What is the Portlock Black Cultural Center (PBCC) ?
The Portlock Black Cultural Center supports African descent students’ educational and social experiences. The center opened as the Malcolm X Liberation Center in 1970 on the part of the site now occupied by Farinon College Center. It was relocated to 101 McCartney St., in 1990, and in 1999 it was renamed for David A. Portlock, assistant dean of academics, who had died three years earlier at age 55. Dean Portlock played a pivotal role in leading Lafayette toward a more diverse and inclusive future. He helped create several programs at Lafayette, including the Black Cultural Center and the Association of Black Collegians.
Spring Semester Communication
Until the newly renovated Portlock Black Cultural Center (41 McCartney Street) is complete, the old bookstore space (basement of Farinon Student Center) will serve as the temporary home of the Portlock Black Cultural Center. This space will have the same functionality as the PBCC (101 McCartney St.) minus the usage of a full kitchen. The temporary location will be occupied solely by the following organizations: Association of Black Collegians, Lafayette African and Caribbean Students’ Association, NIA Women of Support, Queer People of Color, and the Brothers of Lafayette.
Campus Guidelines for space usage
The operation hours will be 7 a.m.—1 a.m. Mon. through Sun. (same as the Farinon College Center hours)
The following student organizations will have exclusive access and usage of the space: ABC, LACSA, NIA, QPOC, and BOL.
The space will be used for the following: Gathering/Communal area, general body meetings, programs, and study space.
The maximum occupancy is 70 people.
For more information, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Robert Young (Director of Intercultural Development), 610-330-3081.