A small but spirited crowd gathered in the Faculty Club on Monday night to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the African American Cultural Center and kick off Black History Month.
Jermaine Watson, manager of the AACC, also unveiled an illustration of plans for a three-story center, complete with auditorium, computer lab and library.
Watson invited audience members to take an active role in the efforts to expand the center.
“We’re still trudging along,” Watson said. “We’re still missing space and staff.”
The event also included a presentation by Dr. Thomas Durant describing the process leading up to the formation of the AACC.
“The African American Cultural Center was part of a larger movement,” Durant said. “It was about a movement to increase the presence of African-American people at Louisiana State University.”
Durant said it was in 1971 that a small group of black students formed the Harambe organization, which later developed into the non-profit Harambe Corporation.
Because of several facility problems, Durant said the Harambe House was closed in 1978, and it was not until 1986 that students again expressed interest in forming a cultural center.
      After many problems, including limited funding and resources, the University Board of Supervisors agreed in 1991 to purchase the Christian Science building to house the cultural center. Opening ceremonies were held Jan. 17, 1993.
“It did not happen by accident,” Durant said. “It took 20 years of effort.”
Interim Provost Laura Lindsay heralded those African-American students “who have made a terrific difference to this campus.”
Carolyn Collins, dean of the University College, said Black History Month should be a time to focus both on the rich past and the promising future.
“I believe this time is one in which we reflect upon our past, recharge our energies and focus on the future,” Collins said.
Collins encouraged the crowd to be active participants in carrying out these activities.
“We want to refocus our efforts based on our history and focus on what legacy we will leave to those behind us,” she said.
While the AACC has made great strides during the past decade, officials said there is still much more to be done.
Dana Williams, chair of the AACC Governing Board, said the board envisions the center “to house the greatness, art and culture of African Americans.”
“An expanded center would help with recruitment efforts,” Williams said. “LSU has the opportunity to have an impact on African-American life, and we have every confidence the University will match our every effort.”
The AACC did receive financial assistance in the form of a $2,521 check from the Black Faculty and Staff Caucus at the event.
“I can think of no other worthwhile effort,” said Yvette Brooks, vice president of the caucus.
Williams added the center has great potential for African-American students.
“It can be a place for them to love themselves but to also channel their anger into something constructive,” she said.