Jump to main navigation Search content
  • University of Pennsylvania |
  • Penn University Life
Menu
Search
  • VPUL Home
  • Activities
    • Fraternity and Sorority Life
    • Naval ROTC
    • Office of Student Affairs
    • Platt Student Performing Arts House
    • VPUL Events Calendar
  • Cultural Centers
    • Greenfield Intercultural Center
    • La Casa Latina
    • LGBTC Center
    • Makuu The Black Cultural Center
    • Pan-Asian American Community House
    • Penn Women Center
  • Student Supports
    • Career Services
    • First Generation Low Income Program
    • Penn Violence Prevention
    • Student Affairs Leadership Team
    • Student Intervention Services
    • Weingarten Learning Resource Center
    • Student Disabilities Services
    • Office of Learning Resources
    • Tutoring Center
  • About
    • Leadership Team
    • Give to University Life
    • Strategic Priorities
    • VPUL Facilities at Perelman Quadrangle
    • VPUL Technology Services
University of Pennsylvania
  • Programs
    • Kwanzaa
    • Robeson Cooper Scholars
    • Leadership Development
    • Senior Celebration
    • Black Penn Swims
    • Ase Academy
  • 25th Anniversary
  • Services
  • Campus Resources
  • Give to Makuu
  • About
    • Mission
    • History
    • Our Team
    • Student Organizations
    • Contact Us
  • MAKUU Home

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! 

Makuu Events Calendar

Makuu conducts a number of events each year including our Kwanzaa Dinner, Senior Awards Celebration, Black History Month programming, faculty and alumni talks, academic workshops, film screenings, student mixers, and more. Follow Makuu's many events on Penn University Life calendar.
Explore Our Events

Makuu Newsletter

If you would like to get involved with Makuu, please subscribe to our mailing list! We send out newsletters every week with events from Makuu, as well as the greater community, and links to exciting career and networking opportunities.
Subscribe to Makuu's Newsletter

Makuu Instagram

View this profile on Instagram

Makuu (@makuupenn) • Instagram photos and videos

In the News

Students getting food at the buffet

Kwanzaa at Penn

December 19, 2023

Kwanzaa, a cultural holiday celebrating the cultures of Africa and the African diaspora, is celebrated from Dec. 26 through Jan. 1. At Penn, a celebration

Tarah Paul in conversation

Student Spotlight: Tarah Paul

March 30, 2023

I recently spoke with Tarah Paul, C’24 about a range of topics such as Black History Month, Penn Athletics, and Makuu: The Black Cultural Center.

Black History mural at the ARCH

A mural in the ARCH celebrates Black history

February 28, 2023

Ornate stone panels decorate the exterior of the late-Gothic Revival building known as The Arts, Research, and Culture House (ARCH) on Locust Walk. Inside, students

Brian Peterson lights candles at the 30th annual Kwanzaa at Penn.

Penn’s Kwanzaa celebrates ‘regrounding our purpose’

December 13, 2021

Normally, you get gifts at the end of Kwanzaa,” said Brian Peterson, director of Makuu: The Black Cultural Center. But as with most things, this year

Strive to Thrive​

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.

Facebook Instagram Twitter

Primary Footer

  • Athletics
  • Diversity
  • Health & Wellness
  • Libraries
  • Online Learning
  • Penn Global
Division of the Vice Provost for University Life

Resources

  • University Life Calendar
  • Student Jobs

Help

  • Contact Us
  • Maps
  • Parking

University of Pennsylvania

Address
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Telephone:
(215) 898-6081

Legal

  • Copyright
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Report Accessibility Issues and Get Help