University of Delaware
Office of Public Relations
The Messenger
Vol. 5, No. 3/1996
Center's purpose constant for two decades

     The Center for Black Culture at the University of Delaware
opened in 1976 at 192 South College Ave. on the Newark campus. 
Originally called the Minority Center, its purpose was to aid 
African-American students in their academic, cultural and 
interpersonal development. In the '70s, the center was known as 
Ujaama House, and, in 1985, it became the Center for Black Culture.
     Many of the events begun that first year, like the Black
Arts Festival, continue today as the busy center remains
committed to fostering academic and cultural excellence by
providing services for African-American students and the
surrounding community.
     There have been four directors of the center: Vincent
Oliver, Lewis Randolph, Teresa Drummond, Delaware '80, '82M and
Vernese Edghill, Delaware '92M, who has directed the center since
1989.
     Over the years, a number of prominent African-Americans have
visited the center, including Ossie Davis, Jawanza Kunjufu, Nikki
Giovanni, Cornel West and Dick Gregory. Entertainment acts have
included the Harlem Boys Choir, the Harlem Dance Theatre and
actor John Amos.