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Black Resource Center
A FRIENDLY FACE AT THE DOOR gives a warm welcome into a space resembling a living room . Music plays as people share food and talk , while others study diligently .
For Kyler Nathan ’ 17 , the Black Resource Center reminds him of being home . The family vibes drew him into the space as a freshman at UC San Diego , among the first students to use the newly opened community center in 2013 . The need and purpose for such a space were made more than apparent after a series of racially motivated events in 2010 roiled the campus community — most notably the “ Compton Cookout ,” an off-campus party that used racial stereotypes to mock Black History Month . The public demonstrations and student outcry that followed came with demands for university administration to show greater support of diversity . Among the institutional changes effected was the creation of a formal space to cultivate community for the Black population at UC San Diego .
“ The Black Resource Center , and all campus resource centers , are really important for students who come from underrepresented populations ,” says Nathan . “ I was raised in South Central Los Angeles , and I was always surrounded by black and brown faces . I was drawn to the Black Resource Center because I could see myself represented and just exist without a need for explanation .”
Before the space was established , Black students did not have a dedicated place to connect . Porsia Curry ’ 08 , current director of the Black Resource Center , spent most of her time at the Cross-Cultural Center , yet it didn ' t have enough room or resources to meet the specific needs of each marginalized community . She sought out the Black Student Union and joined the Student Affirmative Action Committee to make more connections with others .
“ The Black Student Union was a great place to be in community , but we only gathered once a week ,” explains Curry . “ Now , the Black Resource Center is open all day , all week . And we have three fulltime staff members who are dedicated to cultivating student belonging and success .”
The Black Resource Center today promotes scholarship , leadership and community for all while emphasizing the Black experience . Open to all students , faculty and staff , the center hosts numerous programs , from the Peer Guidance Program , designed to aid the academic , social and cultural adjustment of incoming first-year students , to Black Fridays , a weekly social to discuss Black culture . An internship program is also offered , designed to build leadership skills and experience in creating student retention programs .
“ I was drawn to the Black Resource Center because I could see myself represented and just exist without a need for explanation .”
– KYLER NATHAN ’ 17
CALL TO ACTION A groundswell of students demanded change on campus after a series of raciallymotivated events in early 2010 , giving rise to the Black Resource Center , a formal space to cultivate community .
Learn more at brc . ucsd . edu or connect with the Black Alumni Council : contact Paula Thomas ’ 87 at phthomas @ ucsd . edu
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