The Precarious Question of Black Cultural Centers Versus Multicultural Centers.

Abstract

This paper discusses the role of black cultural centers on university campuses, focusing on whether black cultural centers or multicultural centers best meet the needs of an increasingly diverse student body and society. It examines the historical role of black cultural centers as vehicles to promote educational opportunity, student retention, and ethnic solidarity on predominantly white university campuses. In then looks at the transition from black cultural centers to multicultural centers on many campuses, discussing sensitive issues related to the maintenance of black cultural centers. Using examples from the experience of Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) in dealing with these issues, it argues that, despite budget cutbacks, universities need to preserve black cultural centers as unique institutions while seeking to create multicultural centers or programs to meet the needs of other minority students. Five appendixes outline the services of the IUP Black Cultural Center, the characteristics and operation of ethnic cultural centers, important points about cross-cultural relationships, and tips for working with culturally different students. (Contains 33 references.) (MDM) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. *********************************************************************** THE PRECARIOUS QUESTION OF BLACK CULTURAL CENTERS VERSUS MULTICULTURAL CENTERS by Dr. Carolyn D. W. Princes Director of the Mack Cultural Center Indiana University of Pennsylvania U S DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office 01 Ethxdi.orai ficsearcn aro improvement EDUS.ATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) This document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization originating it Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality. Points of view or opinions siareci in this document do not necessarily represent otticiat OERI position or policy PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY Carolyn D.W. Princes TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC). Paper presented at the Annual Conference of the Pennsylvania Black Conference on Higher Education, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, March 2 March 5, 1994.