AARC celebrates anniversary

The African-American Resource Center was founded in 1989 by members of the Penn community who sought to create a hub specializing in the needs of African Americans. Now, 10 years later, the center remains a haven of support for the entire minority community at Penn, mediating disputes and offering information about how to deal with racism. Commemorating the work of the facility, the AARC's 10-year anniversary was celebrated Wednesday by around 75 people in a ceremony bearing prayer, song and reflection on College Green. Speakers at the celebration praised the work and contributions of the founders and current staff of the center. African-American Association Tri-Chairperson James Gray reminded those in attendance of the struggle of the original organizers in founding the center. "Hopefully we will reflect on all the sacrifices and hard work of the people who created this institution," said Gray, an Annenberg School for Communication library staff member. Philadelphia City Council member Jannie Blackwell also highlighted the center's achievements, saying "10 years is a long time to survive and to struggle, to try to certainly impact on a major system." After the event, AARC Director Jeanne Arnold said her ultimate goal for the center is to "reach a point when there [isn't] a need" for the center's existence. "The fact remains that the issues are still out there," Arnold said. "We have been staunch advocates over the past 10 years for improving the quality of life for African Americans on campus." Staff assistant Afi Roberson added, "We give the African-American community a sense of belonging." Describing the work of the center as an "employee-assistance program," Arnold and the other two staff members -- Roberson and Assistant Director Jack Lewis -- explained that they offer resources to anyone who needs it, not just employees of the University. "We try to advocate for individuals who come [to us for help]," Arnold said. "But [we try] also to monitor and keep our finger on the pulse of what's happening in the various workplaces, issues that people are dealing with." The movement to establish the AARC began about 12 years ago when students, faculty and staff began lobbying the administration for resources to open a center catering to the problems and struggles of African Americans. "[It was a] time of great unrest for the African-American community," said Orniece Leslie, assistant dean of the School of Social Work and one of the original people involved in the organization. "[African Americans] have special needs," Leslie said, adding that they were "not feeling welcome" as the resources provided on campus were not directed toward their needs. When their requests were met with resistance from people who felt a special center was unnecessary -- including members of the administration under then-University President Sheldon Hackney -- the original activists began to organize. After meetings with various University officials failed, organizers planned marches across campus to show support for the proposed center. "We were determined not to be discouraged," Leslie said. And it was one particular meeting in the Quadrangle, according to Leslie, that marked the turning point in their struggle. Suddenly, "[Hackney] stopped saying no and started looking for resources [for the center]," she said.