In 1972, the Black Culture House was established as a haven for Black students at the University. Located on Turner Avenue , the House provided students with a setting in which they could discuss current issues, socialize, and enhance the understanding of Black Culture and history. Six years later, the Black Culture House relocated to 813 Virginia Avenue . With the change of venue also came a change of name. After some debate, the students came to a consensus that “ Black Culture Center ” (BCC) was a much more dignified and formal name than that of the “Black Culture House.” Relocating to its new home at 813 Virginia Avenue in 1998, the Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center continues to be a haven for students yearning for a deeper appreciation of Black Culture. In recognition of the experiences and contributions of two prominent African Americans with MU ties, the Black Culture Center was officially renamed in 2000. The Center’s new name recognizes the contributions of Lloyd Gaines and Marian O’Fallon Oldham, two pioneers who opened many doors at MU, through their sacrifice and commitment to equality.

Quick Fact Sheet

Quick Fact Sheet

Q: Is this the first Black Culture Center ?

A: No, in 1972 the University of Missouri-Columbia established the first Black Culture House on Turner Avenue

Q: What was the purpose of the Black Culture House?

A: The Black Culture House was to serve as a haven for African American students, offer the opportunity to discuss current issues, socialize, and enhance the understanding of Black culture and history.

Q: What happened between the house in 1972 and the building we are currently in?

A:

• In 1978 the Black Culture House moved to 823 Virginia Ave and the name was changed to the Black Culture Center. Marian O’Fallon Oldham was very instrumental in helping us get this center.

• In 1997 the University of Missouri allocated $2.4 million toward the building of a new building and in 1998 the building was opened next door to the old center.

• In 2001 we had the opportunity to honor two people that played a significant part in Mizzou’s history, Lloyd L. Gaines and Marian O’Fallon Oldham.

Q: Who is Lloyd L. Gaines and Marian O’Fallon Oldham?

A:

Lloyd Lionel Gaines graduated from Lincoln University as an honors student with a bachelor’s degree in history. He applied for admission to MU’s Law School in 1936. During April of that same year the University denied his admission for Law School because of his race. Gaines brought his case before the U.S. Supreme Court.

On December 12, 1938, the high court rendered a landmark decision ordering the state of Missouri to admit Gaines to the university law school or provide a faculty of equal stature for blacks within the state border.

Gaines was last seen at his fraternity house in Chicago. One evening around March 19, 1939 he told the housekeeper that he was going to buy some stamps and he was never seen or heard from again.

Oldham and Gaines were local heroes who sacrificed a great deal in order to pave the way and provide opportunities to aspiring black students. Thanks to their relentless dedication to a just cause all students, faculty and many Columbia residents today benefit from cultural events and programs that are held in our Black Culture Center.

Dr. Marian O’Fallon Oldham was a former St. Louis school teacher and civil rights activist. Ironically so, the University of Missouri denied admission to Oldham based on her race. In spite of this denial of admission she went on to accomplish great things in her life through such organizations as the Congress of Racial Equality and the NAACP. She was appointed by Governor Joseph Teasdale to serve on the University of Missouri Board of Curators. Oldham became the first Black woman curator in March 1977 and was reappointed in 1979.

Oldham was a strong proponent for the procurement and renovation of the second Black Culture Center, which opened its doors in 1978. She died at Jewish Hospital in St. Louis on March 12, 1994.

Q: What is the mission of the GOBCC?

A: The Gaines-Oldham Black Culture Center’s primary goal is to advocate and support the educational, social, and cultural endeavors of MU’s African-American collegians, faculty, staff and community members. We provide students and administration with cultural and social events that are unique and illuminate the particular experiences of African-Americans.

We accomplish this furnishing a variety of education programs and cultural events, which serve as catalysts for intellectual, social and spiritual development.

While the Gaines-Oldham Black Culture Center id dedicated to facilitating full participation of Blacks in every aspect of University life, its doors are open to each and every student at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

We serve as a vessel that addresses the common problems of black collegians: isolation/alienation, need to participate in a meaningful way, need to understand MU’s system, need for critical mass, need for validation.

Q: What are some of the on-going programs sponsored by the GOBCC?

A:

• Fall Fest

• Black Family Reunion _ Homecoming Activities

• Relationship Panel

• Kid’s Day

• Black Culture Awareness Week (3 rd Week in November)

• Pre-Kwanzaa (

• Art Exhibits

Q: If someone calls to reserve a room, what should I do?

A: If Deniece is here than transfer the call to her; if she isn’t then tell the caller to leave the date, time, and room that they needed on Deniece’s voicemail. Inform the person that they should come in to fill out a form in Deniece’s office. If they would like to reserve the kitchen or serve food, that requires a $25 refundable deposit.

Q: Is the GOBCC really open 24-hours?

A: No, the center is NOT open twenty-four hours. The center hours are as follows:

Sunday: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Q: Does Gator live at the BCC?

A: No, Gator doesn’t live here….well I don’t think he does.