Welcome to the Community Minority Culture Center, founded in 1971. For over 50 years, our non-profit organization has been committed to promoting equity and inclusion in the diverse communities of Lynn and the surrounding areas. Our programs, including job training, educational workshops, and community events, are designed to empower individuals and provide access to resources and opportunities.

At the Community Minority Culture Center, we value diversity, equity, and inclusion, and strive to build bridges across cultural, social, and economic barriers. In addition to our programs, we also host political events, providing a platform for community members to engage in dialogue and advocacy. We have a long history of promoting social justice, and our efforts have been recognized by local and national organizations.

We are always looking for new ways to serve our community and invite you to join us in our mission. Whether through donations, volunteering, attending an event, or supporting our programs, your involvement is vital to our success. Thank you for considering the Community Minority Culture Center, where together we can create a better future for everyone in our community.

The Community Minority Culture Center was founded in 1971 by a group of passionate community activists in Lynn, Massachusetts. Their shared vision was to promote social justice and empowerment for underrepresented communities in the area. Since its founding, the organization has played a pivotal role in providing political, educational, and social programs to uplift and inform the residents of Lynn and surrounding communities. Throughout its history, the Community Minority Culture Center has been a vital institution in the community, positively impacting the lives of thousands of individuals. Today, the organization continues to work tirelessly towards creating a more equitable and just society for all.

The Community Minority Culture Center has received numerous awards and recognitions for its outstanding work in promoting social justice and empowering underrepresented communities. In addition to the many Mayoral Awards the organization has been recognized by the NAACP and the United Way for its impactful work. 

These accolades reflect the organization’s unwavering dedication to creating positive change and improving the lives of those it serves. The Community Minority Culture Center is proud of its achievements and remains committed to empowering individuals and communities and creating a more equitable and just society for all.

Founders of the CMCC

Abner Darby and fellow co-founders Virginia Barton and Frances Taggart

The late Abner W. Darby served as CMCC director for 27 years and stood at the center of the 1998 effort to create a new Union Street home for the organization. Abner Darby who founded the Community Minority Cultural Center (CMCC) undertook a $2.1 million renovation project to construct a new community center. The center houses a gallery, classrooms, meeting spaces, a computer lab, a resource center and multiple community organizations.

As a charter member of Lynn’s Community Minority Cultural Center (CMCC), Darby oversaw a number of initiatives evolve and reach fruition ― such as its credit union, to which fellow co-founders Virginia Barton and Frances Taggart also contributed hundreds of hours.

Civil rights defines Lynn’s Darby

Board of Directors                  

Roy Rhodes, Pres

Alysha Hill Bingham

Katrina Bingham

Andrew Burton

Karriem Cherry

Ebony Davis

Larry Hall

Damon Harrison

William Lott

Ernie Panias

Evelyn Panias

Gabrielle Pitcher

Gail Rayndles

Honorary Board Member

Virginia Barton

1. Carlton Brown

Pearl Brown

Pamela Burton

Wayne Burton

Thomas Costin

Abner Darby

Orfelina Juhasz

Minette Lall

Frank Perkins

Rob Risch