Signature Programs and Initiatives

The Asian/Asian American & Pacific Islander Cultural Heritage Showcase is an annual evening event that promotes Asian/Asian American & Pacific Islander awareness through a variety of student-lead activities and performances during the fall semester. The event allows students and community members to share and learn about different groups within the Pan-Asian identity. This event is coordinated alongside the Asian American Ambassadors. 

The BMLI Fellows Program is designed to improve the retention, graduation and participation rates for Black male students through mentoring, leadership development and academic support, while connecting these students with faculty, staff and the campus community. 

The Black Women’s Empowerment Initiative was established to promote, maintain, and advance the well-being of Black Women at LSU. Our purpose is to promote equity and community building by cultivating intentional spaces for Black Women to gather, developing workshops and programming around pertinent topics, and holding space together.

Celebrated every February, Black History Month observes the struggles, strides, and achievements of African Americans. A variety of educational, cultural, and social programs are directed by a student committee around a theme to celebrate Black history. Locally and nationally acclaimed speakers and performers are invited to share their knowledge and talents representing the African American experience.

In 1996, Gwendolyn E. Snearl and Tayarikwa Salaam developed a program to honor and celebrate the achievements of African American students graduating from LSU. Thus, the Robing Ceremony was born. The Robing Ceremony recognizes and celebrates the successful passage of these students through Louisiana State University into the community. It is no surprise that the Robing Ceremony continues to be an event that is eagerly anticipated by the entire community.

The Genesis Mentoring Program works with traditionally underrepresented students during their first semester to ensure a successful transition, both personally and academically, to college life. The Intercultural Center fully understands the importance of students' holistic well-being, and we strive to provide the appropriate support and education. While participating in Genesis Mentoring, students can expect a variety of programs, each aimed a different area of success:

• One-on-one mentoring: Students will meet weekly with their Genesis mentor to discuss a variety of topics including classes, college life, identities, etc.
• Professional Development: Mentors and mentees come together and participate in workshops that help students grow professionally
• Personal Development: Students will experience personal growth through their mentor/mentee relationship, by working with the Intercultural Center staff, and through workshops
• Socials: Mentors and Mentees will attend several planned socials, as well as engage in a variety of Intercultural Center sponsored events

• Genesis Mentees Application
• Genesis Mentors Application

The Showcase serves as an opportunity for the campus community to learn more about the history and traditions of Hispanic and Latinx culture during the National Hispanic Cultural Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15). A variety of hands-on program components provide experiential learning opportunities for both Hispanic/Latinx students and their peers. This event is coordinated alongside with the Hispanic Student Cultural Society. 

Juneteenth is the oldest holiday observance celebrating the freedom of African slaves in the United States. This national commemorative celebration, held June 17, 2022, recognizes that although the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863, emancipation did not occur until June 19, 1865. During the LSU Juneteenth celebration, the entire campus comes together to honor the victims of slavery and celebrate African American achievements. The celebration consists of food, live music, and games.

The annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Celebration highlights and memorializes the work, accomplishments, and legacy of one of the greatest Civil Rights and African American leaders in modern history. Birth in 1995, the MLK Commemorative Celebration strives to educate both the entire LSU and the greater Baton Rouge communities about the significant undertakings of Dr. King. It also attempts to enlighten the public about the benefits and opportunities they have gained because of the deeds and accomplishments of Dr. King.

The Intercultural Center hosts an in-person Multicultural Robing Ceremony for graduating students. This program does not replace the students’ commencement.  The ceremony celebrates the achievements and honor the intersectionality of students graduating from LSU who identify as Latinx/Hispanic/Latin American, Native American, Asian/Asian American & Pacific Islander.

Kwanzaa is Swahili for “first fruits.” It signifies the first fruits of the harvest and is celebrated December 26-January1. The Clarence L. Barney Jr. African American Cultural Center sponsors a Pre-Kwanzaa ceremony every year to celebrate the traditional African values of family, community, responsibility, commerce, and self-improvement. Members of the LSU and Greater Baton Rouge community are welcomed and encouraged to dress in traditional African garments and participate in the many aspects of Kwanzaa, including music, dance, food, and storytelling.

Umoja is a welcome event for freshmen and transfer students. This program provides an opportunity to meet faculty, staff, and upperclassmen and to learn more about the Clarence L. Barney Jr. African American Cultural Center, it's services, and the Black student experience at LSU.