African American Heritage & Cultural Celebration

The 2026 African American Heritage & Cultural Celebration (AAHCC) will reconnect families and institutions, create meaningful spaces for youth engagement and artistic expression, foster civic pride, and elevate the stories that have shaped Cleveland's African American identity across generations. The 2026 AAHCC continues a long tradition of elevating culture while investing in Cleveland's future.  The event will feature a dynamic mix of performances, historical exhibitions, oral history reflections, youth programming, artisan vendors, and community dialogue.  

Come experience the return of a legacy as we celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Kevin "MC Chill" Heard becoming Cleveland's first national rap recording artist and the first non-New York solo rap act to chart nationally.