The Ledonia Wright Cultural Center is one of the many treasures ECU has to offer. Often times the center is overlooked or many may be unaware of the facilities and resources that are offered to students and staff of every culture. The center also offers featured events year round promoting cultural awareness around ECU and surrounding high schools.
"We think of a concept and work to make sure that the history and contributions are not overlooked or dismissed," said Lathan E. Turner, assistant vice chancellor, student life, and director of LWCC.
It also serves as a spot for numerous organization meetings such as the Christian Organization and Baptist Student Union. Not only does it recognize success among minority students, but offers academic programs as well.
"Centers such as this one folds into the university to help contribute and benefit the educational interest of all students," Turner said.
Located in front of the Student Recreational Center, and adjacent to Green Hall, LWCC was named after a former counselor and advisor of ECU, who graduated from Shaw University, attended Yale and taught at Harvard. Wright made a difference for minority students making her a prominent figure in ECU history. The former "Y" hut was renamed three years after Wright's death in 1979. The center was then rebuilt and relocated in 1995 where it currently stands.
For those curious to know what the LWCC has to offer, just take a look inside where you will find computers, a quiet room for reading and group meetings, access to television and VCR, a kitchen area and art gallery, if that was not enough, take a look at their year round calendar for interesting events.
"I love the cultural center, it's like I live here because I consider the people to be my family away from home and Dr. Turner is a great mentor," said Teresia Paul, senior family community studies major.
"I come to use the computer and do homework, its very relaxing here. It is also a great place to meet new people, coming to the LWCC made me learn more about the programs like the NAACP and NPHC which I am a part of now," said Devyn Studavant, senior communication major.
Featured events are offered to all students. For the month of February there will be an African-American Art Collection featuring Moneta Sleet, photographer of art during the Civil Rights era, the Freshmen Roundtable Program for students of color on Feb. 9, Dialogue Diversity on Feb. 15, FAST, Faculty and Students together on Feb. 17, "I Am What I Am; Woman Black" Feb. 23 and "Poetic Expressions: Readings, Rhymes, Rhythm" high school poetry contest on Feb. 28.
"I encourage everyone to come in and learn, enjoy and see what it is all about," Turner said.
LWCC is open Monday - Thursday from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Fridays from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Wright helped guide and unify students in the ECU community and continues to do so even after her death. Her influence can be seen all over campus but the LWCC is a special place that celebrates a special woman.
This writer can be contacted at features@theeastcarolinian.com.