PORT RICHEY, Fla. — The African American Club of Pasco County is marking its 30th anniversary this year. One of the founders, Eugene Scott, said the club formed in November 1990 to try to improve the image of the community.
- AAC of Pasco County was founded Nov. 20, 1990
- Non-profit offers youth programs, community events, scholarships
- All are welcome to join
"I was born in this area," said Scott. "The newspaper reported it and portrayed it as an African American community that is infested with drugs and nothing but drug dealers. And I said, we got together as a bunch of, actually men, and decided, 'Hey, that's not a true depiction of everybody in the community."
The club began offering after school programs, and that focus on youth continues to this day. Current President Ephraim Livingston said that includes an explorer program.
"Normally, you have an explorer program where they are dealing with one particular vocation or one particular skill or job," Livingston said. "What we're doing, we're trying to expose the kids to all different kinds of jobs."
The non-profit also raises thousands of dollars for scholarships awarded to area high schoolers. Scott said this year, the goal is to raise $20,000. Both he and Livingston stress the importance of making an impact on young people.
"When I was a little kid, a white guy named Mr. Z.G. Hawk came in. He started a little kids club for us, and it made a difference in my life, it stuck with me," said Scott. "He would take us to different places that we would not normally go, and that's what I'm saying. We need to look back and bring someone forward with us."
"The way I grew up, I saw a lot of positive people that looked like me," said Livingston. "So, when I came to this county, unfortunately, there's not a lot of people that look like me. So, I want to make sure that the kids out there see somebody positive who looks like them and say, 'I can talk to him', or 'I can model my life after him', or 'I can get some advice from him.'"
Livingston said the club is multi-cultural and welcomes all to join.
"Come see what we're doing. Look at our Facebook. Look at our web site, and if this is where your mission is, if this is where your heart is, come help us," he said.
In addition to youth programs, they hold events like the upcoming sweet potato pie contest and Black History Month Festival, a Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration, and a Juneteenth celebration. Livingston said some gatherings are just a chance to socialize.
"When we have these different cultural events or different educational events or different academic events, those things will impact the county. But we also try to have a little fun, too," said Livingston.
Asked where he wants to see the next 30 years take the club, Scott replied, "I just want it to continue after I'm gone. I'm 65, and I'm worried that it won't continue, but I hope it will. I believe it will."
To learn more about the African American Club of Pasco County, its events, and find out how you can donate, click here.