The inaugural African American Heritage and Culture Day will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 29, at City Hall Plaza in Brockton. Themed "1619: Red, Black and Green," the event is designed to celebrate African American history, culture, accomplishments, and the community.

The African American Association of Brockton and the Harambee Learning Center of Brockton are collaborating with Sunrise Steakhouse to sponsor the event. Organizers described the celebration as family-friendly and open to everyone.

Planned activities and features include:

• Food vendors
• Games and Double Dutch
• Poetry and music
• A Michael Jackson tribute performance
• Voter registration

Special guest speaker Claire Jones, a descendant of Sarah Roberts, will attend the event. Organizers noted that Roberts was a Black girl who challenged the Boston school system in the 1800s following racial discrimination in education.

Her story is an important part of Massachusetts' African American history and the ongoing fight for equality,

organizers said.

The African American Association of Brockton was founded in 2021 by twin sisters Jasmine Hodges and Jamie Hodges to spread knowledge about African American culture to residents in the Greater Brockton area.