African American Heritage Cultural Celebration jump-starts with tribute to Cleveland rap pioneer MC Chill Aug. 22

Grammy-winning rapper Roxanne Shante speaks during a press conference at the Cleveland History Center to promote the 40th anniversary tribute to Cleveland rap pioneer MC Chill, as part of the revived African American Heritage Cultural Celebration. (Photo by Rhonda Crowder)

Cleveland’s African American Heritage & Cultural Celebration (AAHCC) returns this weekend after nearly 25 years, bringing music, history and culture to Western Reserve Historical Society’s Cleveland History Center on Friday, Aug. 21 and Saturday, Aug. 22.

This year also marks the 40th anniversary of hip-hop pioneer Kevin “MC Chill” Heard becoming the first Cleveland solo act to sign a record deal with a national label, Fever Records.

Cleveland History Center officials recently announced the return of AAHCC, along with activities that celebrate Heard’s musical achievements. Read the full story here.