Welcome from the Director

Welcome to the University of California, Santa Cruz!

As a Banana Slug, you are certainly in for a rich and challenging experience as this is one of the premiere, research institutions in the country. You will undoubtedly learn about the rigors of academia as well as the multifaceted dimensions of your personal/social development through interactions and dialogues with peers and classmates. As an alumna of UCSC, it is a great honor and privilege to return to my alma mater and work as the director of the African American Resource and Cultural Center (AARCC). I bring to this position, my own personal experiences as a student here at UCSC, as well as a highly trained and motivated group of student interns to aid in the navigation of the school in order to meet our objectives and mission of AARCC. 

While the African/ Black/Caribbean (ABC) community is small, AARCC is active, supportive and socially engaged in the advancement of undergraduate and graduate students. As a resource center, AARCC is committed to enhancing the student experience for ABC students through academic, cultural and social support. With our low and high scale events targeted towards the needs of ABC students, our programming is inclusive to all allies. As the current director, I want all individuals who identify with the African diaspora to feel welcomed, loved and supported. As you embark on the infinite quest for knowledge and truth, we are here for you, as needed. The African American Resource and Cultural Center is a student-oriented space and it can be your nucleus, your home away from home. 

Congratulations on all you have accomplished thus far and I look forward to connecting with you! 

Peace and Love, 

Shonté Thomas, M.Ed 

Director, African American Resource & Cultural Center