The Intercultural Center (ICC)—a resource on campus dedicated to providing a safe, respectful place for students to learn and become aware of the many cultures on campus––celebrated its 30th anniversary on March 4. 

“The ICC represents community, culture and connection. When the founders came together to advocate for the ICC, they did so with the hope that racially minoritized students, faculty and staff, would have a space on campus that truly acknowledged, affirmed and celebrated their marginalized identities. In this respect, the ICC represents a deeper sense of belonging and affirmation for Black, Indigenous, Latinx and Asian students,” wrote the current director of the ICC, Habiba Braimah, in an email interview with The Brandeis Hoot. 

The center was established on March 4, 1992, as a space for marginalized communities on campus to foster and celebrate diverse experiences and perspectives with respect, according to the anniversary description page. The ICC “works to foster a welcoming community where diverse experiences and perspectives are valued and dedication to the understanding of cultures and ethnicities is essential,” according to their website.

The theme of the 30th-anniversary event was “Continuing the Vision.” The idea stems from the inaugural theme of the ICC’s conception, known as “A Vision Realized,” according to their page. The idea for “A Vision Realized” was inspired by and paid tribute to the student groups from the Push Committee, the student group that led to the founding of the ICC. The center originally oversaw nine founding clubs; today it is home to 16 student-affiliated clubs and organizations, according to their page. 

A History Panel Discussion surrounding the ICC was held on March 4. Alumni were invited to the event to speak on their experiences and reflect on the legacy they left behind after graduating. The founders of the ICC and past leaders were also asked to attend the event to celebrate the center, according to the event page. 

“I hope that students truly understand ICC’s rich history and mission. I want students to understand that the ICC was intentionally designed with them in mind… and recognize the ICC as a space where they can explore their own racialized identities and find a community that affirms their existence. Lastly, I want students to learn about and appreciate the beautiful and rich diversity that exists right in our own space,” wrote Braimah. 

On March 3, another event was held in honor of the 30th anniversary. This event was an ICC alumni career panel. The event was held virtually but was open to all members of the Brandeis community, including students, alumni, faculty and staff, according to the event page.  The event was held in partnership with the Alumni of Color Network and the Hiatt Career Center’s Rise Together ​​Mentor Network, according to the page. After the panel was over, students had the opportunity to enter breakout rooms on Zoom with alumni to network. 

Regarding the future of the ICC, Braimah wrote that she hopes to see an expansion to the staff of the center. This, according to Braimah, would help support the center as it tackles important work. Another goal for the future of the center is to have it “be widely recognized for its efforts in championing diversity, equity and inclusion,” wrote Braimah to The Hoot. 

For those not familiar with the ICC, Braimah wrote to The Hoot saying she wants community members to “know that the ICC is the cultural hub on campus.” The ICC is a place that is interested in learning how to better meet the needs of students, and the staff cares about the success of university students, wrote Braimah.