Black House Renovation Videos
The Black House is a space that was fought for by Black students during the Bursar's Takeover of 1968 when just over 100 Black students and allies took over the Bursar's Office to demand equitable support and services for Black students on-campus after months of attempting to work with the university leadership.
In 2016, Moody-Nolan, the largest Black-owned architect firm in the world, was hired to conduct a feasibility study of the Black House. The Black House Renovation Steering Committee was also formed, led by Dr. Julie Payne-Kirchmeier, Vice President for Student Affairs, and Dr. Lesley-Ann Brown-Henderson, Assistant Vice President for Inclusion and Chief of Staff for Student Affairs. This group, comprised of students, faculty, staff, and alumni, has overseen and guided the project through its various phases, from feasibility study to schematic design, design development, and construction.
GMA Construction Group was hired as the construction firm for the project and is owned and led by Cornelius Griggs, a Northwestern Black alumnus. While the construction is 90% complete, we will work throughout the summer to finish curating the space. Although the artwork isn't currently on the walls, this tour will give you a feel for the floor plan, furniture, and finishes. The Black House is fully re-opened, and Grand Re-Opening Ribbon Cutting was held during Reunion Weekend 2021.