Mission

Known as the Afro House, this space provides a supportive and inclusive environment and programs that empower students, faculty, staff, and community members to excel in their endeavors, stretch themselves to experience diversity, engage in activism, make positive choices, and serve their communities.

Support the African-American Cultural Center

Vision

The vision for the Afro House is to be a space for Black students to feel welcomed and at home. It’s a space that they can take ownership of and is a haven for them. The space is filled with events and community building programs like the Being Black at Iowa project, Hair to Heart, and collaborating with Black Student Union for Sunday Dinners. We have partnered with UCS, CDE, and various other student groups to provide resources and programming for our students. BA.R.S., Hubard Group, Sista Speak, & BSU are all Afro House advised groups.

History

Founded in 1968, the Afro-American Cultural Center (Afro House) was founded to establish a space for Black students from different cultural backgrounds at the University of Iowa. In preserving Black culture, the center provides an opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to share their cultural knowledge and educate the entire community. The Afro House provides a supportive and inclusive environment while providing programs that empower students, faculty, staff, and community members to excel in their endeavors, stretch themselves to experience diversity, engage in activism, make positive choices, and serve their communities. ! 

Amenities

The Center is available for programming and as a venue for University of Iowa student organizations’ events.  It is equipped with: a fully-stocked kitchen, a living and dining room, game and study rooms, a library, wireless internet (Netflix, Pandora)  computer and printers for our patrons to use, TVs, DVD players, and various board games. Afro House has anything you need to host a program, make a meal, study, or simply relax and socialize with friends!

Reservations

To reserve space at the Afro-American Cultural Center, please e-mail shalisa-gladney@uiowa.edu.

Professional Staff

Shalisa Gladney

Location

303 Melrose Ave, Iowa City, Iowa

Hours

In compliance with the University of Iowa, all UI Cultural Centers will be physically closed during the Fall 2020 semester.

Phone

(319) 335-8296

Email - aacc@uiowa.edu

Afro House Facebook page

Afro House Instagram page

Faculty/Staff Council 

• African American Council

Afro Voices Documentary: Home Away From Home