About
The African American Community Service Agency. Strength in unity since 1978.
About AACSA
Strength in unity since 1978.
The African American Community Service Agency (AACSA), established in 1978, proudly serves as one of Silicon Valley's few African American cultural hubs. Guided by our mission to deliver high-quality educational, cultural, social, and recreational programs, we aim to celebrate and preserve African American identity, culture, values, traditions, knowledge, and family life. This mission is the cornerstone of all our initiatives.
AACSA welcomes members from all backgrounds, regardless of race, religion, age, or ability, fostering an inclusive environment. Our diverse programs and services provide a meaningful connection to African American life and culture.
- Established
1978
- Serving
Santa Clara County
- Membership
Open to everyone. Members from all backgrounds, regardless of race, religion, age, or ability.
- Visit us
304 N. 6th Street, San Jose, CA 95112
- Questions
- Contact our office →
Our mission
It is the mission of the African American Community Service Agency to preserve the dignity and culture of a diverse African American Community, and to provide services that promote the full participation of Santa Clara County and the general society.
Our vision
Our vision is to empower all Black and historically excluded communities through economic justice, education, and access, creating a future where equity and opportunity thrive.
Three pillars
The three pillars that guide our vision
Education. Advocacy. Community Building. These pillars represent the core values on which our programs and services are built.
Education
- Health & Wellness
- Economic Development
- AACSA Leadership Academy (ALA)
- Senior Citizens Connected (SCC)
- STEAM on Saturday (SOS)
- Warrior Jackson Bridge Library (WJBL)
Advocacy
- Policies
- FEAC
- Reparations
- Food on the Table
- Housing | Health | Healing & Wellness
Community Building
- Economic Empowerment
- AACSA CARES
- AACSA Goes Mobile
- Information Resources & Connections
- Black Fridays
- Workforce Development
Our values
Service, collaboration, power building, impact, and accountability
Service
To passionately serve the community through resourcefulness rooted in integrity, respect, and acceptance.
Enthusiasm, Respect, Teamwork, Resourcefulness, Compassion, Integrity
Collaboration
To strategically promote equity, access, culture, as well as social and racial justice through purposeful partnerships.
Partnership, Social Justice, Heritage/Culture, Community and community partnerships
Power Building
To collectively strengthen the influence and capabilities of Black/African ancestry communities and all historically excluded groups.
Responsibility, Calculated Risk Taking, Equity, Access, People-Centered Strategies
Impact
To advocate for change across environments, societies, and individuals, fostering growth within the culture, enhancing health, and addressing inequities for a better future.
Growth, Heritage/Culture, Health, Accuracy
Accountability
To uphold responsibility, integrity, and trust, cultivating consistent respectful teamwork through dignified service.
Consistency, Respect, Teamwork, Honesty/Trust, Integrity, Accuracy, Internal and external expectations
Eight Essential Outcomes
A framework for Black child development, from birth through age 8
We envision a world in which every Black child…
- 1
Lives and plays in a safe community
- 2
Is born at a healthy weight
- 3
Has books and toys that reflect who they are and can be
- 4
Is seen as a child
- 5
Breathes clean air and drinks clean water
- 6
Enjoys meals with vegetables
- 7
Hangs out on a safe and appropriate internet
- 8
Attends a school that affirms and expands them
History
Serving Santa Clara County since 1978
1978
AACSA is established.
1980
The Martin Luther King Jr. Luncheon, a community event hosted since 1980.
2024
The Open Library program launches.
2028
AACSA turns 50. The next Gala is coming in 2028.
Leadership
A word from the Executive Director
AACSA is here to serve the general public of Santa Clara County. If you have a need or an idea, or would like to get involved, please contact our staff who are here to serve.
Signature Programs
Initiatives
Non-discrimination statement
The African American Community Service Agency (AACSA) actively subscribes to the principles of equal opportunity employment and service. We do not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, military status, pregnancy, or disability, as well as all classifications protected by applicable state or federal discrimination laws. Every aspect of the employment relationship, inclusive of hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, layoff, termination, compensation, training and general treatment is also subject to this commitment.