Family, spirit will make up culture center

Oh yeah, the Neal-Marshall…something or other." That's the response I get from several IU faculty and students. It seems that this center, and all its counterparts, have been nothing more than a well-kept secret. \nWell, the secret's out now. \nSo, be informed that today IU will formally open this astounding building -- the Theatre/Neal-Marshall Education Center. The dedication ceremony begins at 2 p.m. \nShared with IU's Theatre and Drama Department, involved faculty named the Black Culture Center in honor of the first African-American male and female graduates of IU. The new Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center will house the African American Arts Institute, Neal-Marshall Library, Black Student Union, fraternity and sorority headquarters and all offices and services provided by the culture center.\nThe institutions within and services provided by this center have often been overlooked. Let's be honest, there are plenty of places to go on campus for tutoring, advising, fun and creative experience. But in no way, shape or form can any of them stand against the lasting impact of the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center. \nOn a campus so vast you're known merely as your student ID number, the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center is a place where students have a name. And for many, a place they call home. \nThe faculty and staff are like parents to those whose mothers and fathers are far away. Younger faculty are like big brothers and sisters looking out for those just coming up. And the students might as well all be cousins, because they genuinely care about each other in that extended family kind of way. \nYears ago, when the Black Culture Center was an old fraternity house in existence only through protest, it was the main meeting place for African Americans. A place they came to get away from the stresses of life. Fraternities and sororities were initiated there. And hundreds of discussions and functions you wouldn't believe were held there daily. \nAs long as can be remembered, the center and its classes were scattered, stationed in former dorm buildings, a church sanctuary on East Third Street and several other small corners of the world. \nBut within those corners, history was made, intense bonds were created and dreams revealed true. Not to mention the ensembles of the African American Arts Institute. They speak for themselves. \nThe African American Choral Ensemble, Dance Company and Soul Revue have travelled all over the country entertaining, uplifting and inspiring lives. These ensembles are often made of students who never even performed before in this magnitude. But you would never know that from a concert. The energy they exude comes from pride in who they are, appreciation for their opportunities and excitement in their strive for excellence.\nSupport has been the foundation, and a sense of family the invisible walls that has held it all together until a time such as now, when the faculty and student organizations can finally come together under one roof in the long-awaited Marcellus Neal-Frances Marshall Black Culture Center. \nI am a graduating senior and fifth-year member of the African-American Choral Ensemble and its Contemporary Gospel Group Sojourner. I've worked with the Ethnic Theatre Project, Soul Revue and the Neal-Marshall Alumni Club, using my gifts to enhance others. But, with all I've given, it can't even compare to what I've received. And others in my shoes can attest to the same. Visiting alumni won't even think of leaving IU's campus without stopping by the Black Culture Center. The faculty, staff and students have been our motivators, confidence builders and our family. It's been more than a privilege for me to work within this organization and to see this building complete. It has been has been an honor for me to participate in Black history. \nSo, understand that what will formally open today is more than just another building to hold classes. It is a 20-year vision of a home for a family dedicated to its students and the experience of African-American excellence. We've worked long and hard, but the bus doesn't stop here. We just got started. And what began as a well-kept secret will end as a well-preserved piece in IU's history.