A Permanent Home for African Culture,Community, and Belonging

A cultural center in Baltimore for Africans, African Americans, and the Diaspora — built by the community, for the community.

Founded by Marouane Bah

U.S. Marine Corps Disabled Veteran • 25+ years Real Estate Broker • 20+ years Educator Son of Africa. Immigrant. Builder of community.

Baltimore, MD — Serving the Mid-Atlantic, Boston, MA —New England, Midwest, and Southern U.S.

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” — African Proverb

Current Enrollment Window Ends In:

Seats Remaining:249 Of 250

Spots Remaining:250 of 250

Condo Giveaways:

Tickets Remaining: 999 of 1000

Odd Of Winning: 1 In 250

A Cure for Isolation: A Place Where We Belong

Across the Diaspora, too many of us are raising families without a cultural home—without that anchor where identity is nurtured, traditions are passed down, and community wraps around us like family. WACCCA is the answer: a permanent place for connection, learning, and legacy that will stand for generations.

The Cost of Not Having a Home

When we lack permanent institutions, we’re always renting space, always temporary, always starting over. Our children grow up disconnected from their roots. Our elders have nowhere to gather and share wisdom. Our entrepreneurs struggle without a supportive network. Our artists perform without a stage that honors their craft.

This isn’t just inconvenient—it’s a loss we feel in our bones, in our families, in the fabric of who we are.

Children Learn Their Roots

Our young ones will learn language, history, and identity in spaces designed for them. They'll understand where they come from and carry that pride forward, never losing connection to their heritage.

Elders Are Honored

Our elders will have a dignified home where their wisdom is sought, their stories are preserved, and their presence is celebrated. They deserve more than isolation—they deserve reverence.

Families Find Community

Families will have a safe, beautiful home for gatherings, rites of passage, celebrations, and everyday connection. A place that feels like home because it truly is.

Entrepreneurs Gain Opportunity

Business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs will access mentorship, visibility, networking, and resources that transform ideas into thriving enterprises within a supportive community ecosystem.

Artists Get Their Stage

Musicians, dancers, visual artists, and storytellers will finally have a real stage and gallery—a platform that honors their craft and amplifies their voices to audiences who understand and appreciate their work.

"Belonging isn't optional. It's health. It's wholeness. It's what we build when we come together."

How We Build A Permanent Home in 90 Days

We have the building. We have the vision. We have the community. Now we need 1,000 founding supporters at $1,000–$2,000 each to transform this space into the cultural home we all deserve. Here’s exactly how it works.

Join the Founding 1,000

Give at the Founding level ($1,000–$2,000) to move the project forward quickly. Your support is the foundation that makes everything else possible.

Renovate + Activate

Funds support immediate renovation work, programming launch, essential equipment and furnishings, and operations to ensure we open strong and stay open.

Open Doors + Report Back

Supporters receive regular updates on construction progress, programming milestones, and community impact. You’ll see exactly how your contribution transforms into reality.

Grow a National Coalition

Our target is 90 Founding Supporters per state, building a movement that spans regions and strengthens our collective voice and power.

Building a Movement Across States

WACCCA serves families throughout the Mid-Atlantic, New England, Rust Belt, and South. We’re building coalitions of supporters in:

This isn’t just about one building in Baltimore. It’s about creating a model that can inspire similar institutions across the nation, strengthening our entire community through connected cultural homes.

Inside WACCCA: Real Programs. Real Space. Real Impact.

A permanent 40,000 square foot community anchor with education, wellness, faith, arts, and entrepreneurship under one roof. This isn’t a dream—it’s a detailed plan with space allocated, programs designed, and a community ready to bring it to life.

Education + Language

Language labs offering Fula, Yoruba, Twi, Arabic, French, and more. Tutoring programs, GED preparation, ESL classes, and heritage education that connects young people to their linguistic roots and academic futures.

Culture + History

A cultural museum featuring rotating exhibits, a historical archive preserving our stories, and storytelling tours that bring history alive for every generation. Our past becomes present, honored and accessible.

Health + Wellness

Comprehensive health screenings, fitness programs, mental wellness support, and holistic healing spaces. Because our community’s health—physical, mental, and spiritual—is foundational to everything we build.

Arts + Performance

A performance hall for music, dance, and theater. An art gallery showcasing both local emerging artists and established masters. This is where our culture comes alive in color, movement, and sound.

Business + Economic Power

Business incubator with co-working space, mentorship programs, pitch events, and a marketplace connecting entrepreneurs with customers and investors. Economic empowerment through community support.

Faith + Reflection

Dedicated prayer and reflection rooms honoring multiple faith traditions, plus interfaith gathering spaces that recognize the spiritual diversity within our community while respecting each tradition.

Every square foot is planned. Every program serves a purpose. Every space honors the people it will serve. This is what 40,000 square feet of cultural home looks like when a community designs it for themselves.

Join the Founding 1,000 (90-Day Campaign)

Your support builds a permanent home for culture, learning, and community in Baltimore. Every contribution directly funds the spaces and programs that will serve thousands of families for generations to come.

Founding Builder — $1,000

Your contribution funds classrooms and language learning spaces where children will discover their heritage, master new languages, and build academic foundations that last a lifetime.

Founding Patron — $2,000

Your contribution funds community programming and launch readiness, ensuring that when we open our doors, we open them with strong programs, trained staff, and the capacity to serve our community immediately and excellently.

Prefer another amount? You can still join the Founding 1,000 and be part of this historic community effort.

What Supporters Receive

Founders Wall Recognition

Your name permanently displayed as a founding supporter who made this cultural home possible.

Donor Flags in the Lobby

Your country or heritage flag displayed in the WACCCA lobby, honoring the diaspora that made the center possible.

Preview Celebration Invitation

Be among the first to walk through the completed spaces and celebrate what we built together.

Priority Opening Invites

First access to key milestone events, program launches, and community celebrations.

Where Your Contribution Goes

Every dollar is allocated thoughtfully to maximize community impact:

Renovation + Build-Out

Transforming raw space into beautiful, functional classrooms, galleries, performance halls, wellness centers, and gathering spaces.

Program Launch

Funding initial programming in education, wellness, culture, arts, and business—ensuring quality from day one.

Furnishings + Equipment

Outfitting spaces with furniture, technology, musical instruments, art supplies, fitness equipment, and everything needed for full operation.

Operations

Keeping doors open with staffing, utilities, insurance, maintenance, and all the essentials that allow programs to run smoothly and sustainably.

Important: Contributions do not grant ownership rights or financial returns. All contributions are used for renovation, programming, and operations to serve the community.

Bonus: A Thank-You Sweepstakes (NPN)

Support the mission—and there’s a chance to win. But let’s be clear: The mission stands on its own. We’re building WACCCA because our community needs it, deserves it, and will benefit from it for generations. The sweepstakes is simply our way of saying thank you and We LOVE YOU.

Home Prize

A home or cash equivalent to help you build your own foundation and security.

Vehicle Prize

A vehicle or cash equivalent to keep you moving forward in comfort and style.

West Africa Trip

A journey to West Africa or cash equivalent, connecting you to ancestral homelands and cultural roots.

Sweepstakes Compliance

We take legal compliance seriously to protect you and the integrity of this campaign:

NPN Purchase Necessary

You do not need to contribute financially to enter the sweepstakes. Alternative Method of Entry (AMOE) is available. Contact us for details

Geographic Restrictions

Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Prohibited in certain states. Contact us for more details.

Fair Odds

Odds of winning depend on the total number of eligible entries received during the sweepstakes period. 1 in 70 is our goal.

Full Transparency

See Official Rules for complete eligibility requirements, entry deadlines, prize details, and all terms and conditions.

The mission comes first. WACCCA exists to serve our community. The sweepstakes is a bonus, not the reason we're building. If you support us, support us because you believe in what we're creating together. & we will build together. We Promise

Questions? Talk to the Founder in 5 Minutes

No pressure. Ask anything. Get clarity before you support.

Marwan Bah, founder of WACCCA, personally speaks with potential supporters to answer questions, address concerns, and share the vision in detail. A five-minute conversation can provide the clarity and confidence you need to make this decision.

Why Talk Directly?

Because this is too important for guesswork. If you have questions about how funds will be used, what programs will launch first, how governance works, or anything else—you deserve direct, honest answers from the person leading this effort.

Bah has spent 25+ years in real estate, 20+ years in education, and a lifetime building trust through service. He wants you to feel confident in this investment in our community’s future. We guarantee your satisfaction 100%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is WACCCA?

WACCCA (West African Cultural & Community Center of America) is a permanent 40,000 square foot cultural home in Baltimore dedicated to education, arts, entrepreneurship, wellness, and community for Africans, African Americans, and the Diaspora. It’s a space where our community can gather, learn, create, heal, and thrive. Through Union Build.

Do you really own the building?

Yes. WACCCA already owns the building—this isn’t a lease or a temporary arrangement. We have the deed, we have the keys, and now we’re raising support to transform it into the vibrant cultural center our community deserves. Ownership gives us permanence and security.

How will funds be used?

Contributions fund renovation and build-out, programming launch across education, arts, wellness, and business, furnishings and equipment for all spaces, and ongoing operations including staffing, utilities, insurance, and maintenance. Every dollar serves the mission of creating a functional, sustainable cultural home.

Are contributions tax-deductible?

Yes. We are a 501 c 3. We provide receipts for all contributions. Please consult your tax advisor regarding the deductibility of your specific contribution, as tax treatment may vary based on individual circumstances and WACCCA’s organizational structure.

Is this an investment?

No. This is not a financial investment that provides ownership rights or financial returns. Contributions support a community initiative and cultural institution. You’re investing in community impact, not financial profit. Think of it as philanthropic support for a cause you believe in.

How do sweepstakes entries work?

Supporting WACCCA automatically includes you in the prize drawing as a thank-you. If you prefer not to donate, you can still participate—just contact us for a quick 5-minute call and we’ll explain how. One-time and recurring support options are both available. Full details are in the Official Rules.

Still Have Questions?

We’re here to help. Reach out directly via email or schedule a brief call with Marouane Bah to discuss your questions and concerns personally.

Who WACCCA Serves

WACCCA is designed for everyone in our community—from infants to elders, from recent immigrants to families who’ve been here for generations. This is a home that honors our diversity while celebrating our shared heritage and collective strength.

Children & Youth

Safe, enriching spaces for learning languages, exploring heritage, developing talents, and building confidence. From toddler programs to teen leadership development, we nurture the next generation.

Parents & Families

Resources, support networks, cultural programming, and gathering spaces where families can connect, celebrate milestones, and build lasting relationships within a community that shares their values.

Elders & Wisdom Keepers

Honored spaces where elders share stories, provide guidance, participate in programs designed for their needs, and receive the respect and care they deserve as pillars of our community.

Entrepreneurs & Professionals

Business development resources, networking opportunities, mentorship programs, co-working spaces, and a marketplace connecting you to customers, investors, and collaborators who understand your vision.

Artists & Creators

Performance venues, gallery spaces, practice rooms, equipment access, and audiences who appreciate your work. Finally, a stage worthy of your talent and a community eager to celebrate your artistry.

Community Organizers

Meeting spaces, event hosting capabilities, organizational support, and a central hub for coordinating community initiatives that strengthen our collective power and amplify our voices.

"This is a place where everyone belongs, everyone contributes, and everyone benefits."

— Marouane Bah, Founder

The Vision Beyond Baltimore

WACCCA Baltimore is just the beginning. What we build here can become a model for cultural institutions across the nation, proving that communities can create permanent spaces that honor heritage, foster connection, and generate opportunity.

A National Movement

Imagine cultural homes like WACCCA in cities across America—each serving local communities while connected to a national network of support, shared resources, and collective power. Atlanta, Houston, Philadelphia, Chicago, Detroit—every major city with a significant African diaspora population deserves a permanent cultural institution.

Movements start with a single successful example. Baltimore is that example. Here, we prove the model works, demonstrate sustainable operations, and show what’s possible when community, culture, and purpose come together in a real, physical space.

Building on that success, the next phase will expand to Boston, Massachusetts—launching a second WACCCA center designed to collaborate with leading international institutions and institutions of higher learning. This Boston center will serve as a hub for dialogue, research, and programs that shape international relations, public policy, and global health, working alongside some of the finest universities and academic institutions in the United States.

Together, Baltimore and Boston become more than locations—they form a connected platform for cultural exchange, policy thought leadership, and global impact, with the long-term vision of inspiring similar centers across other major cities.

Baltimore Success

WACCCA opens, serves thousands, proves the model works financially and programmatically.

Model Replication

Other cities study our blueprint, adapt it to local needs, and launch their own cultural institutions.

National Network

Independent but connected institutions share resources, coordinate programs, and amplify collective impact.

Generational Legacy

A permanent infrastructure of cultural homes serving our community for decades and centuries to come.

What Success Looks Like in 5 Years

Year 1: Grand Opening

WACCCA Baltimore opens with full programming across education, arts, wellness, and entrepreneurship. First cohorts graduate from language programs.

1

2 Year 2: Regional Impact

Serving 5,000+ community members annually. Regional partnerships established. First business incubator graduates launch successful ventures.

Year 3: National Recognition

WACCCA model featured in national media. Other cities begin planning similar institutions. National conference hosted in Baltimore.

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4 Year 4: Expansion & Replication

Second location planning begins. WACCCA publishes playbook for other communities. Network of partner organizations forming.

Year 5: Movement Milestone

50,000+ people served cumulatively. Three additional cities break ground on their own cultural centers using WACCCA model. Legacy secured.

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This is bigger than one building. It’s about changing the landscape of how African diaspora communities in America preserve culture, build power, and create lasting institutions. And it starts with your support today.

Your Decision, Our Future

This is the moment. Right now, you have the opportunity to be part of something that will outlast all of us—a cultural home that serves our children, honors our elders, and strengthens our community for generations.

The Choice Is Clear

You can watch from the sidelines, or you can be a Founding 1,000 member—someone who stepped up when it mattered most, who believed in this vision, who put resources behind their values.

Years from now, when families gather at WACCCA, when children perform on that stage, when entrepreneurs launch businesses from our incubator, when elders share wisdom in our gathering spaces—you’ll know you made it possible.

Your name on the Founders Wall isn’t just recognition. It’s a testament to your belief that our community deserves permanent institutions, that our culture deserves spaces designed specifically to honor it, and that our future is worth investing in.

40k

Square Feet

Of permanent cultural space we’re building together

1000

Founding Supporters

Building this legacy in 90 days through collective action

500+

Families Connected

Already part of this movement and growing every day

"We are the ancestors our descendants will thank."

This is our moment to create something permanent, something beautiful, something that says: We were here. We built this. We believed in us.

Join the Founding 1,000

Contribute $1,000-$2,000 and become a permanent part of WACCCA’s founding story.

Talk to Marouane

Schedule a 5-minute call to ask questions and get clarity before you commit.

Stay Connected

Not ready yet? Sign up for updates and watch this vision come to life.

WACCCA — West African Cultural & Community Center of America Baltimore, Maryland • Serving the Nation

Current Enrollment Window Ends In:

Seats Remaining:249 Of 250

Spots Remaining:250 of 250

Condo Giveaways:

Tickets Remaining: 999 of 1000

Odd Of Winning: 1 In 250

Contact us

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