The AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL ALLIANCE (AACA) was founded in May of 1983 by several concerned African American community members in Nashville who wanted to promote the positive aspects of African culture

The primary concern of the African American Cultural Alliance is to enhance the awareness of the cultural and historical background of people of African descent, while providing various outlets in which we ourselves can take part in demonstrating our culture to others. The African Cultural Alliance embraces the definition of culture as all material and immaterial things that a people manifests in order to survive, adapt, control and flourish in their environment.

The AACA’s vision is Promote positive values in culture and education of the African Diaspora; Promote dignity and creativity in the world affairs of the African Diaspora; and Develop and sustain a vehicle for cultures of the African Diaspora and others to develop the abilities of its people to advance their holistic well-being through positive motivation and intercultural relationships. Through theatrics, music, history, poetry, and dance, we strive to educate our communities about the heritage of the people of Africa and the Diaspora, while building bridges that connect the large spectrum of our various cultures.

kwame leo lilLard

Executive Director 1983 - 2020
Born: September 16, 1940 - Passed December 20, 2020
Leo was the younger of 2 born in Bartow, Florida with a few grades completed there for schooling. With the entrepreneurial spirit in tow for a larger city, his mother and father chose Nashville to fulfill the calling to further the opportunity for business. With the burgeoning growth of Music City, his parents garnered customers for both cosmetology and upholstery, but Leo adored the bustling cohesive nature of the Black community. Read More —>

AFRICAN STREET FESTIVAL

African Street Festival (ASF)
Nashville’s African Street Festival returns to Hadley Park every third weekend in September, transforming the park into a vibrant gathering place filled with music, movement, flavor, and cultural pride. Families, friends, and visitors are invited to enjoy this free celebration of African and African American culture, featuring three dynamic music stages, immersive cultural installations, interactive experiences, inspiring lectures, dazzling fashion shows, powerful storytelling, and more than 100 vendors.

Explore a marketplace filled with handmade African and African American art, jewelry, clothing, crafts, and one-of-a-kind treasures. Savor delicious dishes from local vendors and food trucks, discover new flavors, and connect with community organizations making a difference. Throughout the day, live performances and hands-on activities will bring the festival’s creativity, history, and energy to life.

More than an event, the festival is a vibrant expression of heritage and community—an opportunity to celebrate and support African and African American traditions, artists, entrepreneurs, and businesses. Dance to live music, sample flavorful cuisine, meet talented local creators, experience new traditions, and create unforgettable memories with the people who matter most.

Bring your family, gather your friends, and experience Nashville’s African Street Festival at Hadley Park on the third weekend in September. Come for the music, stay for the culture, and leave connected, inspired, and ready to celebrate.