06/18/2026
In recognition of Juneteenth, we celebrate Purdue African American History!
Written by Fred C. Willams (HH’73)
(pictured on the right, with brother Ken on the left)
I entered Purdue University as a freshman student in 1968. At that time, Black students had only the back of “The Sweet Shop,” in The Student Union, as a place to gather, socialize and study on campus. We had no place of our own. As Black students we submitted several demands to the university. One of the more critical demands was we wanted a special place for Black students! After continued protests and numerous meetings with the university with our Black student leaders; we were eventually granted a facility/house, we called “The Black House” in 1969! Which was the Black Cultural Center (BCC). This was a monumental achievement and something we as BLACK students were so proud to have accomplished! We would have a place of our own!!
Years later, a proposal was discussed by the BCC administration that a NEW BCC should be constructed. This project was going to be financed through Black Alumni donations as well as other donation initiatives. The construction plan was now in motion!
During this time of the BCC construction planning and fund raising; I was working at the Purdue University Northwest campus, in Hammond, Indiana. I was also serving as President of the Purdue Alumni Association on that campus. Through this involvement I met and became exceptionally good friends, with then Purdue President, Dr. Steven Beering. As our friendship grew, he asked me if I would be willing to sit on the very prestigious and powerful Purdue Alumni Foundation Board! Wow! What an incredible honor and of course I said, YES! This incredibly unique board consisted of twelve alumni members and with it came a three-year appointment. It controlled vast financial resources that enhanced and improved university and student life. I was honored and thrilled to be offered this exceptional opportunity to serve Purdue, the alumni and the student body.
As fund-raising efforts were continuing for the construction of the new BCC it became apparent that we were falling short of our financial goal and it was going to take longer to achieve. Now, I had been on the Purdue Alumni Foundation Board for three years and was now serving as the president. During my tenure on board, I voted and supported all kinds of projects across campus. But, now it was time for Purdue/The Purdue Alumni Foundation Board to step up and give assistance financially in getting the BCC fundraising project completed. So, I informed President Beering that I wanted the BCC funding initiative added to our next meeting’s agenda. He agreed and I started work on my presentation to the board to explain why this funding project was so vital and important. Not just for Black students but for the entire campus!! I had a story to tell, and I was ready to tell it!
The day finally arrived for our quarterly board meeting. I was prepared and excited to deliver my presentation. When the board reached the BCC funding line item on the agenda, President Beering said to the board, to my complete surprise, “X amount of dollars is needed to complete the funding project for the new BCC on campus.” “All in favor say, Aye,” and unanimously the motion carried! I never gave my presentation! The BCC funding goal was reached!
After our meeting, I thanked President Beering, that I told him I was prepared to give a presentation to the board, he said, “I know, but you already gave your presentation when you asked me to be on the agenda.” He said, “I informed the board that I approved of this project and wanted their support to make it happen.” “And that was it!” I was amazed! At that point, all I could do was thank him and the other board members for making this wonderful dream of a new BCC become a reality for our students, alumni and for the campus.
I would like to be perfectly clear that the completion of the new BCC was because of the efforts of our Black Alumni, students, Purdue University, The Purdue Alumni Foundation Board, the BCC administrators, Black faculty and staff members, and many others who made this wonderful project unfold! I, personally, was merely a small part of this magnificent endeavor!
