From its inception in 1969, the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center at Indiana University has served as an invaluable and integral resource for Black students, faculty, staff and the broader community. During homecoming weekend, the center will recognize this storied history with a 55th-anniversary celebration of arts and culture.
Tickets for the Oct. 19 event are $20 for students, $30 for non-students and $255 for a table of 10. The event includes dinner, entertainment and interactive experiences of reflection and storytelling. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the dress code is cocktail attire, with guests encouraged to wear emerald, gold, cream, and black shades.
"For 55 years, the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center has continued its legacy of serving as a one-of-a-kind, dedicated 'living history' space for students to explore and express the values of a diverse and engaged learning community," says Rashad Nelms, interim vice president for the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
"Designed to be a 'home away from home' for the Black community of Indiana University Bloomington, the NMBCC has a long-standing history of supporting the university’s efforts to challenge, support and contribute to the continued development and success of its students, faculty and staff," Nelms adds.
The Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center, administered by the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion was initially created during an era of campus activism in the late 1960s, followed by African American student groups developing a document of their goals to increase the enrollment of Black students.
"In January 2002, the NMBCC was officially dedicated in honor of the first African American man and woman to graduate from Indiana University: Marcellus Neal, who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1895, and Frances Marshall, who received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1919," said Gloria Howell, director of the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center.
"Today, the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center continues to build upon the visionary work of its leaders with programs to help Black students discover a sense of belonging, foster social connections and nurture academic success."
Visit the NMBCC anniversary page to learn more and register.