Founded in 2000 to center the experience, concerns, and possibilities of students of the African Diaspora, Makuu: The Black Cultural Center is affectionately regarded as “home” for many Black students and alumni. One of the six cultural resources centers in University Life and located in the ARCH building in the heart of campus, Makuu provides a comfortable and convenient space for students to gather, plan, study, laugh, rest, and just be. Makuu’s staff team provides academic, cultural, and social support to students and groups, connecting them to additional resources and opportunities. Follow Makuu on social media to get the latest program updates!
Founded in 2000 to center the experience, concerns, and possibilities of students of the African Diaspora, Makuu: The Black Cultural Center is affectionately regarded as “home”. Housed within the Division of the Vice Provost of University Life and located in the ARCH building in the heart of campus, Makuu provides a comfortable and convenient space for students to gather. Makuu’s staff work daily to provide academic, cultural, and social support to students and groups, connecting them to additional resources and opportunities. Follow our social media accounts to get updates on our programming!
Sometimes called America’s second Independence Day, Juneteenth is celebrated on June 19 and, this year, marks 160 years since the arrival of Union troops in Galveston, Texas, to announce that enslaved people were free. The day was first recognized as a national holiday in 2021 and is one of eight
As Faruq Adger sits at the dining room table with his father, they look at photos that span not just generations, but more than a century.
“Pictures are very valuable in our family,” said the 22-year-old while holding several photos.
Photos help the Adger family tell their story, which has
On April 7, Penn Makuu: The Black Cultural Center held a conversation celebrating its 25th anniversary. Hosted at the Arts, Research and Culture House, the event brought together about 30 Penn students and community members to focus on Makuu’s place and history at Penn. The event featured a moderated conversation
Penn’s organization for Black student life on campus has provided outreach, collaboration, and unity since 1998. UMOJA, an umbrella organization for Black student life on campus, celebrates its 25th anniversary this academic year. The group’s primary role is collaboration and advocacy, says Shannon Brooks, a third-year student from New York
Oftentimes the word “survive” is tossed around on college campuses, hoping students make it through tough exams and the transition to living on their own. At Makuu we help students develop the capacity to be exceptional in multiple areas. We collectively set high expectations, and we foster a supportive environment to meet them.
This space on our website will describe some of the stories and ways that we strive to thrive. We begin with a few of our recent graduates sharing their Penn and Makuu experiences.