WELCOME!
ABOUT US
Celebrating Diversity for Thirty-four (34) Years.
The African American Heritage Society, Inc. was founded September 12,1990 as a 501(c) 3 organization and has operated continuously with vision and purpose for thirty-four (34) years.
Our mission is to preserve, promote, and integrate African American history, heritage, culture and diversity in Pensacola and the Greater Gulf Coast Region through education and the humanities, and to continue to lead the area in supporting and promoting Cultural Tourism in Northwest Florida.
Through quality programming, the African American Heritage Society ("the Society") has offered retrospective exhibits in the visual arts and humanities, performing arts programs, cultural festivals, as well as educational lectures, all highlighting a broad spectrum of the African American unique and creative influences and contributions to American life.
Please click the link above entitled 'chronological history & record of events' for a listing of the many transformative presentations that we have presented in Pensacola and the surrounding Greater Gulf Coast Region.
The Historic "Coulson House" was built in 1865 and has been the Headquarters of the African American Heritage Society for twenty-four (24) years. Prior to our location here, we were at the Pensacola Cultural Center which is also in the Historical District, from 1990 to 2000. The above photo is of the entrance to the Gallery.
Non Discrimination Statement:
The African American Heritage Society, Inc. was also founded upon the principles of diversity and inclusion. The Society does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, ethnicity, color, sexual orientation, nor disability. Employment opportunities, membership, attendance and access to our center, gallery, programs, and events are open to ALL, and we invite you to join us.
In collaboration with The African American Heritage Society,
Join the Beta Omicron Chapter of Omega Psi Phi for their Que'Etic Justice: A Night of Poetry And Music Event on Friday, April 4, 2025.
Museum of Commerce
201 Zaragoza St. Pensacola, Fl 32502
7 P.M. - 10 P.M.
Fee: $40 includes Food
Hosted by Poetic Therapy's Very Own Mrs. Alicia Waters
We had great attendance at the Books by the Bay Annual Book Festival! On Saturday, March 29, 2025, The African American Heritage Society Readers' Ensemble performed on the Museum Plaza Main Stage in the Downtown Historic District.
Take a look at the highlights from this memorable weekend!
The African American Heritage Society hosted a Black History Month Film Screening
of Tyler Perry's "The Six Triple Eight" on Sunday, February 16, 2025.
African Americans and the Military
African Americans have served in EVERY war that the United States of America has been involved with throughout the history of the Country. The 4th of July highlights the establishment of the United States as an independent nation, throwing off its colonial chains, it also represents a unique dynamic that African Americans have with this nation as many members of the military consists of veterans of African descent date back to the American Revolution.
The Revolutionary War's first casualty was Crispus Attucks, a free black and indigenous soldier who died during the Boston Massacre. His life would later serve as an example of African American involvement in the founding of the U.S. by abolitionists.
Also during the American Revolution there are examples of African Americans serving in the U.S. military against its enemies. The 1st Rhode Island Regiment, also known as the “Black Regiment” was brought into the Revolutionary War in early 1778. They saw their first combat experience in the Battle of Rhode Island in August of 1778. Thanks to the Slave Enlistment Act it also freed all enslaved men who volunteered to join the “Black Regiment”. Compensation was paid to their former masters, and Washington was desperate for a boost to his forces.
During the Civil War, Frederick Douglas also spoke on this dynamic between formerly enslaved African Americans and the U.S. military, believing that African Americans could show their commitment to the United States by serving in its Armed Forces where allowed, as we would demonstrate our right to be free to those opposed to equal rights. He declared to formerly enslaved men “rise up in the dignity of our manhood, and show by our own right arms that we are worthy to be freemen.” in his piece “Men of Color to Arms! Now or Never!” Regrettably, Douglas's optimism was in vain as inequality continued and in some cases became worse when Veteran's of the various wars returned to their home states, and were forced back into an insupportable caste system.
From the American Revolution to the Civil War there are numerous examples of African Americans serving a country that didn’t recognize their freedom or citizenship. In the years after the Civil War there is also a deep history of African Americans continuing to serve in major conflicts like World War I and World War II. The latter of which created the dignity and gumption that fueled the Civil Rights Movement and led to some changes in the treatment of African Americans. From the American Revolution to the present African Americans have continued to fight for this nation on foreign soil while simultaneously fighting for their rights on American soil.
Permanent Exhibit ON DISPLAY NOW The African Presence in the Americas from the year 1492 - 1992 This exhibit was curated by the Schomburg Center for Research, a division of The New York Public Library. The exhibit chronicles the history of African American people, the history, culture, music, foodways, and contributions made to America since the year 1492. |
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Back due to Popular Demand - Our "More Complete American History" Exhibit
This exhibit explores a more complete history of America which includes Americans of African ancestry.
Onscreen now in the African American Heritage Society Gallery
Pensacola's Historic District at
200 Church Street
Pensacola, FL 32502
Stated in an address to the National Urban League in 1946:
"We must make every effort [to ensure] that the past injustice, violence and economic discrimination will be made known to the people."
"The taboo, the 'let's-not-talk-about-it' must be broken."
Albert Einstein
To learn more about Mr. Einstein's commitment to Social Justice
OPEN HOURS
Please visit our museum at 200 Church Street in Pensacola's Downtown Historic District
We are open:
Tuesday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Wednesday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Thursday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Friday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
We currently have 2 exhibits on display: "The African Presence in the Americas" and "A More Complete American History Exhibit".
For scheduling large group visits of 20 persons or more, please contact us at AAHSPensacola@gmail.com or call (850) 469-1456.
We are available to host group tours! To schedule a group tour of our Museum or the African American History Trail, email us at aahspensacola@gmail.com |
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Board of Directors
President - Angela McCorvey, Ph.D.
Dayle Hawthorn, M. D.
Rev. Edward Hayes
Chris Hendricks
Marion Williams, Ph.D,
Keya Wiggins, Ph.D.
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Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder: Dr. Cheryl Howard
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*FOUNDING CIRCLE MEMBERSHIP:
Laurel Boyd, Ph.D.
Jim Boyd, M.D.
Saundra Daggs
The Late Leon Daggs
Dr. and Mrs. Lamont Canada
The Late Judge and Mrs. Howard Bennett
Dr. Lornetta T. Epps, Co-Founder
*You may also become a founding circle life-time member, click on membership above for details.
One Moment Please!
If you would like to see more programming like this, and those events that are listed above under our Chronological History and Record of Events, please click on membership to join us, or donate to make a contribution.
THE AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE SOCIETY IS A 501(C)(3) NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATION.
Donations ID: CH2065 ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX-DEDUCTIBLE.
Our Events and Programs are Sponsored By:
