On behalf of the staff of the Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center and the University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou), I extend my sincere welcome to our site.

Here at the Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center or the GOBCC as we call it, we understand that college is an exciting time of growth, hopes and dreams of a brighter tomorrow for our brilliant students. We also understand that it can also be a time of fears, major adjustments and some disappointments. That is why we offer a home away from home environment.

The GOBCC is a place where the contributions of Blacks to world history are explored, celebrated, taught and shared. The GOBCC provides intellectually stimulating and socially distinguishable programming by sponsoring an array of special lectures, performances, workshops, forums and social events that enhance the experience of Black students on the University of Missouri campus.

The GOBCC offers meeting space utilized by the over 40 Black student organizations, a computer lab with updated equipment and software and we will soon offer Afrocentric counseling services in conjunction with the Counseling Center and the GOBCC team to aid our students during times of duress.

Our team at the GOBCC strives to provide a welcoming, supportive and caring environment for all of the students at Mizzou, especially our students of African and Latin descent.

Welcome to Mizzou and we hope to see all of you during our Annual Black Family Reunion here at the Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center during Mizzou’s homecoming.

-Nathan Stephens
Director