June 3, 2019

Purdue Black Cultural Center to celebrate 50th anniversary with June Jubilee Gala

BCC 50th The Purdue University Black Cultural Center will celebrate its 50th anniversary with numerous events, including a June Jubilee Gala. (Purdue University photo) Download image

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Purdue Black Cultural Center will celebrate its 50th anniversary with numerous events, including a June Jubilee Gala.

The June Jubilee Gala will be June 29 at the Purdue Memorial Union. Doors will open at 6 p.m. for a cocktail reception, followed by the program at 7 p.m. Dress is festive attire, black tie optional. Tickets are $50 each. To purchase tickets and RSVP, visit here by June 15.

The evening includes tributes to the Performing Arts Ensembles and their contributions to creative expressions of black culture and tradition. The Black Cultural Center will also present awards of special recognition to alumni and community members who have committed their service, encouragement and philanthropic efforts to the mission of the center.

The Black Cultural Center Philanthropic Visionary Award recognizes an outstanding individual, family, or family foundation with a proven record of exceptional financial generosity of $100,000 or more to the BCC. In addition to financial commitment, the recipient of this award demonstrates charitable responsibility; dedicates their time, talents and treasures to the BCC; and inspires others to philanthropic action. Recipients of the BCC Philanthropic Visionary Award are:

* James Cash of Sarasota, Florida, master’s degree in computer science in 1974 and a doctorate in management from Krannert School of Management in 1976.

* Mamon Powers Jr. of Valparaiso, bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 1970 and an honorary doctorate in engineering in 2014.

* Roland Parrish of Desoto, Texas, bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Krannert School of Management in 1975 and 1976, respectively. Parrish will also provide the keynote address during the event.

The Cornerstone Award recognizes the far-reaching and foundational efforts of an individual or family over a period of 15 or more years of significant, long-term involvement with the BCC. The honoree’s leadership, achievements and vision have been integral to the success of the BCC as a nucleus of black excellence. This year’s recipient is Antonio Zamora, director emeritus, who served as BCC director from 1973 to 1995.

The Purdue Black Alumni Organization and the BCC will also host numerous other activities for alumni, family and friends with the inaugural Black Family Reunion. This event will include a golf tournament, a hometown throw-down party, Black Alumni Olympics and cookout in addition to the gala. Events will be held June 28-30 at Purdue. For more information or to register, please visit here.

The celebration’s name – June Jubilee Gala – has origins to the Day of Jubilee in the African American community for celebrations connected with the Emancipation Proclamation. The term extends to commemorations of African American progress and pride in cultural heritage and traditions. 

Writer: Matthew Oates, 765-496-2571, oatesw@purdue.edu, @mo_oates

Source: Renee Thomas, 765-494 3091, rathomas@purdue.edu 

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