Lynette Simmons is a dance practitioner who uses performance based research as a method for discovering how to create something new with traditional and classical African styled movement. As Artistic Director of Dance for the AACC, she is developing new ways of community building through dance.

Marvin Harris

BUILDING SUPERINTENDENT

Marvin Harris is a long time member of the African American Cultural Center. He is currently the Building Superintendent, and also a drummer for the Center's Dance and Drum Ensemble.

Chalma Warmly

BUILDING ASSISTANT

Chalma Warmly is a long time member of the African American Cultural Center. He is the Building Assistant as well as a resident actor and performer of the Paul Robeson Theatre.

Uma Khan

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT