The Purpose of Betty Shabazz Cultural Center
As the first cultural center on campus, The Betty Shabazz, commonly known as the "Betty", assists and supports students who identify within the African Diaspora (including but not limited to African, African American and Caribbean) through interactive programming and as an overall space to come together and celebrate.
Advisor: Latrina Denson, Associate Dean of Students for Community and Inclusion
The History of the Betty
In 1967, The Afro-American Association (AAA) of Mount Holyoke College was formed when there were only 25 black students on campus. The Association made a proposal for a Black center and was provided Woodbridge Hall, in 1968. In January 1969, after the Woodbridge Hall was destroyed by fire. The AAA was subsequently given an abandoned house located beyond the Health Center, the building where the current house stands.
In 1980, the Association of Pan African Unity (formerly known as AAA) dedicated the black center to Dr. Betty El Shabazz, wife of Malcolm X, who spoke at Mount Holyoke during a week devoted to black culture. The Betty Shabazz was to be a daily reminder of the contributions of Shabazz and her husband, leaders of the Black Movement in New York City and South Africa. Betty Shabazz was also a member of Pan African Congress of Albania.
Affiliated Student Organizations
The Betty is located at 2 Dunlap Place, near Kendall Sports and Dance Complex.
For more information about the Betty Shabazz Cultural Center, contact Kuzie Madungwe ’21, Cultural Center Assistant for the Betty.
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