Business Details
37 Years
experience
Culturally Affirming Wellness for Black Communities
Founded in 1989, the Amassi Center has dedicated over three decades to addressing health disparities and promoting cultural affirmation for diverse communities of African descent. Our organization combines preventive health education, mental health support, and cultural empowerment programs to foster resilience and self-determination. We specialize in culturally affirming interventions like the peer-reviewed Critical Thinking Cultural Affirmation (CTCA) model, which integrates Black history, health literacy, and psychological counseling. With a presence in eight major cities across the U.S. and South Africa, we have impacted over 200,000 individuals through free and low-cost services including HIV/AIDS prevention, tutoring, fitness programs, and leadership development.Recognized by institutions like the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the American Journal of Public Health, our work confronts systemic inequities while empowering communities through education, advocacy, and holistic wellness initiatives.
Services
HIV/AIDS Prevention
Cultural Affirmation Programs
Mental Health Counseling
Math & Literacy Tutoring
Leadership Development
Fitness Training
Substance Abuse Education
Peer Empowerment Groups
Community Health Workshops
Black History Education
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We offer 35 years of experience in culturally specific health interventions
- Our CTCA model combines critical thinking and Black cultural affirmation
- We provide free HIV/AIDS prevention and mental health services
- Our programs address systemic health disparities across the Black diaspora
- We operate in eight major U.S. and international urban centers
What people say
Culturally affirming programs
Free health services
Effective HIV prevention
Community empowerment focus
Experienced leadership
Services
HIV/AIDS Prevention
Our evidence-based HIV/AIDS prevention programs combine cultural affirmation with risk reduction education. We offer free testing, peer counseling, and community outreach focused on sexual health responsibility. Our approach addresses systemic disparities through culturally relevant education and support services tailored to diverse Black communities.
Cultural Affirmation Programs
The Critical Thinking Cultural Affirmation (CTCA) model promotes self-respect and problem-solving through Black history education and psychological counseling. Our programs address systemic inequities while fostering community resilience. Services include workshops on media literacy, self-image building, and culturally grounded health practices for all age groups.
Mental Health Counseling
We provide free mental health services addressing trauma, stress, and emotional well-being through culturally competent counseling. Our therapists specialize in Black community-specific challenges including racial trauma and intergenerational stress. Services include individual therapy, family counseling, and peer support groups focused on holistic healing.
Math & Literacy Tutoring
Free academic tutoring helps students improve math and English skills while building confidence. Our educators use culturally relevant teaching methods to enhance learning outcomes. Programs focus on closing achievement gaps through personalized instruction and academic empowerment strategies for K-12 students.
Leadership Development
Our leadership programs cultivate community organizers through critical thinking training and civic engagement initiatives. Participants learn advocacy skills, conflict resolution, and cultural heritage to become effective change-makers. Programs include youth mentorship, community organizing workshops, and public speaking training.
People
Dr. Cleo Manago
Founder
Behavioral analyst and social architect who developed the CTCA intervention model. Recognized by major public health institutions for his HIV/AIDS prevention work since 1989. Advocate for culturally specific health solutions across the African diaspora.
Questions
What populations does AmASSI serve?
We primarily serve African American, Caribbean, Afri-Latino, and Continental African communities, though all are welcome to participate in our programs.
Are services free to access?
Yes, all our core programs including HIV testing, counseling, tutoring, and wellness workshops are provided free of charge.
What makes AmASSI's approach unique?
Our Critical Thinking Cultural Affirmation (CTCA) model uniquely combines Black cultural heritage with preventive health education and mental health support.
Where are your locations?
We operate in eight cities including Baltimore, Washington DC, New York City, Los Angeles, and Johannesburg, South Africa.
