Programs

Freshman Pinning Ceremony: The purpose of this ceremony is to welcome our freshman into academic life. It is an opportunity for them to recognize their place within the legacy of Black academe here at Indiana University, as well as an introduction to Black student leaders, faculty, staff, and community members. The Neal and Marshall Black Culture Center Pin is presented to each freshman as a commemoration of the ceremony.

UMOJA (OO-MO-JAH) DAY: Umoja (Unity) Day is named after one of the 7 principles of Kwanzaa. The purpose of Umoja Day is to inform new students about resources and services available to them on the IUB campus and within the Bloomington community. During this event the NMBCC invites local Business, student organizations, campus services, and academic departments to share information with our freshmen.

Nia (NEE-YAH) Study Tables: Nia is a Swahili term meaning purpose. The NMBCC provides weekly Study Tables to demonstrate our commitment to academic excellence and stress the importance of purpose and goal setting, which we feel are essential to success. Once a week, the NMBCC has extended hours on the 2nd floor to provide tutoring resources for our students.

Critical Conversations: The Critical Conversation series is an opportunity for the IUB community to come together to discuss current issues and topics relating to the Black experience and beyond.

Black Knowledge Bowl: An academic tradition at the NMBCC that started in the early 1980’s by IUB’s very own Dr. Portia Maultsby. The annual Black Knowledge Bowl is an academically competitive program which will test student knowledge regarding the history, geography, science, philosophy, and politics of African Americans in the United States and around the world. The Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center invites any IU student team to test its knowledge of black history and culture in this jeopardy-style, fun event. Faculty and staff serve as judges and moderators, and the top three winning teams receive monetary prizes.

First Friday: The NMBCC hosts and/or cosponsors First Friday, which is often a themed event (Family Dinner, Game Night, etc...). The goal of our First Friday event is to facilitate opportunities for IUB students, faculty, staff, alumni, and Bloomington community to network and share resources. Good food and great fellowship are the fundamentals of First Friday, and these events are often supported by student organizations who serve as volunteers.

Mid-Day House Party: Every second Wednesday the NMBCC hosts the Mid-day House Party to provide the NMBCC staff an opportunity to check-in with students and a casual atmosphere for students to unwind. These parties provide opportunities for the NMBCC staff, graduate and undergraduate students to build community, network, share experiences, and resources. These events are often catered by local restaurants and businesses like like Papa Johns, Dats, Kroger’s, Jimmy Johns, and Aver’s Pizza who have co-sponsored our Mid-Day House parties in the past.

Family Night: Family Night is a fun filled evening geared toward IU students and members of the Bloomington community who have young children. It is an interactive family centered event that educates elementary aged youth about the Black experience through a variety of activities such as African storytelling, African Drumming, and Stepping. Some of the many activities include a bounce house, face painting, balloons, snacks, arts and crafts, games, music, Humane Society visits etc...

Pre-Kwanzaa: Kwanzaa is an African American holiday celebrated from December 26 through January 1st. It is based on the agricultural celebration of Africa called "the first fruits" celebrations, which celebrate the times of harvest, gathering, reverence, commemoration of the past, recommitment to cultural ideals and celebration of the good. Since classes are not in session during the actual celebration of Kwanzaa, we host a Pre-Kwanzaa celebration where we explain the 7 principles of Kwanzaa and share a community meal. One of the past co-sponsors of our Pre-Kwanzaa celebration has been the local LongHorn Steakhouse.

Alumni Lecture Series: This is an opportunity for the NMBCC to showcase Alumni who have made great contributions to the community. It also provides our students with opportunities to network and build relationships with our distinguished Alumni.

Black Faculty and Staff Recognition: This is a community building and retention event facilitated by NMBCC. Students are able to nominate Black faculty and staff that they believe have been integral to their success at IUB. The faculty and staff member that receive the highest number of nominations receive the Student Choice Award. All faculty and staff who receive nominations are recognized and receive certificates at the Black Faculty and Staff Recognition Luncheon. This is an awesome opportunity that allows IU students and NMBCC to recognize the important role that faculty and staff play in supporting and retaining our students.

NMBCC Tours: Tours can be schedules throughout the year with the NMBCC office staff, if you are interested in a tour, please contact us via e-mail at nmgrad@indiana.edu.

CAPS Partnership: The NMBCC understands that today’s college students face complex challenges and we are committed to supporting students both socially and emotionally. Our partnership with Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), affords us an opportunity to perhaps reach students who might not traditionally seek out counseling when faced with challenging situations.

Career Development Series: The NMBCC is committed to the success of our students in their future careers. As a means to stress the importance of professionalism, planning, and organization, this series affords our students an opportunity to interact with successful professionals who provide various relevant strategies and pointers about career development.

Office of Diversity Partnership: This partnership affords NMBCC with essential diversity resources that assist us in serving the needs of IUB students.