#GivingTuesday 2023

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 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 its 30+ year existence, 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.

The AACRC is partnering with Professor, Dr. Vanessa Allen-Brown, to travel to Botswana and South Africa from April 28 - May 7, 2024. During this time, students will engage in cultural experiences and community engagement and visit historical sites and various institutions of learning. In order to participate in this travel experience, students must enroll in a 1-3 credit hour course during the Spring semester. The estimated fee for this course is $4,225 and includes travel and lodging. All students will receive a $700 scholarship from UC International and at least a $500 scholarship from the African American Cultural & Resource Center, bringing the cost to $3,025. Students are encouraged to apply for additional scholarships to reduce the cost of the fee. Alumni that wish to support this initiative to reduce the cost further for students may give to the AACRC Discretionary Account.

Gifts to the African American Cultural and Resource Center Discretionary Fund will be matched, up to $5,000, by Drs. Brian Kinkle and Margaret Hanson. 

UC and UC Health employees can give via payroll deduction today!