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African American Community Initiative

Overview

African American Community Initiative (AACI)

Hosted by The Office of Diversity and Equity

The Mission
 

The mission of the African American Community Initiative is to become a known resource for African American Community members facing challenges with finding and utilizing mental health services, while addressing inequalities faced by African Americans in our county.  Our vision is to build a community driven support system for reducing mental health and substance use treatment disparities, and the stigma of mental illness.  

Be a part of the solution!
 

Join the African American Community Initiative as we work to increase awareness of mental health and substance use issues and promote wellness and recovery .We look forward to seeing you at our monthly meeting.  We meet virtually every second Tuesday of the month from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. For virtual location, check our schedule here. 

Contact Lee Harrison and Delicia ‘Dee’ Pennix at AACIInitiative@gmail.com for more information. 

The African American Community Initiative is funded by the Mental Health Services Act (Prop 63).

AACI Brochure

Post
2025 Juneteenth Wellness Celebration

2025 Juneteenth Wellness Celebration
Building on the Promise of Freedom for ALL: Honoring the Past & Celebrating the Progress

Join us in celebrating African American Community Initiative (AACI) and Voices of Recovery San Mateo County (VorRSMC)’s 2025 Juneteenth Wellness Celebration. 

The event will include a resource fair, performances, musical selections, speakers, health and wellness checks, and more! 

Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025
Time: 12PM-5PM
Location: Eastside College Preparatory Academy (1041 Myrtle Street, East Palo Alto)
RSVP

About AACI:

The mission of the African American Community Initiative is to become a known resource for African American Community members facing challenges with finding and utilizing mental health services, while addressing inequalities faced by African Americans in our county. Our vision is to build a community driven support system for reducing mental health and substance use treatment disparities, and the stigma of mental illness.
 
Learn more about the work here. 

Post
2017 AACI Black History Month Fair

Past Events

AACI & VorSMC Juneteenth Celebration 2023

6/16/23- The African American Community Initiative (AACI) and Voices of Recovery San Mateo County (VORSMC) are proud to co-host our second Juneteenth Celebration on Friday, June 16, 2023.

The theme of this year’s Celebration is: Discovering-Recovering Our Roots:  The Continued Journey of Black Struggle

The event will be held in-person and streamed via Facebook Live and Zoom. 

General information

Black History Month Educational Experience
Domini Hoskins Black History Museum & Learning Center

2026 Black History Month Educational Experience: Domini Hoskins Black History Museum & Learning Center. Saturday, February 21st. 1PM-3PM at Domini Hoskins Black History Museum & Learning Center in Redwood City.

Mark your calendars! African American Community Initiative (AACI) is hosting their 2026 Black History Month celebration! This year’s event will be an educational experience: a tour of the Domini Hoskins Black History Museum & Learning Center in Redwood City. 

Event description:

Join us for a free, all-ages community educational experience honoring 100 years of Black History Month at the Domini Hoskins Black History Museum & Learning Center. We invite you to gather in celebration and learning, with light refreshments provided.

Space is limited to 75 attendees on a first-come, first-served basis, and children under 14 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or adult.
Registration closes on February 9, 2026. Registration is required for this event. See more info below. 

Date: Sat, 2/21/26
Time: 1:00PM- 3:00PM PST
Location: Domini Hoskins Black History Museum & Learning Center  (890 Jefferson Ave, Redwood City)
Contact: Dee Pennix at aaci.initiative@gmail.com

Media Notice: 

This event will have photography and videography. Your entrance into the event area constitutes your full consent to being filmed and photographed by the County of San Mateo. The County of San Mateo reserves the right to use any photography or film taken in the event area
without providing compensation to you. Such use by County may include, but is not limited to, postings to social media or websites, and/or use in promotional or informational materials in any medium.

You agree to release and discharge the County of San Mateo, its agents, representatives, assigns, and licensees from all claims, demands, and liabilities arising out of or in connection with the use of your likeness.

Alternatively, if you wish to participate/attend the event, but do not wish to have your photograph used in accordance with the above notice, please contact an Event Organizer. 

Registration Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2026BHM

About AACI:

The mission of the African American Community Initiative is to become a known resource for African American Community members facing challenges with finding and utilizing mental health services, while addressing inequalities faced by African Americans in our county.  Our vision is to build a community driven support system for reducing mental health and substance use treatment disparities, and the stigma of mental illness.
 
Learn more about their work here. 

Past Black History Month Events

2/17 – 2024 Black History Month Celebration