The
Black Cultural Center: a support system
Evan Hamilton, posted Nov. 1, 2006
In 1972, the Black Culture House was established to be used
as an environment for African-American students at MU. These
students used the house in order to discuss issues, socialize
and enhance the understanding of Black culture and history.
At first located on Turner Avenue, after six years, the Black
Culture house relocated to 813 Virginia Ave. and was renamed
the "Black Culture Center."
In 2000, the Black Culture Center was officially renamed in
recognition of two African-American’s with ties to MU.
Lloyd Gaines and Marian O'Fallon Oldham are recognized in
the new name of the center, the Gaines/Oldham Black Culture
Center, because of their sacrifice and commitment to equality.
The small history of the GOBCC included in the center's pamphlet,
proves it is still going strong after all these years. May
2006 saw a director change for the GOBCC. Amanda Clarence,
former director of the GOBCC, moved to another position on
campus and still supports the GOBCC, according to the new
director, Nathan Stephens. Stephens’ desire to help
African American youth is the reason that he applied for the
position. He also hopes to sharpen his own professional skills.
Since August, when Stephens’ job officially started,
he has helped his staff operate using the team concept. Stephens
said, "I want to help give my staff a sense of self-being
as part of the team at the GOBCC. This team concept will help
students to develop as leaders and will provide opportunities
for them to lead."
"The GOBCC is a part of the Association for Black Culture
Centers. Over 200 Directors of Black and Multicultural Centers
are involved,” Stephens said. "Dr. Fred Horde,
founder of the ABCC, talked about the roles he thought the
BCC’s should have. He felt they should be a tool for
recruitment of African-American students.” Stephens
considers the GOBCC, "a support system for Black students
in PWI’s (Predominately White Institutions), and is
willing to do what he can to help with recruitment and retention
of African-American students."
Even though Stephens is the director, "Students and GOBCC
coordinator Deniece Christian help run the four major events
that the GOBCC sponsors every year," Stephens said. According
to the GOBCC's pamphlet, they include the Fall Fest, Black
Family Reunion, Black Culture Awareness Week and Pre-Kwanzaa
Celebration.
Stephens has applied to the educational leadership and policy
analysis doctoral program. "I plan to study the educational
achievement gap from a state and district policy perspective,
K-20 and examine the policies in place that allow the achievement
gap to exist and continue," Stephens said.
Stephens wants to study policies that keep African-American
students from catching up. "I am interested in doing
some teaching on the collegiate level and in consulting with
school districts to eliminate the achievement gap," Stephens
said. According to Stephens, the achievement gap is only one
of his research interests for the future.
