Black Cultural Center

The Center was established in 1984, in honor of Bishop Joseph Johnson, the first African-American to attend and graduate from Vanderbilt University.   The BCC has three main goals which make up its mission:

• Cultural and Educational Programming
• Student Support and Development
• Community Outreach and Service

The BCC’s programs and partnerships, serve to promote respect, understanding, tolerance and a greater appreciation for cultural and racial diversity.

What goes on at the BCC?

The BCC sponsors speakers’ series and panel discussions, BBC Book Club discussions, and poetry readings.  You can come to the BCC to see a play, witness a musical performance, or take part in one of a number of annual events and celebrations, as such Dia de la Raza,  pre-Kwanzaa; Walter Murray Lecture (co-sponsored with The Ingram Commons) and Black History and Women’s History Month events.

What goes on at the BCC is a celebration of Diversity –African and African American life, culture and contributions, by Vanderbilt University students, faculty, staff and campus visitors.

Why should I visit the BCC?

You should stop by to gain an understanding of and deeper appreciation for the contributions of people of African descent.  We invite you to visit the BCC—to see our exhibit of African American and African art; to feast on Soul Food during our fall semester Welcome Back Luncheon; to meet the BCC staff and make new friends among the students, faculty, staff and alumni who frequent the BCC.  And, don’t just be a visitor, come back often—to see a visiting art exhibit, or hear a stimulating panel discussion; and make new friends!

Who utilizes the BCC?

Why, the entire Vanderbilt University campus does!
The BCC is open to any and all VU students, faculty and staff.  Vanderbilt faculty hold academic classes in the BCC Seminar room, and the BCC auditorium hosts numerous scholarly presentations for Vanderbilt departments, schools and colleges.   We also host events for community partners such as the YMCA, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, and Organized Neighbors of Edgehill.

Some of the famous speakers who have visited the BCC include:  Angela Davis, Julian Bond, the late Negro Leagues Legend, Buck O’Neil, Afeni Shakur (mother of the late Tupac Shakur); and Dr. Eugene Richardson of the Tuskegee Airmen.

BCC facilities—auditorium, seminar room,  computer lab and lounge—are open to the entire University, and are heavily utilized by the campus, students, faculty and staff.