History
In November 2015, Black Student Union proposed a list of demands, which included a resource center for Black and African students. Proceeding the release, the Student of Color Speak Out was held in December 2015. At this event, many students shared experiences of injustice and a need to commit to addressing the campus climate. President Wim Wiewel announced the opening of two new cultural resource centers.
Proceeding the announcement, a series of listening sessions and workshops were held to help shape the future of the Pan-African Commons in the Winter and Spring terms of 2016. The naming process continued until Fall 2016, with the support of students, faculty, staff, and the newly created Pan-African Commons Program Coordinator position. In addition, our mission statement was developed by a committee of PSU students, staff, and faculty in October 2016. For more information on other initiatives within the Cultural Resource Centers, please go to Gathering Space: Building Community.