Virginia Beach leaders agreed last week to dedicate $1 million in federal coronavirus relief funding to the future African American Cultural Center.

The money will support future programming.

But the nonprofit behind the center says there’s still millions more needed to get the proposed 35,000 square foot building constructed to house such programming.

The center is expected to cost more than $20 million. Former city councilwoman Amelia Ross-Hammond, who is leading the nonprofit and ushered the center proposal through its planning stages, said the project should break ground by the end of next year. 

The center has enlisted a variety of community partners including arts groups, museums, a church and two local naval bases. 

“We have corporations… Dominion Energy, Sentara and others that we can leverage to come up to the 10 million we want,” she said. 

Getting funding has taken years of effort with state officials and convincing city leaders to support the project.

“Yes, African-American stories matter,” Ross-Hammond said when she spoke to the council earlier in the year. “Yes, there's a place for African-American advancement programming and mentoring. Yes, there's a place for all people of all backgrounds to learn about with and from African-Americans.”

The center will be located on Newtown Road, and feature classrooms, conference rooms, a small research library and performance and art exhibit spaces.

“Our vision is to be the statewide leader in generating historical and cultural programs,” Ross-Hammond said.

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