This cultural center came about much the same way as many cultural centers around the country: through student protests, sacrifice, relentless determination and struggle. On April 26, 1975, the Black Student Union opened a cultural center to call their own, thanks to the Associated Students of OSU, the OSU Alumni Association, and support from the community. In 1985, the BSU Cultural Center's name was changed to the Lonnie B. Harris Black Cultural Center, honoring the first director of the Educational Opportunities Program, who helped increase recruitment and retention of black students at OSU. The current building, built in the same location as the center’s previous home, held its grand opening in April 2015.
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Address |
100 SW Memorial Pl., Corvallis, OR 97331 |
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Architect |
Jones & Jones Architects |
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Year Built |
2015 (the original center opened in 1973 in the same location) |
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Renovations |
N/A |
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Square Footage |
3,550 sf |
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Purpose/Usage |
Provides a space for Black students on campus to socialize and study
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Previous Name(s) |
Black Student Cultural Center (1973-1999) |
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Namesake |
Lonnie B. Harris -- the first Director of the Educational Opportunities Program
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Historic District |
Yes, noncontributing structure |
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Blueprints |
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Maps |
Oregon State University Campus Maps, 1894-1994
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Photographs |
Oregon State University Historical Photographs, 1868-1980 |
SCARC: SCARC's holding include personal papers, oral histories, photographs and university records documenting the history of the Lonnie B. Harris Black Cultural Center, and the Black Student Union.
Oregon Digital: Includes images and textual materials documenting the history of the Lonnie B. Harris Black Cultural Center, and the Black Student Union.
