Arab Cultural and Community Center
ABOUT
The idea of having an Arab Cultural Center began early in 1973, when a group of concerned individuals embarked upon this ambitious task and were determined to make it a reality. The enthusiasm of this group spread to others and spurred the first organizational meeting at which over sixty community leaders and interested community members attended.
The idea was wholeheartedly endorsed and everyone felt that such a center was vitally needed in our community as an educational facility open to every individual interested in Arab cultural heritage. The spirit of this group was enthusiastic and dedicated.
The work could now begin. Community members were approached with the idea and pledges of support began to pour in. On July 17tg, 1973, a temporary board of directors was elected to co-ordinate the tremendous task ahead.
Founders:
Yousef Eriqat, Peter Za'reour,
Mohammed Hijazi, George Snouber, Samir Khoury*, Ziadeh Shamish*
Tawfik Morar*, Kamel Ayoub*
Fouad Moghannam*, Alex Kirkish*
Ali Elwazani*, Karim Saleh*,
*= left us but will never be forgotten
The search for the site for the center ended early in 1975, when the current premises were located and found suitable for the desired purpose. However, this home on Laguna Honda Blvd and Plaza Street was badly in need of repair. Hard work and much determination on the part of many volunteers transformed this house into an attractive cultural center..
October 5th, 1975, marked the official opening day of the ARAB CULTURAL CENTER and a new era in the history of the Arabic-speaking community of the San Francisco Bay Area. This joyous occasion was for everyone the realization of a dream come true- the opening of new doors of understanding and lasting friendships.
Organization and purpose
Section 1. The official name of this organization shall be the “ARAB CULTURAL AND COMMUNITY CENTER” (the “ACCC”).
Section 2. The ACCC is a non-profit, non-sectarian, charitable and educational corporation that provides community services. Its mission is to preserve, promote and strengthen Arab culture and the community through art, education and culturally relevant social services in the San Francisco Bay Area. In accordance with its purpose and goals, the ACCC considers itself, and is intended to be qualified as a tax-exempt, non-profit corporation under the laws of the State of California and under the Internal Revenue laws of the United States of America.
Section 3. The ACCC shall be headquartered at 2 Plaza Avenue, in the City and County of San Francisco, California. The ACCC shall be open to all members of the community who appreciate or have an interest in learning about the Arab Culture and promote the well being of the Arab American Community.
Section 5. Notwithstanding section 2 of this document, the ACCC shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.