WVU Center for Black Culture

Learning of Demetry’s passing has broken our hearts, but above all else, we are so GRATEFUL to have known him and spent time with him. Please consider donating blood in Demetry’s honor: redcrossblood.org/give.html/driv… #WalkersWarriors #WVUSTARS

The day is almost over, however you can still keep donating, we are making a real change here! #WVUdayofgiving #ThisistheCenter💙💛

Help us reach our goal of supporting students through donating to assist us with programming, and support of Black student organizations. You can donate as little as $5. Like and share to help spread the word! go.wvu.edu/4g8gt

Keep donating, we are making a real change here! #WVUdayofgiving #ThisistheCenter💙💛 go.wvu.edu/4g8gt

Help us reach our goal of supporting students through donating to assist us with programming, and support of Black student organizations. You can donate as little as $5. Like and share to help spread the word! go.wvu.edu/4g8gt (go.wvu.edu/4g8gt)💙💛

Aisha “Pinky” Cole, she’s hustled to change her family’s situation since her dad was incarcerated at a young age. In January 2019, she opened a restaurant, Slutty Vegan. Pinky Cole is surely a woman that’s crushing it in her field! Tune in for next week’s #WomenCrushingWednesday

Gerald Wilson, a jazz icon, redefined Big Band with his innovative compositions and arrangements. Raised in Detroit, his distinctive sound, characterized by rich harmonies, left an indelible mark on the jazz world. His influence extends to legends like Duke Ellington

Gil Scott-Heron, a New York City-based artist, paved the way for rap music with his thought-provoking poetry and music in the 1970s. His critiques on media and social issues, like "The revolution will not be televised" and "Whitey on the Moon," remain relevant today. #BHM #WVUCBC

Ann Lowe, born in Clayton, Alabama, became a prominent fashion designer, blending skill with creativity. Her designs, influenced by her family's garden, adorned celebrities and graced Vogue. Notably, she crafted Jacqueline Bouvier's iconic wedding dress, etching her legacy. #BHM

Henrietta Lacks, diagnosed with cervical cancer in 1951, unwittingly revolutionized medical research with her immortal cells. Despite her passing, HeLa cells advanced science, aiding in vaccine development and genome studies. Oprah's HBO adaptation shed light on her story in 2017

Benjamin O. Davis, Sr., the first African American general in the U.S. Army, served for 50 years with distinction. From professorships to command roles, he left an indelible mark. Honored with medals like the Bronze Star, he rests in Arlington National Cemetery. #BHM

Ella Baker, a civil rights activist, organized against Jim Crow laws and co-founded SNCC, advocating nonviolent protest and Black voter registration. Her legacy endures through the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights. #CelebrateBHM #BHM #WVUCBC

Alvin Ailey, celebrated dancer and choreographer, founded the groundbreaking Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1958. His visionary works, including "Revelations," honored Black culture and talent. Despite his passing at 58, his company thrives in New York City today! #BHM#CBC

Phillis Wheatley, an enslaved poet, made history with "Poems on Various Subjects." Though she died before publishing her second volume, her legacy endures. A new poem, "On the Death of Love Rotch," discovered in 2023, highlights her enduring impact on literature. #BHM #WVUCBC

Rose Marie McCoy, a trailblazing songwriter in the 1950s, penned hits for artists like Elvis Presley despite her own recordings not reaching chart success. Her impact endures in classics like "Trying to Get You," ensuring her legacy in music history.

Marian Anderson, renowned contralto, broke racial barriers at the Metropolitan Opera in 1955. Her 1957 international tour, documented in "My Lord What a Morning," showcased her talent. Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom & she received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement #BHM

Mae Jemison, the first African American woman in space, is also a physician, educator, and Peace Corps volunteer. Through the Jemison Group, she continues to drive scientific progress and advocates for young women of color to enter STEM fields. #CelebrateBHM #BHM #WVUCBC

Today we honor Ruby Bridges, who at 6 years old bravely integrated William Frantz Elementary in 1960, igniting change in Southern schools. Her legacy endures through the Ruby Bridges Foundation, inspiring the next generation to confront racism one step at a time. #CelebrateBHM

Outtakes from the first WVU appearance of the Homage Exhibit presented by Nia T. McAdoo @homageexhibit ! Thanks to all those who attended this showing last week & stay tuned for more events and opportunities from the CBC, for you! #Thisisthecenter #CelebrateBHM #BHM #WVUCBC

Minnie Riperton, known for her five-octave range and mastery of the whistle register, captivated audiences with hits like "Lovin' You," dedicated to her daughter Maya Rudolph. Despite her immense talent, her life and career were tragically cut short by breast cancer at 31. #BHM

Today we honor Marsha P. Johnson, whose story reached many through Netflix's "The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson." A Black trans activist, she fought for LGBTQ rights, co-founding STAR and contributing to the Gay Liberation Front. #CelebrateBHM #BHM #WVUCBC