Our Mission The Black Cultural Center (BCC) promotes awareness of and appreciation for Black descent experiences (including African-American, Caribbean, Afro-Latinx, and African Diaspora) and builds community through resources that enhance and strengthen cultural competence for the campus and surrounding communities. Vision for the Future The Black Cultural Center works to build a sense of belonging and community at William Paterson, with the goal of increasing the recruitment and retention of Black students, promoting and exploring the African diaspora experience, and serving as an affirming space for resources, advocacy, and student success. Students are encouraged to use this space throughout the day. Structured meetings, workshops, and student services are facilitated in collaboration with the Academic Success Center, Campus Activities, Service and Leadership, Career Center, faculty across Academic Affairs, and affiliated student clubs and organizations. The Black Cultural Center is Managed by Students for Students. The Black Cultural Center is located in the Student Center, room 208. The BCC provides access to computer stations, lounges, and community libraries. This has proven to be a great space for group discussions, game nights, and studying in between classes. Student Ambassadors and Adelante Mentors promote awareness of and appreciation for Black descent experiences (including African-American, Caribbean, Afro-Latinx, and African Diaspora). The Black Cultural Center is reservable only by student clubs for a meeting or workshop. Please contact BlackCulturalCenter@wpunj.edu. Signature Programs: Greater Personal Success: Level Up Series. This series assists students to go from GOOD to GREAT. Interactive workshops engage students to author their personal goals, explore the hidden curriculum and sharpen their growth mindset and emotional intelligence. This program is led by Adelante Mentors. Mentors work together to create and facilitate all sessions. Know Your Rights Series. The Know Your Rights & Bystander Intervention Series is a collaborative series geared to inform students of their various legal, academic, and financial aid rights. Support Groups. Support groups are collaborative efforts with the Counseling, Health & Wellness Center facilitated in the Black Cultural Center geared to promote a growth mindset, resiliency, and coping strategies. Theme Celebrations. The Black Cultural Center works collaboratively with New Student Programs, Campus Activities, Service and Leadership, the Student Activities Programming Board, Student Government Association, the Center for Latinidad, the Center for Diversity and Inclusion, and campus partners across the campus to provide enrichment programs that celebrate the rich diversity of our students. Please visit WP Calendar of Events and Pioneer Life to see the full range of programs.
