Tennessee Tech University recently renovated its Black Cultural Center and expanded intercultural spaces to promote diversity on campus.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Black Cultural Center at Tennessee Tech University was founded in 1989 as a place where Black students could support each other. It then opened in 1990.
In 1996, the school voted to rename it the Leona Lusk Officer Black Cultural Center, in honor of the school's first black graduate. She graduated in 1965 with her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education.
“Over the years, they decided to create Minority Affairs, which was formed as the Multicultural Affairs (Office),” said Charia Campbell, director of intercultural affairs at Tennessee Tech University. “And now, it's known as the Intercultural Exchange Room. And the office space for the staff is in this center. And this space, of course, is for all students, faculty, and staff to connect, learn, and grow.” It’s a space for” and all those things. ”
Now, many years later, the cultural center has been renovated and expanded with intercultural spaces. Campbell said the renovations had been talked about for years, but it wasn't until he started working at the school that he helped implement the plans.
“It was probably just renovated about two years before I got here,” Campbell said. “And we just listened to what our students and alumni were saying about the need for more space. And we looked at how the program was going, how the student population was growing. We just kept having those conversations, and students were having conversations across the board, and we were trying to figure out how to help students here at the College of Engineering, especially underrepresented students and students of color. We are talking with campus administrators about how we can further contribute in this way.”
She said the space is used by students, faculty and staff at the school. Part of the Black Cultural Center is also used as the office of the Office of Intercultural Exchange and graduate school staff, and is open most days.
“Anytime the building was open, students had a place to gather, hang out, eat, sleep, study, watch TV, do whatever they wanted. “We're not just looking for students; we're looking for faculty.” “It's an opportunity to bring faculty and staff together and let everyone know that this space is here. And it's an opportunity for small group meetings and study. Professors who have had meetings and things like that,” Campbell said.
Tennessee Tech students said they also enjoy using the space.
“Me and all the friends I've met and are still friends with today. This is literally our home, it's like a second home,” said Noel Genini, a third-year student at the school. . “You get to meet people who are like you, people you know, people you can connect with and feel comfortable around. So I really enjoy having this space. is.”
Students say this will provide a safe space on campus for people of all backgrounds, not just people of color.
“Honestly, I think it's amazing, because at my last school and a lot of schools around the country, we didn't have a space like this. We didn't have programs like this, and we didn't have programs like this that catered to people of color and people of all races. The program doesn’t exist. It’s a good safe place,” sophomore Taris McKinney said.
