The Black Cultural Center is a place to gather, learn, share and explore the diverse histories, cultures, and arts of people of African descent in the United States and around the world. The BCC is one of UIC’s seven Centers for Cultural Understanding and Social Change in the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Engagement. Founded in 1990, we dedicate ourselves to building community for Black students and exploring the vibrant and diverse cultures that make up the African Diaspora.

The BCC curates and sponsors exhibitions, performances, film screenings, open-mic poetry, lecture-demonstrations, dance, storytelling, and visual and performing arts workshops. We support student and postdoctoral research, and lend our expertise to a number of collaborative programs and initiatives with our campus and community partners.

Four pillars guide our programs and initiatives:

  • Building Community
    • We provide a supportive place of belonging for Black students at UIC. In our spaces and through our programming, we offer a home away from home.
    • We strive to connect Black students to a community of faculty and staff within the University.
    • We invite students to explore and connect with our Chicago community partners.
  • Exploring the Diaspora
    • We recognize that the United States represents a small segment of the African Diaspora
    • We explore the diverse set of histories and experiences that shape our Black community at UIC and our communities beyond the university.
    • We invite all who are interested in engaging the rich tapestry of Black lives, histories, and cultures.
  • Celebrating Our Cultures
    • We explore the expressive practices and traditions of Black folks locally and globally.
    • We offer spaces to joyfully witness, engage, and celebrate Black creativity in its many forms.
  • Envisioning Justice
    • Through diverse programs and initiatives, we offer opportunities for deep engagement with contemporary and historical issues of racial justice that affect our communities locally and globally.
    • We view racial justice through an intersectional lens.

We welcome everyone in the UIC community who is eager to expand their knowledge about race, culture, and social justice in the United States and throughout the African Diaspora.