Programs

The Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Luncheon observes the birthday of legendary civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. A community event hosted since 1980, the annual luncheon commemorates and honors the life and legacy of Dr. King and  highlights various members of the local community and beyond who have contributed to the service of others. The MLK Luncheon unites a combination of community and trade organizations, corporations, philanthropists, and students for a one-of-a-kind event.

In observance and admiration for the trailblazers who have helped guide our community to its progress today, AACSA hosts the Senior Citizens' Valentine's Day Party. Seniors will enjoy a free dinner, dancing, resources, and a night of fun, courtesy of the AACSA team.

Every year, the AACSA team hosts the Membership Informational Luncheon to provide updates to donors and members regarding programs and services, membership benefits, renewal information, and how prospective donors can get involved. For more information about our membership levels, visit www.sjaacsa.org/membership.

The Juneteenth in the Streets Festival is the oldest African American cultural festival celebrating the end of slavery. Demonstrating the strength of a united African American community, the festival economically supports and displays the creativity of African American artists, entertainers, and entrepreneurs. Additionally, it economically supports and educates the African American community and the community at large about the significant contributions made by African Americans locally and abroad.

More than imagined, members of the community struggle to provide meals to their families especially those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. AACSA is here to meet the need, provide both warm and dry goods, and support the community through the Thanks in Giving Program.

AACSA recognizes community volunteers and board members with an annual Volunteer Appreciation gathering. In addition to enjoying a delicious meal, it is an opportunity for people to get to know one another better, learn about other ways to participate, and provide feedback.

Our society often overlooks and underestimates the value of senior citizens. In order to pay reverence and show our appreciation, AACSA hosts the Senior Citizens Prom. The event creates the opportunity for the AACSA to partner with the Garden City Women's Club, and local youth leaders, to honor, recognize, and celebrate the Senior members of our community.

Underrepresented youth and young adults aspire to academic and career success, yet there is a lack of affordable leadership and mentorship programs in Santa Clara County that are designed for low-income African American and Latino youth. In response, AACSA will empower African American and minority high school and college students through its Leadership Academy. The Leadership Academy connects them with mentors, engages them in service projects, increases their civic engagement, and as a result, increases their potential to graduate from high school and attend college. 

Through the year-long program and beyond, the Leadership Academy helps to break the cycle of poverty by equitably balancing the scales of opportunity for this historically underserved population.

Since the Leadership Academy’s founding five years ago,  the AACSA has supported more than 200 students with leadership development, financial literacy education, mentorship, professional development, networking opportunities, college and academic counseling, and academic support.

STEAM on Saturday is a free annual program that engages youth aged 8 to 17, and their families, in enrichment and educational opportunities in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics.

Every Summer, the AACSA in partnership with Antioch Baptist Church and the National Pan-Hellenic Council Silicon Valley, hosts the Annual Block Party and Pack-a-Back Giveaway. The event features an afternoon of giving and fun for the whole family. Neighbors, community, friends, and family are invited to the agency to receive free back-to-school supplies and backpacks, and a party in the street with food, games, live music, prizes, and more.

In observance of the holiday, Safe Halloween is an annual AACSA event dedicated to promoting family engagement by providing a safe and secure place for children and the community to enjoy activities and receive resources. This event is focused on children ages 0-5, their families, and high school and college youth, by introducing some added activities for them.

Many families continue to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic and have been adversely affected economically, unable to provide their youth with gifts during the holiday season. AACSA supplements their need by hosting an Annual Toy Giveaway for families in and around the area to help celebrate the holiday season and provide toys for youth.