Mission Statement

It is the purpose of the African American  Heritage Foundation to promote the continuing tradition of African American spiritual and cultural heritage by encouraging, exhibiting, and displaying the best of that tradition.  To this end the idea for the preservation and promotion of African American cultural heritage finds its source in the various traditions that were brought from the African continent and perfected in the context of survival and resistance in the American nation

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There is no doubt that the African-American population is one of the most creative sectors of the American society. One can examine the work of African American in the churches, schools, community centers, and dinner clubs we see that the power of the African presence in jazz, blues, the great spirituals and gospel is most prolific and powerful.

Our aim is to have a spiritual community recognize this heritage and embrace it as a part of the legacy of the early Christians in America who tried to make a way out of no way and who took what they had and made the most blessed music and art the world has ever known. To this end, we will hold meetings, listen to gospel choirs, Spiritual music sessions, and give lectures and workshops on the making of a tradition. We are not alone in the making of traditions; others have done this for their communities and we believe that each African American community to do the same.

Since the church is a basic institution in our community we believe that all progressive institutions should have a response to this tradition. The creation of the African American  Heritage Foundation will serve to support the youth in their quest to retain the classic traditions in music. It is not enough that we speak of the past; we must support the future and maintain vigilance so that future generations will not forget the field hollers, the old work songs, and especially the Spirituals that help to carry us over doing the nadir of our existence in this country.