<p class="MsoNormal" style=

“margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;”><span style=

“line-height: 13px;”>Wednesday night, students and faculty gathered

in the Black Cultural Center to take a break early in the

semester.

<p class="MsoNormal" style=

“margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;”><span style=

“line-height: 13px;”>Some watched “Cops” on a flat screen TV,

others sat around a table talking about the new semester with

friends. The BCC hosted an open house which offered snacks,

beverages and a place to relax with new and old friends.

<span style=

“line-height: 115%;”>The BCC, located at 517 Welch Ave., includes

meeting areas, study rooms, a browsing library and a full kitchen.

It also offers free Internet and cable. It is an option for

students who may need a space for their study group or

organization.

<span style=

“line-height: 115%;”>”The BCC has always been used by student

organizations to hold meetings or programs of their own. One of our

most recent programs included the Stress Less Week, which took

place the week before finals,” said Ashleigh

Smith, graduate assistant

in statistics. “The

Multicultural Student Affairs office opened the BCC for stress-free

zones which allowed students to come and take a break from their

studies while enjoying snacks, beverages and all the amenities the

BCC has to offer.”

<span style=

“line-height: 115%;”>The BCC serves as a foundation for black

cultural identity and is a “home away from home” for black

students.

<span style=

“line-height: 115%;”>“It is important to have a place that belongs

to us. It is a very comfortable place to be,” said Mechelle

Salley, senior in psychology.

<span style=

“line-height: 115%;”>Although the BCC serves as a center for

blacks, it is also open to all students, regardless of race. It is

a place of hospitality for all members of the Ames and ISU

community.

<span style=

“line-height: 115%;”>”The BCC is a hidden treasure. Many are

unaware of its existence but it’s a great space for any type of

gathering,” Smith said.