The vision of the African American Cultural & Resource Center (AACRC) came about when a group of Black students advocated for a space of their own, a gathering place where they would be able to express themselves culturally. After receiving support from crucial UC administrators, faculty and staff, and Board of Trustee members, the building opened on September 21, 1991.
For over three decades, the Center has become a “home away from home” for Black students who study at UC from across the globe. It has been and continues to be a place of identity, scholarship, cultural exploration, and service to the university and community. The AACRC staff also executes many programs benchmarked by other institutions, including Kuamka (a leadership competition), Akwaaba (Black Student Welcome), the Spring Break Tour, the AACRC Choir, and Tyehimba, one of the countries oldest Afrocentric graduation celebrations. Each year, the AACRC is home to more than 150 additional events hosted by our campus partners, such as the LGBTQ Center, Women’s Center, and Ethnic Programs and Services.
For over 30 years, the AACRC has provided opportunities to learn about African, Caribbean, and Black American culture through its various signature programs and events. The AACRC has helped strengthen the relationship between the university and the surrounding community by including community organizations in signature programming and events. The AACRC has also aided in recruiting high school students by providing campus tours and student panels. AACRC student leaders have helped strengthen and diversify campus leadership roles by being RAs, SOLs, Peer Leaders, Student Government members, PACE leaders, College Ambassadors, and Study Abroad students. The AACRC has been able to develop students holistically so they not only graduate but become global citizens. Students connected to the AACRC have used what was instilled in them at the Center and are now all around the world leading in their jobs and initiatives and leaving legacies everywhere they go! Monies raised during this time will strengthen current programs and create new opportunities for student development and support.
UC and UC Health employees can give via payroll deduction today.
Because of your generosity, we raised more than $2,470,000 from 3,800+ gifts in another record-breaking UC Day of Giving! You proved once again that it’s a remarkable time to be a Bearcat!
Thanks to everyone who accepted the challenge, Bearcats will be powering new markets and industries, transforming ideas into impact, and improving the way we live, work and learn now.
A special thank you to our 250+ Ambassadors we had more than $35,000 raised from 770+ gifts.
From all of us at the University of Cincinnati Foundation, thank you for your support!
#BearcatsGive.
