The Bolinga Black Cultural Resources Center was founded on Jan. 15, 1971, on Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, to promote the personal and academic success of Black students. Fifty-one years later, see what contributors to Bolinga’s legacy have to say about its creation and significance at Wright State University.
Founding
The name “bolinga,” meaning “love” in the Lingala language, took inspiration from the center’s founding director, Dr. Yvonne Seon. She previously worked at Wilberforce University and was hired at WSU to assist with the center’s creation. This project, however, was initially started by a small group of students, not faculty.
“[The students] felt that there was a need for building a center to deal with conscious awareness, awareness of self, self-confidence, and to understand African culture and to see that in a different light,” Seon stated in a WYSO article.
These issues were especially topical when WSU was founded, with only “an estimated 25 Black students” on campus, according to Wright State University's Newsroom.
Despite these issues, the small group of students created an enduring space of inclusivity and support. Seon described it as “something that would put African culture on the map … for Wright State University.”
Building
Carolyn Wright was a student when the Bolinga center was founded and later served as its director from 1977 to 1980.
She emphasizes that during the initial founding, the students involved aimed to create something lasting. They did not want to simply create a program but instead integrate their ideas into the larger academic program at WSU.
“...We felt that being part of the academic program … learning about the contributions of Black people in this country … would help us in terms of learning how to live together and help the progress of the country,” Wright stated in an interview by Alyce Earl Jenkins from the University Archives.
This approach allowed the program to continue and flourish, finding new ways to engage with the WSU community and beyond.
During Wright’s time as director, the center hosted workshops, brought in speakers, and even produced a coloring book. They also expanded their community outreach.
“...we began to have more linkages with other Black Studies programs in the State of Ohio in particular and then nationally,” Wright said. “So I think we were able to broaden our sphere of control in terms of the Black Studies arena.”
Today
Today, the Bolinga center hosts scholarly presentations, discussions, and gatherings. It regularly collaborates with other on-campus organizations and promotes diversity and unity among all WSU students.
Over 50 years after its grassroots founding, Bolinga continues to thrive. The month of January is a reminder to recognize Bolinga’s origins as well as its continued contributions to the WSU community.
Bolinga is located at 019A Student Union in the Inclusive Excellence center. Those seeking involvement can contact them via email at bolinga-center@wright.edu or via phone at (937)775-5645.
