The Afro-American Cultural Center at Yale University (affectionally known as "The House"), emerged in response to student initiative and creativity during the 1960s. The House seeks to develop an environment in which cultural diversity is understood and respected throughout the campus community and beyond. The Center helps Yale University respond to the cultural, intellectual, developmental and social needs of a complex and diverse student body, by incorporating undergraduate, graduate and professional students, faculty, administrators, staff, alumni, and members of the New Haven community into a constituency of common interests.

Symbolizing 'home' for those who aspire to greater understanding and appreciation of African-American, Afro-Caribbean and African culture, the Center and its student organizations provide a wide range of academic support and advisement, leadership skills training, and cultural/socio-political programming. Events such as lectures, poetry slams, receptions, political forums, tutoring and mentoring of youth in New Haven, and a host of stimulating activities take place regularly.

Among its annual events are: Black Student Welcome Dinner and Open House, Black Solidarity Conference (sponsored by BSAY), CLASSICALLY BLACK: Parents Weekend Classical Music Recital, Yale/Harvard Game Activities, Alumni Career Panels, Movie Nights, Black Graduate/Undergraduate Mentor Night, Kwanzaa Ceremony, Weekly Study Breaks, Art Gallery Exhibits, Martin Luther King Commemoration, Black History Month Celebration, Achievement Awards Banquet and Black Graduates' Celebration.

Through the years The House has hosted and co-sponsored such speakers as Paul Rusesabagina, Haile Gerima, Sekou Sundiata, Shola Lynch, Malik Yoba, August Wilson, Lani Guinier, Bobby Seale, Mutabaruka, Paule Marshall, Nikky Finney, DJ Renegade, Kate Rushin, Thomas Glave, Warrington Hudlin, Spike Lee; Nikki Giovanni, Sonia Sanchez, Amiri Baraka, Aaron McGruder, Kathleen Cleaver, Henry Louis Gates, Kurt Schmoke, Dr. Ben Carson, Hon. Walter Fauntroy, Sister Souljah, Danny Glover, Dr. Marion Wright-Edelmen, Julian Bond, and Randall Robinson, to name a few.

The programs, services and activities of the Afro-American Cultural Center are administered by the Director, who also serves as an assistant dean of Yale College. The primary programmatic thrust of the Center is through it's 30 student organizations ranging from academic, cultural, political/ethnic,
performance, community service and greek life. Assistance in conducting the Center's affairs is provided by two graduate student assistants, and a team of twelve undergraduate student staff members. With a cadre of student peer counselors (ethnic counselors), the assistant dean/director offers academic advising, personal counseling, guidance, referral, and problem-solving services. In addition, the staff produces a newsletter each semetser (211 Park Street), and organizes several community projects including a literary/writers circle for youth at the New Haven Library; Urban Improvement Corp (UIC) tutoring and mentoring; theater workshops at the Dixwell-Yale Learning and Community Center; and "Passing the Baton" a youth mentoring program for black male adolescents in New Haven.

The Black undergraduates at Yale comprise 8% of the undergraduate population (approximately 500 students). For more questions about the House please contact Dean Pamela George. The House is located at 211 Park Street. All members of the Yale community are welcome.

For questions or comments on the House homepage, please contact the webmaster.