Ohio State University's African American and African Studies Community Extension Center, located on Columbus' Near Eastside, is about to get a major facelift.
Rep. Hearcel Craig, D-OH, from the state's 15th district, worked to secure a $1 million appropriation for the renovation. On Thursday, Craig was invited to take the first ceremonial swing of the hammer toward demolition on the project.
"The truth is, Black History, African American history is American history," Craig said. "I grew up right down the street," he said. "To see this [place] continue its forward progress is so vitally important. I know what it will mean for the community, to our children's children."
Plans for the renovation include larger classrooms and improved technology that will allow the center's programming to be broadcast remotely.
Monica Stigler is the center's program manager. She said when the work is finished, she hopes visitors and students will feel welcomed. "I want them to recognize that this is a space that reflects not only who they are, and where we've been as a community, but what our aspirations are moving forward," Stigler said.
The project comes at a time when some politicians have railed against Black Studies programs. "We have a very troubled past with race in this country and our ability to be able to talk about it in honest and open ways," Stigler said.
"What we hope the center will do will be able to continue to create space and community for us to engage with our with our past, but also to envision what our future will be. To bring resources to not only this community, but also to students at Ohio State to do the same thing: to have rich dialogue around the importance of race and identity," she said.
The center also announced on Thursday it will begin offering a Black Studies certificate, which Stigler said is designed for non-traditional students, community members and anyone not engaged in a four-year degree program.
"[Participants will] be able to take some core classes fully online or here in the newly renovated space and learn about the history and foundation of Black Studies as a discipline, but also to do some critical reflection about what it means to be Black in spaces now."
First opened in 1972 on Ohio Avenue, the center moved to 905 Mount Vernon Avenue in the King-Lincoln Bronzeville neighborhood in 1985.
Stigler said the nearly $2 million renovation is expected to be completed by early Fall.
