Yale Bulletin and Calendar

September 17, 2004|Volume 33, Number 3

One of the highlights of the Afro-American Cultural Center's 35th anniversary celebration will be a project to preserve its history through documents and photographs, and through oral histories by and about its alumni. This photograph of members of the Class of 1980, including actress Angela Bassett (front row, center), show just some of the many students who have played a role in the life of the center across three decades.

Program marks 35th anniversary
of Afro-American Cultural Center

The Afro-American Cultural Center is marking its 35th anniversary with a program titled "At the Center! Celebration, Reflection and Action: Black Advancement at Yale and Beyond," Friday-Sunday, Oct. 1-3.

According to Pamela Y. George, director of the center and associate dean of Yale College, the theme of the program "is meant to focus on our advancement and authority at Yale and beyond -- in New Haven, our own communities, the nation and globally. We seek to pay tribute to the prolific legacy and generative influence of the Afro-American Cultural Center (affectionately known as 'the House'); exemplify the integrity of black thought and culture; and, as a people with an expanding diversity among us, we aspire to increase our value and resources in an interdependent and complex world."

Established largely through the efforts of the Black Student Alliance at Yale, the cultural center opened in 1969 at 1195 Chapel St. It moved to its current location at 211 Park St. in 1970.

Since its inception, the Afro-American Cultural Center has worked to create an environment in which racial heterogeneity is understood and respected throughout the campus community and beyond. It sponsors a wide range of activities -- from symposia to performances to social functions -- and is the headquarters for numerous student organizations as well as the Black Church at Yale and the Urban Improvement Corps, a tutoring program.

The center has invited Yale alumni to return to campus for the anniversary weekend. Noted Harvard educator Henry Louis Gates '73 B.A. and activist Kathleen Cleaver '83 B.A., '89 J.D. will present the keynote address at a 35th Anniversary Celebration Gala being held at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday in Yale Commons.

Other participants will include federal judges Barrington Parker '65 B.A., '69 LL.B. and Denise Page Hood '74 B.A.; Toni Harp '78 M.E.D. and William Dyson, Connecticut state senator and state representative, respectively; Hugh Price '66 J.D., former head of the National Urban League; Dr. Chester Pierce of Harvard Medical School; entrepreneur Fred Terrell '82 M.B.A.; composer, musician, educator and minister Dwight Andrews '77 M.Div., '93 Ph.D.; and Yale faculty members Robert Farris Thompson '55 B.A., '65 Ph.D., Elizabeth Alexander '84 B.A., Hazel Carby, Dr. James Comer, Dr. Ezra Griffith and Iona Black, among others.

The following are some highlights of the weekend:

* A panel on "The Politics of Power: Public Policy and Justice in the Black Community," exploring the issues at stake for African Americans in the 21st century and some of the groundbreaking work that has been done in the realm of politics.

* "Our Literate Soul: Readings and Performances," featuring poetry, prose, drama, dance and step by alumni and current students.

* "The Black Print: Black Wealth through Educational and Economic Power," exploring the link between educational attainment and economic development in African-American communities.

* Two roundtables: "The Black Aesthetic and the Politics of Hip Hop," looking at issues of importance to the current generation of Ivy leaguers; and "Journey to Wellness: Empowerment, Knowledge, Advocacy and Collectivism," on the physio-psycho-social issues affecting current students.

* "The Living Memory Historical Project," a two-part project aimed at preserving the history of "The House" through the collection and preservation of manuscripts and archives and through oral histories by and about alumni.

* An art exhibit and presentation on "The Genius of Kanye West and the Roots of Hip-Hop" by Professor Robert Farris Thompson.

* "The Reel: Films by Black Yalies," a mini-festival featuring talks and screenings by alumni.

The weekend will also feature the "unveiling" of an endowment fund in memory of Don Ogilvie, Armstead Robinson and Glenn DeChabert; the presentation of Early Leader and Pioneer Awards; a reception hosted by President Richard C. Levin; the "Party Like It's 1969" celebration; a "Family Reunion" cookout; a Black Church at Yale service with the Reverend Dwight Andrews; and a jazz performance by The People of Goodwill.

For a full schedule and registration, visit the website at www.yale.edu/afam.

Most of the weekend's events are free and open to the public, although there is a fee for meals of $60 for adults and $25 for students. Those who want to attend only the talks and panels should contact Pamela George at pamela.george@yale.edu or (203) 432-4132 for a free pass.

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IN MEMORIAM