African American Cultural Center Announces Completion of Phase One Renovation
- AACC Buffalo
- Dec 3, 2025
- 2 min read
African American Cultural Center
Media Contact: Dr. Leah Angel Daniel, Executive Director
Phone: 716-884-2013
Email: info@aaccbuffalo.org
December 3, 2025
MEDIA ALERT
African American Cultural Center Announces Completion of Phase One Renovation
Press Conference: Thursday, December 11 at 11:00 am
WHAT:
The African American Cultural Center (AACC) will host a press conference to celebrate the completion of Phase One of its long-awaited renovation. This milestone marks the first major restoration of the historic 4,400-square-foot facility in decades and brings the building back into safe, functional community use after an extended construction period.
Reporters will also meet several newly appointed board members who will help guide the Center through its next chapter.
WHEN:
Thursday, December 11, 202511:00 AM
WHERE:
African American Cultural Center350 Masten Ave., Buffalo, NY
VISUALS:
Newly renovated lobby, office areas, and restrooms
Restored dance chamber with rebuilt flooring
New windows, doors, and accessibility updates
Leadership, board members, and community stakeholders present for interviews
BACKGROUND + QUOTES (for reporter use)
The Center underwent a full demolition and renovation to address long-standing safety and functional challenges. Highlights of the work include a rebuilt dance chamber floor, new interior and exterior doors and windows to improve security and accessibility, fully remodeled ADA-compliant restrooms, upgraded lobby and office areas, and essential electrical, plumbing, and drainage improvements. This phase lays the foundation for future enhancements and expanded community programming.
Dr. Leah Angel Daniel, Executive Director:“This first phase brings the Center back to life. For the first time in years, our doors open into a space that’s safe, welcoming, and worthy of the community we serve. This work honors our legacy while preparing us for a stronger future, and I’m grateful to everyone who helped us reach this moment.”
Thembi Duncan, Board Chair:“The transformation of this building reflects our commitment to preserving a vital cultural institution. These renovations set the stage for deeper engagement, stronger programming, and a renewed sense of pride. Our board is energized, unified, and ready to carry this work forward.”
About the African American Cultural Center
Founded in 1958 by Buffalo native Malcolm Erni, the African American Cultural Center has long served as a cultural and spiritual home for generations of Buffalonians. What began as a small gathering space for artistic and spiritual expression has evolved into a cornerstone institution dedicated to celebrating and preserving African and African American heritage. From its renowned Paul Robeson Theatre and dynamic Kakilambe Dance and Drum Performance Company to its enrichment programs for youth and the beloved Pine Grill Jazz Reunion, the AACC continues to uplift, educate, and inspire while fulfilling its mission to promote and preserve the history, art, and culture of the African Diaspora.
Supporters of the AACC should visit https://www.aaccbuffalo.org/donate.
For more information, please contact Dr. Leah Angel Daniel at info@aaccbuffalo.org or visit https://www.aaccbuffalo.org/.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AACCBuffalo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaccbuffalo/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AACCBuffalo
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Reading about the African American Cultural Center’s completion of Phase One renovation deeply resonated with me as a current PhD student who also works part-time at Academic Editors, assisting students with their academic work. During my college days, I struggled a lot with navigating research and manuscript preparation, so now I have a deep interest in helping others overcome similar challenges. In my role, I often provide Professional medical manuscript editing services, which has taught me the importance of precision, clarity, and supportive guidance much like how this renovation revitalizes the Center, creating an accessible and inspiring space where the community can thrive and future projects can flourish.