About US
The Montclair African-American Heritage Foundation (MAAHF) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization supported by a diverse committee of volunteers who have affection for the Montclair, N. J. community. Our volunteers live both in and outside of Montclair.
Our Purpose
The goal of MAAHF is to sponsor educational events and activities to promote community building and fostering of good neighbors. There are concerns about issues affecting the African-American community, especially the youth, in Montclair. The complexions of many neighborhoods have significantly changed over the years and with these changes, a lot of history has been lost. Our programs will be intended to influence how the Montclair community experiences the local African-American heritage, culture, and concerns.
Our Mission
The mission of MAAHF is to build upon the rich African-American cultural legacy through support of quality local programs funded through grass roots organized events. Providing quality historical, health, and cultural education within interactive forum settings will in turn strengthen our community as a whole. Additionally, through individual, corporate and business support, we provide recurring scholastic scholarships and foster opportunities to create model programs which encourage harmonious living.
Get Involved
Are you passionate about what we're doing? Let us know! We are always looking for volunteers to help us make our vision a reality.
We'll help you find a way to volunteer that best suits you.
We're excited to have you join the team!
Thank You
Whether you help through monetary donations, volunteering your time, or spreading our mission through word-of-mouth, Thank You.
We couldn't accomplish our goals without the help of supporters like you.
COMMUNITY
Health Awareness
In the past, we have:
- Hosted a screening of "Soul Food Junkies" by Byron Hurt (above on right). This presentation also included samples of healthy Soul Food dishes created by local restauranteurs.
- Produced three offerings of "Prepare For Care", a four week series of workshops to guide families embarking on the journey and challenges of caregiving. The workshops were facilitated by professionals in the Insurance, Social Service, and Behavioral Science industries.
- Stay Tuned for future events!
Recognizing Ambassadors and Grand Marshals
MAAHF AMBASSADORS, are at a minimum, individuals that demonstrate a noteworthy positive accomplishment in our Community,
and preferably with some relationship in the greater Montclair area.
MAAHF GRAND MARSHALS:
- We seek the opportunity to recognize two community members who have been making a difference but have gone under the radar.
- The persons should be elders of the greater community (but does not have to be) particularly if they have accomplished something special that should be recognized now.
**** The above was an exceptional opportunity to celebrate a Special group of gentlemen known as the "90's PLUS CLUB".
GRAND MARSHAL PHOTOS BELOW
Celebrating Our Youth
CURRENT MAAHF RECURRING SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS (LEFT TO RIGHT):
- Ibn Wallace, Jr. (2014) Montclair State University, MAJOR: Public Relations THIS IS IBN'S FOURTH AND FINAL YEAR! WE WISH HIM LOTS OF CONTINUED SUCCESS!
- Noah Blake (2015) State University of New York at Oswego, MAJOR: Broadcast
- Shanice Oke (2016) Kean University MAJOR: Biology Medical Technology
- Jamie Washington (2017) Essex County College MAJOR: Computer Science
- NEW RECIPIENT WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT THE FESTIVAL!
Adinkra Symbol NIA, Purpose
“To share wealth and work, then, is to share concern, care and responsibility for a new, more human and fulfilling future”.
MAAHF's 2018 Adinkra Symbol is the Fifth of the Principles of Kwanzaa, Nguzo Saba.
Essentially, a commitment to:
- the collective vocation of building, developing and,
- defending our national community,
- its culture and history in order to regain our historical initiative and greatness as a people.
- Nia is celebrated on December 30th
Grand Marshals
Donate Now
Your generous gift will help us fund our mission to help those in need. Together, we can make a difference.
