"Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope." -Maya Angelou
Who We Are
The Center
By networking and building relationships, the CCLC has grown its services over the years. We offer space for MEChA(opens in new window), Black Student Union(opens in new window) and other services for students, including games, computers, reservable space, mentorship, programming support, prayer room, study space, stress relief activities, and cultural and diversity-based literature.
The Students
The CCLC exists to provide a space for historically marginalized students to connect and have a home away from home. We welcome all people from all walks of life in hope they gain a sense of belonging while studying at Chico State. Stop on by and see what makes this space so special on campus.
The Results
The academic research and foundation for the work within the CCLC is reflected in the following research:
CCLC Climate Survey | April 2018
In three words describe the CCLC
Fun | Supportive | Family
When you first came to the CCLC, what was your initial impression of the Center?
- I was amazed about how welcoming and supportive everyone was. People seemed really happy. It felt like a very comfortable happy place to be.
- I saw it as a good place to get to know more POC’s. I also saw it as a way to get more involved on campus
- I was in shock to see such a culturally filled place. Especially how proud they make me feel about myself.
Describe the environment and your overall experience while in the CCLC
- Safe and welcoming.
- Very empowering. great programming, and good environment.
- CCLC helps me fuel. When I am sad or happy I feel that I am valid. No matter the day I can walk in and be me.
What the Interns Have to Say
“My experience at the CCLC was unique and powerful in many ways. This year was a full of growth in myself and this provided me with the opportunity to help others grow through mentorship.” - Esmeralda Santos
“I would describe my experience as being one of the most educating and impactful work experiences that I have ever had… while working here, I feel that I have been able to gain the transferable skills and the ability to create an impact within the campus community.” - Jovan Smith
“The thing I learned most about myself is the power of my story in my own life... I learned that releasing my story allows me to connect with other students... I learned the importance of self-care and that it means more than just taking care of my physical health, but my emotional health as well.” - Maisue Thao
Billie Jackson Library for the Culture
Mrs. Billie Jackson was an alumna of Chico State, earning a BA in English with a minor in Music, a MA degree in Education and a secondary Teaching Creditential. In her time here, she was a part of so many groups and organizations including:
- The theater community
- Founding member of the Essence women's group at Chico State
- Founding members of the Boys & Girls Club Chico chapter, which continues to serve the many children of our city today
- Founding member of the Chico State African American Alumni chapter
- A dedicated member fo the Bethal AME Church
We continue to accept donations of gently used or new books to our library in which students can check out the books at no cost. Donations can be dropped at the Cross-Cultural Leadership Center in MLIB 172.
The History
The Beginning of the Place of Possibilities
In 2007 the Cross-Cultural Leadership Center (CCLC) was established on California State University, Chico’s campus. Prior to its establishment, the campus had portables that housed three multicultural organizations: Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan (M.E.CH.A.), Pan African Union, and the American Indian Club.
At that time, the Associated Student’s president recognized that unlike many other CSU’s, Chico did not have a multicultural center and it became their priority to ensure that Chico’s cultural communities had a larger footprint on this campus.
Thanks to the commitment by the former Vice President of Student Affairs and University President, the Center was made possible. To develop the vision and future of what this footprint would look like was the former director, Charles “CC” Carter.
During the envisioning process, CC took a group of students throughout California to visit several multicultural centers within the UC and CSU system. From this experience, the vision was formed to create a Cross-Cultural Leadership Center. It is intentionally a space to bring together a cross-section of ethnic and cultural identities to find a sense of belonging and connection while also amplifying their voice and leadership. It is a space that welcomes the hard to talk about conversations, celebrates culture with pride, encourages others to unpack complicated issues, invites individuals into a family that embraces all people and supports them to accomplish their goals.
The CCLC became the ‘place of possibilities’ on Chico’s campus. It was the space that students of color naturally gravitated towards because of its lively conversations, warm hugs, and home-like atmosphere. Students are empowered to take any concept or idea that they have envisioned and make it happen in the CCLC. The students are the heart of the work that comes out of the Center and it is dedicated to always be relevant in order to meet the ever-changing needs of our students.
In 2008, the CCLC was given a larger footprint at the heart of campus in Meriam Library 172 where it continues to thrive today. It lives by the motto of ensuring every student feels respected, connected, and affirmed. It is a space that believes in the potential of its students and empowering them to create the change they wish to see in themselves, their community, and our world. In the space, you will find beautiful cultural art, games, lab computers, art supplies, a space to relax between classes or eat lunch as well as attend many weekly programs ranging from educational conversations, support groups to weekend retreats, and cultural festivals.
In 2017 the CCLC celebrated its 10 year anniversary where alumni, faculty, staff, and administration came together to celebrate the past, present, and future of the CCLC. Our six pillars were added to highlight the intentionality and purpose of the Center as we grow and expand. Just as cultural centers were needed in the 1960s when the country was at the height of the Civil Rights movement, in today’s political environment we are seeing just as much need for spaces like the CCLC. We hope that you will come to visit us in MLIB 172 as we come together to create family, hope, and possibility both today and in the future.