A Brief History

In 1923, the Rev. R.M. Gilbert, a young minister at Second Baptist Church of Ann Arbor established the Dunbar Center. He asked the Community for help in rejuvenation of an old building (209-211 N. Fourth Ave.), to accommodate African American men who came to Ann Arbor to work on roads and university buildings but had no place to stay.

In 1926, the Center moved to 1009 E. Catherine where it remained until 1937 under the leadership of Savonia L. Carson. Douglas Williams assumed leadership in 1937 and arranged for the purchase of a building at 420 N. Fourth Ave. Membership more than tripled under his direction and the Dunbar Center was incorporated in 1944.

During the 40's and the 50's the Center continued to promote civic, cultural and recreational interests and activities for the Black community. In the late 50's the center recognized the changing times and this required changing of the core mission and services provided. With the suppport of Margaret Towsley and her brother Alden Dow, the facility at 625 N. Main was constructed.

Walter Hill assumed leadership in 1960 and immediately answered the current concerns and needs of our community. He established a licensed day care facility, teen drop in center and a study hall using university students as tutors. Many activities took place at the Center, but much time was spent reaching out to youth in trouble in schools and courts. The former YMCA camp was purchased (re-named Camp Hill) in 1972 and he retired from the Center in 1991. Ann Hampton Hawkins was hired as Executive Director and served, until June of 2006. Admist financial and administrative challenges, Rev. Yolanda Whiten was appointed to the Director position in May 2007.

Current Leadership

Under her leadership, the Youth Summer Day Camp, Senior Support Services and Emergency Assistance programs continues. New and existing community partnerships are being cultivated and she has been instrumental in acquiring a bus from the Ann Arbor Transit Authority. New programming includes grade school Math Enrichment, Domestic Violence Abuse Prevention and Women's Health. In 2010 the AACC has undertaken a diabetes study with Rev. Whiten as Co-Investigator on that project with the University of Michigan.

The AACC provides emergency services, educational and tutoring programs; recreational, social and cultural activities for people of all ages. We serve as a community meeting place for individuals, groups and organizations. Our Board of Directors and Staff have worked to revise organizational policies and develop a strategic plan, to ensure existence and relevance for generations to come.

Through the years, the AACC has appreciated support from the City of Ann Arbor, Washtenaw United Way, Washtenaw County, other area organizations and thousands of individuals and families.