The Black Cultural Center instituted a campaign to sell engraved bricks for $50 for individual contributions and $100 for student organizations in 2001 during the construction of the new building. Funds from the sale were earmarked for the purchase of permanent artwork and expansion of programming.

Ground was broken for the 14,700-square-foot Black Cultural Center Building on March 27, 2001, which was occupied in June 2002 and dedicated on September 5, 2002. The architectural firm for the building was Adams Herz Craft Walker of Oak Ridge. Distinctive features of the building include its shape, which echoes the shape of the continent … Continued

Soon after the Black Cultural Center opened in 2002, the all-purpose room began to be transformed into a setting for poetry, music, and cultural diversity on the final Tuesday of each month. Various campus organizations cohost the monthly programs.

The Black Cultural Center Repertory Company was formed in 1977 to provide opportunities for blacks to study and express skills in world theatre and drama in an effort to fill the void of black entertainment on campus and within the community.

The Afro-American Student Liberation Force submitted its annual budget request in the spring of 1979. As had been the case for the past seven years, funds were allocated to the organization. However, instead of giving the funds to the AASLF, the dean of student activities established the Black Cultural Programming Committee, responsible to the dean … Continued

In 1968 Black History Week was held on campus. Historian Carter G. Woodson began Black History Week in 1926. He chose to celebrate Negro History Week during the second week of February because that week marked the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and former slave and abolitionist Frederick Douglass (February 14). In 1976 … Continued

The annual Black Issues Conference, sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Student Life (formerly Minority Student Affairs) and the UT Knoxville Chapter of the NAACP, began in 2005 as a forum for presentation of research and discussion of issues affecting the African American culture. The conference was designed to be free and open to the … Continued

Formed as the twentieth century ended, the Black Millennium Focus Committee is composed of distinguished alumni and friends of the University of Tennessee and represents the university’s three undergraduate campuses: Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Martin. The mission of the committee is to promote African American academic achievement through fundraising initiatives supporting scholarships for deserving students. Founding … Continued

Established in the spring of 1968, this organization sponsored social events, initiated a weekly Black History and Culture Seminar, established a weekly tutorial program for UT student members, and began a black community tutorial program. They also made quarterly presentations of original Black drama and poetry. The name of the organization was changed to African … Continued