From its inception, The House has always represented the vital and vibrant presence of Yale’s Black community. At the same time, the location on the edge of Yale’s campus provided access to the New Haven community. The history and mission of the House are directly tied to supporting and advocating for our surrounding city of New Haven.
The House’s youth empowerment opportunities, arts events, and intercultural and social justice programming are free and open to the local community. Local artists are invited to showcase their artwork in our gallery, and individuals and organizations are welcome to rent our space for their events. Additionally, many of our resident groups invite folks from around New Haven to attend and/or collaborate on their different events, so keep an eye on their (and our) Facebook and Instagram and websites for more info.
For information on any of these offerings, please contact afamhousecei@gmail.com.
Youth Empowerment Programming
The House offers a number of events and initiatives that are free and open to the general New Haven community to empower our youth and families.
Urban Improvement Corps (UIC)
Established in 1968, this student-run program offers free tutoring and mentoring to local students in grades K-12. UIC seeks to assist students in achieving academic success and to inspire them to succeed beyond the classroom. Their website is linked on the Resident Groups page.
Higher Education Initiative (HEI)
Yale students design and lead workshops for youth in the foster care system that focus on postsecondary educational and career opportunities in various cities around the country.
MLK Open Mic & Events
The House coordinates events that bring together the local and university artist communities to honor the legacy of Dr. King, to build solidarity, and to inspire action towards social change.
Experiential & Service-Learning
The House offers trips to explore historical and contemporary aspects of the African Diaspora. These offerings are often connected with faculty, administrator, and alumni leaders who facilitate participants’ learning and advocacy around the issues pertinent to that alternative break trip. Since Spring 2015, we have held the following:
- Alternative Break Trips
- Accra, Ghana (Winter 2019)
- Salvador, Brazil (Winter 2018)
- Washington, D.C. (Fall 2018 and Spring 2017)
- Oakland, CA/Black Panther Party 50th Anniversary Conference (Fall 2016)
- Service-Learning Trips
- Higher Education Initiative: Atlanta, GA (Summer 2017), Oakland, CA (Summer 2016)
- House/Slifka Center Alternative Spring Break Trips to the Mississippi Delta with Delta Hands for Hope and the Institute for Southern Jewish Life(Spring 2016 and Spring 2017)
To learn more about these initiatives, please contact afamhousecei@gmail.com