UC Riverside’s African Student Programs (ASP) was awarded the 2024 Center of the Year by the Association of Black Culture Centers (ABCC), an organization dedicated to celebrating and promoting the diverse cultures of African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans, and Native Americans.
The award recognizes ASP’s transformative work and commitment to advocacy, student success, and community building for Black scholars on and off campus. ASP was selected from 15 centers nominated for their outstanding contributions to Black student success and development.
Founded in 1972, ASP is one of the oldest Black resource centers in California and was the first professionally staffed Black student resource center in the UC system. ASP’s mission is to support Black students through identity development, academic excellence, leadership, and community engagement, while fostering an inclusive and socially just campus environment.
“African Student Programs is the safest place on campus for me, both academically and socially. It’s my number one home away from home and the most inviting space on campus for Black scholars,” said Kalyn Kynard, a political science and international affairs major.
Brandi Stone, an ABCC staff member, shared what made the program stand out during the selection process, saying: “We were impressed with the way that ASP emphasizes naming to build student identity by referring to students as scholars. This is a practice that other ABCC affiliated centers have now mentioned they would like to incorporate as a way of intentionally creating a stronger scholar identity and reinforcing the belonging of Black students on our campuses.”
Sean Palmer, ABCC vice president, recognized ASP as a “North Star” in the movement of Black activism and the work of Black culture centers.
“From its leadership and programs to the success rates of its students, ASP is a laboratory of excellence from which others can learn,” Palmer said.
The award was presented during the annual ABCC conference on Nov. 9, which brought together leaders of Black resource centers from all over the country. ASP director Jamal Myrick and assistant director Aurea Thomas accepted the award.
“It is an honor to receive this award,” Myrick said. “This recognition is not just for me, but for the entire collective of African Student Programs and our Black scholars. Together, we have created a space that empowers our scholars to face today’s challenges, uplift one another, and envision a brighter future for the Black community. This is the WORK, and we’re just getting started.”
African Student Programs is located on campus in Costo Hall, Room 133. For updates, follow @aspucr on Instagram.