African American Cultural Society names new board of directors

The African American Cultural Society’s (AACS) Nominating/Election Committee recently issued a statement that ballots for the election of three positions on the Board of Directors and for the Executive Board of Officers were counted.

The terms of office for the elected directors and officers are for three years, which commenced Jan. 1, 2020.

It was reflective of the initiatives taken by the organization, which will soon celebrate its 29th anniversary.

The candidates making the cut to become directors were Richard P. Barnes, Lynda Hill Bates and Edmund G. Pinto Jr.

The three directors have previously served in the same capacity.

The current Board of Directors includes Richard Barnes, Lynda Hill Baten, Daniel Isaac, Melba J. McCarty, Marie Winston-McCray, Edmund G. Pinto Jr., Stephanie E. Matthews, Jean M. Tanner, and Meshella Woods.

The Executive Board of Officers are Joseph Matthews, president; Victor R. Krause, financial secretary; and Reinhold Schlieper, parliamentarian.

Joseph Matthews had previously served as president and Reinhold Schlieper as financial secretary.

Following the AACS bylaws, the remaining vacancy in the position of chaplain was filled by William K. Hopson.

The current Executive Board of Officers includes Joseph Matthews, Sybil Dodson-Lucas, first vice-president; Melinda J. Morais, second vice-president; Geraldine Wright, recording secretary; Sharon Waring, corresponding secretary; Merritt A. Robertson, treasurer; Victor R. Krause, financial secretary; John Reid, sergeant-at-arms; Reinhold Schlieper, parliamentarian; and William Hopson, chaplain.

The AACS release stated, “The continued success of AACS is highly dependent on qualified and dedicated directors and officers strongly supported by the membership at-large.

“Please consider becoming a candidate to serve as director, first vice president, recording secretary, or treasurer.

“As usual, each candidate must complete an application and be nominated by a petition signed by four AACS members,” the statement aimed for the members.

“Please call or email the center to receive a nominating packet via postal mail or email,” the statement further advised.

“Nomination forms are now being accepted by the Nominating/Election Committee for the introduction of qualified candidates to the general membership in September.”

The Nominating/Election Committee members are Victor R. Krause, Marie Winston McCray, Herman L. Price, M.D.; Merritt A. Robertson, Reinhold Schlieper and William L Seeney.

Organization’s mission

The AACS’ mission and purpose are “to present and perpetuate the cultural heritage of African Americans through educational, artistic, intellectual and social activities and services deemed to be in the interests of the entire community.”

A snippet of the activities provided by the 363-member AACS has involved: the Ashe’ Art Show, Juneteenth, Kwanzaa, and the Jazz Breakfast; cultural dinner shows/symposiums; research library and artifacts; candidate forums, Youth Black History Reality Shows/scholarships; interstate welcome center brochures; golf tournaments, trips/tours/cruises; steel drum presentations/instruction; and accommodations for conferences, banquets, and other rentals.

The AACS, at 4422 U. S. 1 North in Palm Coast, can be contacted at 386-447-7030.

As always, remember our prayers for the sick, afflicted, the prodigal son, or daughter, and the bereaved.

Celebrations

Birthday wishes to Carl Davis, June 5; the Rev. Lannie Thomas and Aisha Kinshasa Thomas, June 10.