Tanya Chapman, a University alumna, was announced Wednesday as the new coordinator for the African American Cultural Center.
Since former coordinator Isaac Netters unexpectedly stepped down last semester, students have been waiting for his replacement to organize events and re-establish the atmosphere.
“The AACC has been really kind of dormant the last couple of months,” said Derrick Petit, political science junior. “Hopefully a coordinator being here will help bring people back to organize and guide our events.”
Chapman graduated from the University in 2002 and went to the University of Phoenix to get her master’s in business administration. While she was at LSU, she said she worked closely with the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the NAACP, and she was active in the Black History Month Committee.
Katrice Albert, vice provost of equity and diversity, said Chapman is “very dedicated to the African American experience.”
Chapman’s first endeavor will be overseeing and organizing the events of this year’s Black History Month.
“She has a lot of extensive experience with Black History Month,” said Chaunda Allen, director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs. “That knowledge is very valuable to the students and the community.”
Because LSU will be having a Black Family Reunion separate from Southern University, many students have said they will be boycotting LSU’s family reunion to exclusively attend SU’s family reunion.
Chapman said she was here for LSU’s first family reunion, and boycotting the event would be upsetting to her.
Melody Robinson and Nikki Morrow, LSU alumnae and creators of the first Black Family Reunion, came to encourage students not to boycott the event.
Robinson said the purpose of the event was to unite LSU and SU, but it was never decided that the location of the event would have to be alternated between the two schools.
“It could be out in the street, anywhere. It doesn’t matter where you are,” Morrow said. “Everyone is worried where it’s going to be, but that’s the least of your worries.”
Chapman said if people boycott the event, funding will likely be cut in future years.
Chapman said she is aware she is coming to the University during a controversial time, but she said she will “look at it as a good challenge.”
“Nationally LSU is being looked at, and the cultural center is being watched,” Chapman said. “I’m so excited.”
 
Contact Rebekah Allen at [email protected]