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.

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.