AACS dedicates resource room to longtime members

AACS

One of the African American Cultural Society’s (AACS) membership meetings touted the opening of the Robert A. and Erma Brooks Resource Room, compiling the couple’s contributions to the organization. 

It was recognized that Robert A. “Bob” Brooks passed away on April 9, 2017.

The defining moment occurred months earlier. Prior to a meeting, the membership was alerted that the couple – among the earliest AACS members – served as exemplars of the love of learning. 

The Brooks collected the African and African Diaspora books, films, music, works of art, and artifacts, and dedicated themselves to sharing the history and culture of African Americans. 

On point, the room honors the Brooks, and welcomes all who thirst for knowledge. 

Sybil Dodson Lucas, Resource Room Task Force Chair, said at the meeting, “At some point, we all agreed that the work, that has been assembled and donated, certainly was worthy of its own space. 

“And, we wanted to make that happen. We wanted to honor Bob and Erma’s contributions to the center,” said Lucas. 

Others representing the group were Bettie and Richard Eubanks, Dr. Reinhold Schlieper, Leuwhana Sylvain, Blanche Valentine, and curator Meshella Woods. 

Shoring up the plans included Claude Jones, Berkeley Chandler, Daniel Isaac, President Joseph Matthews, John Reid, and Merritt Robertson. 

Monetary donations were contributed by Drs. Steven and Gina Sevigny. 

AACS
Erma and Robert Brooks, shown on the right, were in attendance at an AACS event.

Rare books, artifacts 

Prior to taking a tour, Woods said, “This is the room where African and African-Diaspora history and culture have networked. We take great pride in the unveiling. (Moreover,) as you walk through our new gallery/lobby, we have learned to embrace “red” as a color and as a spirit of positive change.

“We have a vision that includes partnering with libraries, schools, youth organizations, museums. and other cultural organizations, and the use of new technology to disseminate information,’’ said the curator.

Many items displayed have been collected from the members of the African American Cultural Society. 

Woods further articulated the unique resource of rare books, ancient and historic media, DVDs, tapes, and authentic art, and artifacts.

The society’s magnificent lobby, conference room and office have been redecorated and hung with luxurious paintings of fine Black art. 

AACS
Robert and Erma Brooks.

Donations still welcome 

Woods escorted Mrs. Brooks and her guests to the resource room. 

Mrs. Brooks’ guests were her niece, Vickie Jackson, and Nickie Grays, along with Grays’ children, Montanna and Roman.

The Grays provide a lovely home in Palm Coast for Mrs. Brooks at Grays Adult Family Care Home. 

The members followed suit touring the room, and noted a perpetual donors’ plate with the opportunity of providing significant donations for the upkeep of the resource room. 

If you know anyone or entities having an interest in contributing, call the curator at 386-4477030. 

About Robert Brooks

In an afterword, Robert A. Brooks was born on Aug. 2, 1927, in Mt. Vernon, New York. 

He served our nation honorably in the U.S. Army and retired as captain of the New York City Fire Department. 

The Brooks, parents of one daughter, Mandy, relocated to Palm Coast in 1987 from Queens. 

They became members of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, the African American Cultural Society, the Afro-American Caribbean Heritage Organization, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, and the NAACP. 

In addition to the AACS’ original library, Mr. Brooks organized the Black Studies Program and the Thursday film presentations.

He was presented the organization’s Distinguished LongTerm Service Award, implementing African-American Studies at both high schools, particularly significant in that a federal mandate had forced the desegregation of the Flagler schools. 

Mr. Brooks was the society’s first chairman of the board, along with other achievements.

About Erma Brooks 

Erma Brooks was born on Aug. 26, 1930, in Harlem. 

She served on the AACS Board of Directors, as second vice president, in addition to Cultural Committee chair. 

Mrs. Brooks has chaired various other AACS committees and sponsored the Ebony Society for teens at both high schools.

She received an AACS Meritorious Award for the Third-Eye Youth Program and directed a one-act play for the facility’s dinner theater.

Mrs. Brooks was a member of the Underground Railroad Quilters and co-director of the East Central Florida Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs. She later presided over the East Central Florida Club.

The Brooks – as an important source of learning – earned the right to be touted with a resource room.


As always, remember our prayers for the sick, afflicted, the prodigal son, or daughter, and the bereaved.

Celebrations 

Birthday wishes to Sidney Honeyghan, July 17.

Happy anniversary to Henry “Smitty” Smith and Thea Smith, July 15.

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