Indiana University and the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center are pleased to invite students, faculty, staff, alums and community partners across Indiana to the 2023 Association for Black Culture Centers Conference on November 9-12 on the IU Bloomington campus.
“The Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center at Indiana University Bloomington was born out of an era of campus activism in the late 1960s, followed by African American student groups creating a document of their goals to increase Black faculty, admit more Black students and introduce Black studies program,” says James C. Wimbush, vice president for the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Johnson Chair for Diversity and Leadership.
“The NMBCC continues that legacy today, serving as a one-of-a-kind, dedicated “living history” space for students to explore racial identity and express the values of a diverse and engaged learning community,” he notes.
This year's conference theme, A Story to Tell: Sustaining Black Culture Centers Through Activism, Arts and the Archives, reflects the strength and legacy of the cultural centers and spaces that Black students call home.
Gloria Howell, director of the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center, shared that the idea for the theme emerged in conversations about the 50th anniversary of the Neal-Marshall Center, which was celebrated during the 2019–2020 academic year. She said the center has always been focused on telling Black stories.
“When we were invited to host, one of the things that was mentioned by the [ABCC] board was, ‘Focus on what makes your center special,’” Howell said. “We thought what makes Neal-Marshall special is our ability to tell our collective story and help students use that story as a catalyst to build their own legacies."
To learn about the conference schedule and register visit the conference website. For additional questions, contact Gloria Howell by phone (812) 855-2139 or email glhowell@iu.edu
Conference Award Nominations
ABCC's membership consists of many innovative professionals and industry leaders. As part of this year’s 2023 conference, a number of awards will be presented to recognize the excellence exhibited on college campuses and in communities. (Please note: Nominees MUST be present at the 2023 ABCC Conference to receive their award.)
Among the awards that will be given:
The Kuumba Innovative Program Award recognizes the development and execution of an event/program demonstrating excellence in planning and carrying out a comprehensive, continuous or one-time event/program.
The Innovative Website Award recognizes a center that has curated a significant innovation level with its website design and interface.
The Senior Leader of the Year Award recognizes senior leaders who can lead, organize, empower and inspire students, staff, faculty and administrators. Nominees possess a high degree of commitment, creativity, innovation, initiative and integrity. This recognition is awarded to a senior leader with a deep passion for and commitment to social justice and awareness.
The New Professional of the Year Award recognizes a new professional who demonstrates the attributes of an emerging leader through actions and character. Nominees considered will display a significant level of innovation and creativity, as well as demonstrate significant contribution and accomplishment through their work, engagement, leadership, advocacy and/or active participation in a campus-wide initiative.
The Center of the Year Award recognizes the work of a center’s programs, initiatives and overall success on the students they serve.
The Undergraduate Student of the Year Award recognizes an undergraduate student who has made significant contributions through leadership, engagement and advocacy. The award is intended to honor a student who serves as a role model for the student body by volunteering, participating in events, excelling in school, reaching out to fellow students and portraying an overall positive attitude.
The Graduate/Professional Student of the Year Award recognizes a graduate/professional student who has made significant contributions through leadership, engagement and advocacy.