Since 1927, the Crispus Attucks Community Center has been an anchor in Southeast Lancaster City. The organization has a proud history of providing educational and cultural programs to celebrate African American heritage, serving meals to individuals in need, and focusing on youth education and leadership development. Crispus Attucks takes immense pride in its mission to improve the quality of life for youth and families in Lancaster by providing services that promote community prosperity, physical and mental health, and by offering programs and cultural events which preserve the African American heritage.
History
The origins of the Crispus Attucks Community Center are found in the decade after World War I when local veterans returned to a society that was profoundly segregated along racial lines. Lancaster County’s African-American population, due in large part to discrimination and segregation in all aspects of County life, had declined by 30% from a pre-Civil War high of 3,600. A recently arrived pastor at Lancaster City’s Bethel A.M.E. Church, Rev. F.M. Webster, conceived the idea of a “Negro Civic League” to promote the interests of local Blacks in the social, economic, and political arenas. Civic Leagues existed in other states of the Union and Lancaster had a pressing need for what, in today’s terms would be considered a civil rights organization. For the full history, click here.
Cooks of Color – A Cultural Celebration
Join us to celebrate Crispus Attucks Day, a free event featuring a sampling of cultural soul food prepared by local cooks of color. Attucks, who was born in May of 1723, was the first person to die in the American Revolution, and this day will honor his legacy of strength and bravery.
CLICK HERE TO GET FREE TICKETS
Registration is not required but strongly encouraged.
Cooks of Color Participation
Calling all cooks of color! Join us in celebrating the legacy of Crispus Attucks by signing up to cook a cultural soul food dish for community sampling. Use the form below or email marketing@caplanc.org
Cooks of Color Registration
Juneteenth Cultural Mixer
After welcoming more than 200 people to its first-ever Cultural Mixer in 2022, Crispus Attucks Community Center is excited to host its 2nd Annual Cultural Mixer on Sunday, June 18, 2023, from 5-8 p.m. at the Center. This event is FREE of charge to the neighborhood and greater Lancaster Community and will include food and beverages, performances, community connection, and history.
Registration is not required, but strongly encouraged