MADISON, Wis. — A new nonprofit officially opened its doors in Madison, Wis., Wednesday.
The Center for Black Excellence and Culture will host workshops and programs that seek to not only educate people, but also empower them, all while honoring African heritage.
The 65,000-square-foot center will also offer a gallery, gathering spaces, a performance space, a maker space and a library. Spaces are available to rent.
The nonprofit’s grand opening ceremony was Wednesday in Madison. (Spectrum News 1/Mandy Hague)
The nonprofit’s grand opening ceremony was Wednesday in Madison. Alexander Gee called it a “great day to be Black in Wisconsin.”
“We’re opening doors that generations before us only dreamed of walking through, and we’re opening doors that the younger generations yearn to enter and experience,” Gee said.
Gee, a Madison activist, is the president, CEO and founder of the center.
“From this day forward, we will remember this,” Gee said.
Alexander Gee, a Madison activist, is the president, CEO and founder of the center. (Spectrum News 1/Mandy Hague)
According to the center’s website, its “guiding purpose” is to “develop leaders for global Black citizenship. By deepening bonds between Black communities worldwide, we can positively impact Black wellness, belonging and prosperity.”
“It has a positive physical impact on the lives of individuals and actually contributes to wellbeing,” Gee told Spectrum News 1 in 2024. “We need Black people in our state to live longer.”
Gov. Tony Evers attended the grand opening Wednesday. (Spectrum News 1/Mandy Hague)
That sentiment was echoed by the governor.
“The new Center for Black Excellence and Culture is yet another reason for folks to choose Madison and Wisconsin as a place they choose to put down their roots,” Gov. Tony Evers said during the opening ceremony. “[The center] set out to address unique needs of communities by connecting the dots in areas that contribute to folks’ ability to not just get by but to get ahead.”
