Open house offers cultural options

Opening its doors for anyone on campus having an interest in black culture, the African American Culture Center is holding its annual open house 6 p.m. today in Ashton Center's Coulter building.\n"Everyone is invited and I encourage everyone to come," said Shaunette Byers, undergraduate advisor for the Black Student Union. "Anyone might enjoy the culture, enjoy the book talks -- it is a way for people to learn about the culture."\nCharlie Nelms, vice president for student development and diversity, lauds the open house as a chance for students of all races and religions to learn about another culture. Nelms also said he thinks its an empowering option for minority students. \n"It's an opportunity for students of color to strengthen their community," Nelms said. "It's also a way for majority students to learn about the African American culture."\nSimilar to WelcomeFest and CultureFest, student organizations and campus departments -- such as churches, fraternities, sororities and beauty shops -- will have information booths for the benefit of interested students. Bingo and food can also be enjoyed as students meet with faculty and staff involved with the AACC, Byers said.\nNelms, Associate Vice Chancellor for Multicultural Affairs Gloria Gibson, and graduate student Kenneth Washington will speak about the functions of the African American center. Visitors will learn how to become involved and personalize the center.\nThe AACC has offered its services to the students and faculty of IU since the early 1970s. Housing the African American Arts Institute, the Black Student Union, the AACC Library, the AACC Resource Room and other offices relating to African American cultural affairs, the center is open for anyone on campus wishing to become familiar with the African American culture. \nThe AACC hopes to enhance students in their academic, social, cultural and personal development, Gibson said. Programs, activities and special guest speakers often entertain groups at the center. A news center providing educational information and programs dealing with black cultural studies will be opening in January 2002.\n"We want people to utilize the center," said student Sachiko Higgins-Kante, a member of multicultural affairs department and coordinator of the open house.\nAACC members stress the center is open to everyone. It lends support to black students as well as provides an educational service for anyone interested in the culture or the programs offered. Continually in the process of creating and developing new programs, the center wants to know what students are interested in, members said. \n"It's an event open to the campus to become familiar with black faculty, staff and students," Gibson said. "It's for everyone"