Black
History Month
The Black Cultural Center (BCC) plans and coordinates several activities
and programs
(e.g., convocations, summits, plays, lectures) throughout the month
of February paying tribute to Berea College Alum Carter G. Woodson,
the “Father of Black History Week”, and to the history,
heritage, and contributions of African Americans.
Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Commemoration Program
The BCC commemorates the birth and legacy of Dr. King with
a Worship and Praise Service, Unity March to City Hall, convocation,
and community luncheon.
Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is an African American holiday celebrated from December
26 through January 1. It is a celebration of family, community,
and culture. The BCC usually celebrates Kwanzaa prior to the end
of the fall semester, incorporating all of the seven principles
of Kwanzaa.
Black Men/Women's Think Tanks
Limited to Berea College male and female participants, these
retreats will focus on developing sisterhood/brotherhood and Black
male/female identity. These overnight retreats will begin on Friday
in the Black Cultural Center and is designed to engage participants
in considering their role in relationships, leadership, global
citizenship, academic and spiritual development. Participants will
depart for Cincinnati on Saturday and also visit the Freedom Center.
The Think Tanks are ongoing programs that focus on black male and
female identity development. Such programs as “Beauty for
Ashes”, the Book Club, Women’s Tea, Am I my Brother’s
Keeper Conference, and SB2 are examples of the follow-up activities.
Interracial/Intercultural Dinners
The BCC hosts on Tuesdays, a community dinner
that is designed to engage the campus community in an ongoing diversity
focused dialogue. Students, staff, and faculty are encouraged to
attend. Dinner is provided (vegetarian options are also available).
Participants should RSVP to the Black Cultural Center.
Rap-Sessions
These informal facilitated sessions are designed to provide an
avenue for students to discuss current events. Rap-sessions
take place in the BCC; snacks are provided and is a “safe
space” for conversation.
Leadership Development Series
This series is for students who are
interested in developing and fine-tuning their leadership skills.
Participants attend a leadership focused activity once a month
to develop their skills. The program includes lectures, community
service, a leadership retreat, and financial support for attendance
at a leadership conference. At the end of the year participants
receive a certificate of participation in the leadership program.
S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Program
Students United to Create Cultural and
Educationally Successful Situations
The S.U.C.C.E.S.S. program,
implemented through
the Black Cultural Center is designed to support incoming students.
The program is run collaboratively by the Black Cultural Center
Director and the Student Development Coordinator. Every incoming
African and African-American student may enter the program by
filling out an application, which is available at anytime throughout
the
school year. These applications are used by the Student Development
Coordinator to connect incoming students with their peer mentor.
Students who chose to participate are identified as S.U.C.C.E.S.S.
Scholars. Benefits of participating in the program as a S.U.C.C.E.S.S.
Scholar include:
- Beginning of year off-campus weekend retreat
- Access to Skill
Building Sessions
- Catered Study Sessions
- Free admission to BCC social activities
- Academic and Social
Portfolio Development (resume, networking, academic excellence
reports)
- Peer Mentors are available
to assist new students of color in making a successful transition
to college. The Peer Mentors collaborate with other campus departments
and community services to provide programs that promote the academic,
personal, social, career, moral, and cultural growth and development
of students of color.
Orientation Activities
During the Registration and Orientation
Weekend (ROW) in the summer and throughout the school year, the
BCC participates in several Merry-Go-Rounds to provide information
and updates about the programs and services offered through the
Center.
The BCC also provides leadership in Orientation Activities
designed to enhance BC commitment to interracial education and
other ideals
of our global society. During this weekend the entire campus
community is invited to Experience the Diversity during the week
of orientation.
The Community Mixer is held during Orientation Week.
This informal gathering is designed to welcome and introduce
new students of
color to faculty, staff, other students, community members,
and the Black Cultural Center staff.
Black Cultural Center Scholar Program Application
The Black Cultural Center is pleased to announce the pilot of
the BCC
Scholar Program. Applications for the BCC
Scholar Program will be accepted from June 16–September
5, 2007. The
selection process is competitive and only 3-6 students will
be chosen to participate. Students will explore the dynamics of
intellectual activism, in the tradition of black public intellectuals
such as W.E.B. Dubois, Henry Louis Gates, James Baldwin, Lani Guinier,
Cornel West, John Hope Franklin, Angela Davis and bell hooks.
Some program objectives are:
- To provide students with an opportunity to link intellectualism with activism.
- To engage students in learning research and publishing skills.
- To provide guided learning opportunities to encourage innovative and creative solutions for addressing issues facing black communities.
- To organize students to use their talents and skills to provide leadership in their communities and participate in community development.
- To provide resources for students to attend and present at conferences, develop research/writings, and their individual projects.
Applications and more information available here.
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