The idea for a Black Cultural Center was first discussed in 1968. Ralph Boston, then the coordinator of minority affairs, along with members of the Black Students Union (later, the Afro-American Student Liberation Force) advanced the need. A director of the center, Dennie Littlejohn, was appointed August 1, 1975, and the center opened its doors for fall quarter 1975 in a former residence (purchased for use as a Home Management House) at 812 Volunteer Boulevard. It was funded through the cultural studies program of the College of Liberal Arts (later, the College of Arts and Sciences).
In 1977 a Repertory Company was formed, which produced plays during the Black Arts Festival and at other times. In 1978 the administrative reporting line of the Black Cultural Center was changed from the College of Arts and Sciences to the Office of Student Activities. The Student Activities Office then (1979) established the Black Cultural Programming Committee to receive funds for programming. Dr. William Byas was appointed to the new position of dean of special student services in 1979, and the position of minority affairs director, to whom the center would report, was created soon thereafter.
In January 1980 students demonstrated against the reassignment of Littlejohn because of differences with the recently hired dean of special student services, and more than 50 students occupied the center. On January 23 police arrested 18 students still occupying the building, and the center was closed.