New Mission, Same Vision

Cora Belle Jackson, AB 1896, was the first Black graduate of the University of Chicago. 130 years later, the University remains in the single digits as it relates to the Black undergraduate population. At the University of Chicago, there is no designated affinity space for Black students. There are two notable campaigns for community centers on campus that occurred in the late 1960s and in the spring of 2018 with UChicago United. Now, the Organization of Black Students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members are launching a Black Council and House campaign for Black UChicagoans and the South Side community to meet and have a space to call home.

The campaign has two interconnected branches:

The Annual Black Conference: This conference facilitates better communication and coordination among Black RSOs and the community. It acts as a unifying platform for Black UChicagoans and South Side community members, advocating for their interests and becoming an active stakeholder in university activities.

The Black House: Our primary goal is to create a dedicated space known as the Black House, providing a non-competitive environment for Black RSOs to host events and activities. The Black House will serve as a hub for Black UChicagoans and community members to foster a community, affinity, and academic excellence.

To achieve our objectives, we are engaging with various stakeholders, including students, faculty, alumni, and community members. Through consistent organization and strategic planning, we aim to build a robust network of support for the Black House Campaign. In 2024, the Council was awarded a grant to roll out our two-part “Community Conversation Series: Building Our Temporary Homes,” furthering and expanding the dialogue between the parties we serve in efforts to represent our communities’ interests and needs. To date, we uphold this tradition of our Community Conversation Series (CCS) to ensure we remain engaged with our surrounding communities. Our immediate next step is the development of a five-year strategic plan (SY 2026–27 through SY 2031–32) that will lay a strong foundation and serve as a roadmap for future council members.

Through the Black House Campaign, we aim to create a transformative space that fosters community, equity, and academic success for Black UChicagoans and the South Side community.

Edited: 4/10/2026

Our Campaign in the Press

Our Story, Our Future, Our House: A Year Into the University of Chicago Black Council‍ ‍

Reimagining Our Future: The Fight for A Black House