WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI)— Purdue's Black Cultural Center celebrated 50 years this weekend.
Alumni from all over the country were in attendance.
"Well I am glad that it's still here,” said President of Purdue Black Alumni Association Curtis Baylor.
The BCC is celebrating 50 years of culture and growth.
"I am most proud of what it has become,” said Baylor. “It was originally a gathering place for African American students on campus."
Baylor said this celebration sends a progressive message.
"It's more important now because it sings and sends the message about black culture all around the country,” said Baylor.
This anniversary really touched home for 91-year-old alumna Frieda Parker. She and her sister, Winifred Parker initiated integrating the dorms at Purdue when they were a freshman 73 years ago.
"When we came we were denied any place to live,” said Parker. “So my sister and I were standing down in the gym I think, the old gym."
They took action by writing letters and standing their ground. Parker says things have come a long way since then.
"I feel extremely grateful, extremely honored,” said Parker. “And I only have one wish and that is that my sister would have been here with me."
Secretary for Purdue Black Alumni Association, Lameka Grayson, said planning this event was special.
"Well the BCC meant a lot to different people,” said Grayson. “It was kind of like a refuge away from home. It was about family. It allowed you to really have that hometown feeling."
Grayson said this event wasn't just a celebration of culture, It was also a celebration of inclusivity.
"Although we are all different we all come from different backgrounds we all share commonality,” said Grayson. “And that's being boilermakers."
