Our Mission
At Ali Long Cultural Community Center (ALCCC) we will work to bridge the existing cultural gaps between prominent global cultures and their histories and American culture and its history by providing a space where all can gather and learn from one another. Through various activities, this center will not only bring people together, but will educate all parties involved. Thus, providing a more solid relation between ourselves and those different from us. It will work to eliminate the idea of “the other” showing that we are not all that different from each other and that when we work toward understanding each other we will be unstoppable.
ALCCC aims provide an open space fostering dialogue and understanding. It will be a space meant to improve relations across cultures and welcomes all, whether native born, immigrant, and/or refugee, with open arms. The Ali Long Cultural Community Center is a safe space where we can work toward a world based on understanding rather than stereotypes.
Our History
Being a foreign-born, naturalized citizen and American-born citizens, we recognize the existing gaps in cultural understanding between Americans and other cultures. These misunderstandings and misinterpretations are often mutual, which is why we decided to develop the Ali Long Cultural Community Center. We recognize the gap and want to do our part to close it. Cultural centers in the DMV often focus solely on promoting one culture, rather than cultural understanding across cultures. That is what separates ALCCC from other cultural centers. Through education, understanding, and community building ALCCC was developed to bridge the cultural gaps and work toward a world where the concept of “the other” does not exist.
What We Do
Through Arabic language instruction, we provide free cross-cultural education to those willing to learn of Middle Eastern culture while sharing their own culture with the group. ALCCC is open for everyone who is willing to bridge the existing gap across various cultures through culture sharing and mutual understanding. The Arabic classes are offered at all levels, from beginner to advanced, and we also offer specialized courses in Business Arabic, Media Arabic, and English-Arabic-English translation.
By first understanding those perceived as “the other” we are then able to grow together through connection to cultures and languages different from our own. ALCCC is open to all who are willing to understand each other and fosters an environment for culture sharing across different cultures and mutual learning.
Ali Long Cultural Community Center 