History

The University of Georgia Office of Minority Services and Programs (MSP) was established in 1989.  The Black Faculty and Staff Organization and the President’s Minority Advisory Committee (PMAC) were instrumental in gaining support and approval from then UGA President, Charles Knapp to establish MSP.  Dr. Leslie K. Bates was chosen as the first director of MSP.  Five years later, in 1994, the African American Cultural Center was founded through a collaborative effort of the Division of Student Affairs, African American Studies department and members of the Black Faculty and Staff Organization for the purpose of creating an environment of cultural growth, sensitivity and appreciation of African American History and the contributions of the African Diaspora. During the early years, the Cultural Center hosted the African American Diaspora Lecture Series, Liberation Lecture Series, Artist in Residence Program, performances by the Pamoja Dance Company and the Black Theatrical Ensemble as well as visiting artists.  Effective July 1, 2004, the African American Cultural Center became an independent unit within the Dean of Students. On July 1, 2006, the Department of Intercultural Affairs was established as a result of restructuring within the Division of Student Affairs and the African American Cultural Center became one of three units placed in that department.

The AACC currently serves in an advisory role to four student organizations:  Abneefoo Kou Honor Society, Black Theatrical Ensemble, and The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and Pamoja Dance Company.

Past Directors of MSP
Dr. Leslie K. Bates. 1989-1998
Dr. Sherwood Thompson, 1999-2001
Vanessa Williams Smith, Associate Dean, 2001-2006

Past Leaders of AACC
Kimberly Johnson-Thomas, Coordinator, 1995-1997
Joi Bostic, Coordinator, 1997-1998
Kimberly Butler-Roberts, Coordinator, 1999-2001
Joe Jones, Assistant Dean, 2001 

Current Leader of AACC
LaRetha Spain Shuler, Associate Director, 2006 - Present
(Associate Dean, 2004 – 2006 & Assistant Dean 2002-2004)

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Programs & Events

	Kwanzaa is a unique African American celebration that focuses on the traditional African values of family, community responsibility, commerce, and self-improvement. Kwanzaa is neither political nor religious and is not a substitute for Christmas.  AACC sponsors a campus/community celebration which includes African dance, music, poetry and food. Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26-January 1st. UGA is not in session during this time so we do a Pre-Kwanzaa celebration.  As soon as the details are set for the 2007 event, this site will be updated.
	Black History Month is celebrated every February.  This month long series of events focus on the history, culture and accomplishments of African Americans.  AACC coordinates the many activities that are planned throughout campus as well as develops and distributes the annual Black History Month Calendar. Black History Month 2007 National Theme - "From Slavery to Freedom: The Story of Africans in the Americas" 2007 UGA Black History Month Events
	Rite of Sankofa affords the African American Cultural Center the opportunity to honor our students’ accomplishments. The program is a celebration and an African rites of passage ceremony open to all graduates of the University of Georgia. The ceremony is traditionally held at the end of the fall and spring semesters. This year the Spring Celebration will take place on Friday, May 11, 2007.

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Facilities

Call 706-542-8468 to reserve AACC facilities.

AACC Reservation Request Form

Adinkra Hall

Adinkra Hall is a multipurpose room, that is open to students and guests during the day to study, eat lunch, talk about issues and concerns, listen to the radio, play the piano, relax or watch TV.  In the evenings Adinkra Hall is used for programs and events, rehearsals, auditions, and meetings.  This room is equipped with a projector for PowerPoint presentations.

Conference Room 411

• Large Conference Table
• 33 Chairs

Meeting Room 414

• 81 chairs
• Large Lectern
• Small work table

Conference/Art Exhibit Room 406

• One large conference table w/ 10 chairs
• Dry erase board
• This room can be converted to lecture style for 30 people

Computer Lab

• Four computers
• Color Printers
• Black and white printer
• Scanners

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Contact

African American Cultural Center
University of Georgia
404 Memorial Hall
Athens, GA 30602
U.S.A.

Telephone: 706-542-8468
Fax: 706-542-3956

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