The Center for Black Excellence and Culture to Hold Groundbreaking Ceremony on June 19

May 28, 2024

Historic cultural and community center in Madison to take monumental first steps toward construction

MADISON, WIS. — May 28, 2024 – Since its announcement in 2020, (The Center) has encouraged Madison’s Black community to envision a place where they can connect, celebrate, rejuvenate, cultivate, and advance together. On June 19, that vision will start to become a reality as construction begins with a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of The Center’s future home.

The groundbreaking will feature remarks from members of The Center’s leadership team and public officials who helped make the groundbreaking possible. There will also be a special recognition of the 300-plus Black donors who kicked off The Center’s fundraising efforts as part of the Black Excellence Campaign, many of whom will be in attendance to celebrate the momentous occasion.

“The Center is the answer to the decades-long absence of cultural space to celebrate and advance Wisconsin’s Black community. To see the first steps taken in its construction is a testament to the boldness and perseverance of Black residents who have worked for years on end to make our dream a reality,” said Rev. Dr. Alex Gee. “We are grateful for the incredible support we’ve received from countless individuals, groups, and organizations—without their generosity and dedication, this moment wouldn’t be possible. We eagerly await the day we can open our doors and embrace the Black community in Madison and beyond.”

The ceremony is scheduled for Juneteenth, a holiday that marks the day (June 19th, 1865) when freedom reached all enslaved people in the United States. As we honor generations past, The Center’s groundbreaking on Juneteenth marks the start of a new chapter for harnessing the strength of Black culture and Black people to create renewed agency and uplift and inspire a brighter future for generations to come.

A multifunctional space in every sense, The Center will host visual and performing arts displays; senior, youth and intergenerational programming; Pan-African community events; leadership development and professional research collaboration; celebratory receptions; film and book festivals; and much more. The space will also highlight the amazing accomplishments and contributions of Black Wisconsinites from Madison and beyond.

The Center’s development was made possible by a $33 million capital campaign driven by an unprecedented coalition of public, private, and individual support. Through the generosity of these donors, The Center stands just $3M shy of the funds necessary to build a debt-free building. Additional funds will be raised during construction to support program development, hiring of staff, and other startup costs in anticipation of opening in late 2025.

About The Center for Black Excellence and Culture:

The Center for Black Excellence and Culture (The Center) will answer the decades-long absence of cultural space to celebrate and advance Wisconsin’s Black community. Located within the heart of a historically Black neighborhood on Madison’s South side, The Center will be a physical place where Black residents and others throughout the community can gather to plan for and celebrate current and future growth and advancement.

Specifically, The Center will: Celebrate and promote Black excellence; Foster a sense of family and community; Pay tribute to Black history; Nurture and develop Black business and community leaders; Attract, connect and retain Black talent; and Provide the space for conversation, connection and growth.