Palm Coast, FL, July 10, 2023 – The African American Cultural Society, Inc. (AACS) one of Central Florida’s leading cultural institutions, will present “The Summer of 1969” a student-produced, intergenerational exhibition created by AACS college intern, Savannah Aziza Ryan. Launching July 29th and continuing through September 30th at The African American Cultural Center of the Museum of Florida, the exhibition is inspired by the award-winning documentary Summer of Soul. This culturally enriching experience examines a dramatic shift in Black music, culture, and fashion and the healing power of music. Savannah Ryan is just one of six student interns who will graduate at the end of August from the AACS’ inaugural Art, Media, Communications, and Exhibitions Summer Internship Program which educates, highlights, and supports the talent of the young adults in the Palm Coast community.
The Summer of 1969 Exhibition is made possible by the support from the City of Palm Coast, Florida Arts and Culture, and VisitFlagler.com, is a refreshing, reflective, celebration that pays homage to the importance of a historic decade through fashion, music, art, and film. The opening ceremony will take place at 2:00 PM, Saturday, July 29, at The African American Cultural Center Museum of Florida, 4422 N US Hwy 1, Palm Coast, FL, 32110. It will include live entertainment by talented female vocalists and musicians “Dante’s Divas of R&B”, spoken word artists, and more.
In addition to the festive opening ceremony, and vibrant art exhibition, AACS in partnership with Florida Humanities will host a special speaker series Wednesday, August 9th, “Florida Soul”, a lively conversation with speaker, John Capouya, that will examine Florida’s outstanding contribution to the music industry. Capouya will return on August 12th with “Respect: Soul Music and the Civil Rights Movement in Florida”. Other programming taking place during the exhibition will include a special screening of the award-winning documentary “Summer of Soul”; an Open Forum and Public Discussion on The Summer of 1969 Exhibition, and City Lites Inc. cast will perform “The Best of Motown and Mo’”. The exhibition will culminate in a themed late 60’s, early 70’s party on September 30th. For additional information and updates on the above dates, please visit www.aacspalmcoast.org.
Other upcoming events and activities produced by the African American Cultural Society, taking place at its cultural center & museum will include the First Annual Youth Book Festival: Make Your Own Story, August 18 – 19, 2023; Shirley Chisholm Tribute, November 2023; Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition “Pleibol! In the Barrios and the Big Leagues”, November 25, 2023 – February 25, 2024; the 32nd annual Kwanzaa Celebration, December 26, 2023; and much more.
The African American Cultural Society, Inc.’s mission is to preserve and perpetuate the cultural heritage of the African Diaspora through educational, social, cultural, and intellectual activities, and services, deemed to be in the best interest of the entire community. Visit us at www.aacspalmcoast.org.
