The Institute of Black Culture, a division of UF's Multicultural and Diversity Affairs, is celebrating its 40th anniversary today at the Arredondo Cafe in the Reitz Student Union.
IBC director John Johnson and a staff of 18 students planned the 5 p.m. event and coordinated its speakers. UF President Bernie Machen, Gainesville Mayor Craig Lowe and keynote speaker Lori Patton will address the group.
Patton, an associate professor at the University of Denver and contributing editor of the book "Culture Centers in Higher Education: Perspectives on Identity, Theory and Practice," did part of her dissertation work at IBC.
The free event will run about two hours, Johnson said. The institute anticipates about 100 guests, and anyone can attend.
He declined to comment on how much the event will cost.
"I think it's a really good opportunity for us to pause and celebrate the legacy of the IBC," he said.
Stacy Desine, 18-year-old health education and behavior freshman, said she hopes students will come out of the event appreciating the IBC's history and impact.
She remembered walking by the IBC building on the north side of University Avenue with a friend and deciding to walk in to see what it was. The pair got a tour of the building and a rundown of the center's role on campus.
"It was such a great thing," said Desine, who is part of Black History Month's promotional street team. "We just went in, and we learned so much."
Established in 1971 but officially dedicated in 1972, the institute is a space that focuses on African-American culture, providing social and educational programs for UF students, according to the organization's website.
Desine said this shows the effect the center has had on UF.
"For it to be around for four decades, it obviously must be doing something to impact a lot of people," she said.
