Join me in supporting the expansion and renovation of the Frank W. Hale Jr., Black Culture Center.

Although my giving page is no longer active, you can still donate. If you would like to provide any additional support, please make a gift here.

Hello, my name is Barry Nickell and I'm a 4th year Dance major and video arts minor. As a student of color at a predominately white institution, especially one as large as Ohio State, it can often feel isolating. There have been many times where I'm the only African American in some of my classes and I've run into some uncomfortable situations because of this. This has led me to become heavily involved with my community to work and create safe spaces for my fellow African American students. On campus, Hale Hall has not only housed many of my efforts but is also where some of the most influential faculty and staff to my academic career reside. It also serves as a safe haven for all students of color to enter a space where they can see and interact with people that look like them. This is why I chose to raise funds for the expansion of the Hale Center.

Raising funds for a cultural center that provides mentorship and resources for students of color at a predominantly white institution (PWI) is vital for fostering a sense of belonging and support. Hale Hall offers a safe space where students can connect with peers, mentors and programs that affirm their cultural backgrounds and address their unique challenges. With adequate funding, the center can continue to serve as a hub of inclusion and empowerment, helping students feel more connected to their campus community and ensuring they have access to the resources they need to succeed.

Additionally, the Hale Center plays a key role in academic and professional development for students of color, many of whom face barriers like limited access to networks and career guidance. A well-funded center can offer expanded mentorship, workshops and connections with alumni, empowering students to thrive both academically and professionally. By raising funds, we can ensure the center continues to support students through vital programs, including scholarships like the Morrill and Young Scholars programs, creating opportunities that will benefit both current and future students.

Finally, raising funds for the cultural center is an investment in future generations of students of color. When these centers thrive, they create lasting legacies of empowerment, leadership and community. Students who benefit from these resources are more likely to give back, mentor others and push for continued progress. By contributing to the cultural center now, we are helping to build a stronger, more inclusive institution for years to come, ensuring that students of color always have a dedicated space to grow, learn and succeed. For many students, the cultural center becomes a crucial part of their college journey, and supporting it financially allows it to remain a transformative force for equity and opportunity.

The Frank W. Hale Jr., Black Culture Center and its programming are open to all students without regard to race or ethnicity.