About Queen Ann Nzinga Center

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Mission

Our Mission is to foster children’s development by providing them with opportunities to connect within a community of peers and mentors, discover and hone their individual talents, achieve success in a collaborative environment, and celebrate diversity.

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Learn about the origins and wonderful programming of the Queen Anne Nzinga Center from New Britain/Plainville, CT. Video by Emily Barger.

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About Us

Queen Ann Nzinga Center (QANC) arose out of a need to support underserved youth in Greater New Britain, Bristol, and Plainville, who may lack the resources and guidance to effectively navigate life’s challenges.

QANC accomplishes its mission through multi-dimensional programming including:

Youth Arts Enrichment Workshops
Live Performance & Storytelling
Annual Concerts & Events

Four women performing a dance on stage with a colorful 'Kwanzaa' banner in the background.

We use artistic expression to help youth develop self-esteem, self-awareness, responsibility, self-discipline, self-reliance, and confidence. Our unique approach fuses humanities lessons with arts enrichment as a transformative tool for children to experience success and have opportunities to shine in a safe space.

Rooted in the values of Kwanzaa, we emphasize Afro-centric traditions and stories from the diaspora to help participants to understand where they came from, who they are, and who they can become. Akin to an African village, our programs are community-centered and intergenerational. All ages learn together, with older youth serving as role models to younger students while being guided forward by adult mentors.

Community is at the heart of everything we do. When we are seen and uplifted by our people, we can achieve great things, generating a cycle of collective well-being. Working in the diverse region of Greater New Britain, we strive to celebrate people from all cultural backgrounds—we are stronger together!