In 1983, Berea College established the Black Cultural Center (BCC) with the philosophy that true integration and equality cannot happen without awareness, understanding, and appreciation of black culture. Over three decades later, the philosophical foundation of the Black Cultural Center has not changed and it continues to support the historic commitments of Berea College – in particular the commitment:

“To assert the kinship of all people and to provide interracial education with a particular emphasis on understanding and equality among blacks and whites as a foundation for building community among all peoples of the earth.”

The mission of the Black Cultural Center is to provide services that support the needs of African American people at Berea College including co-curricular programs, leadership development, intercultural/interracial understanding opportunities, academic excellence strategies, and other experiences. The Center also provides services to support the recruitment, retention and graduation of Black students.