The Frank W. Hale, Jr. Black Cultural Center, established on October 11, 1989 under President Edward Jennings, is named in honor of Dr. Frank Hale, Jr., a visionary leader, tireless mentor and civil rights crusader who fought to increase opportunities for underrepresented students at The Ohio State University. Dr. Hale was the former associate dean of the Graduate School and Vice Provost for the Office of Minority Affairs and special assistant to the president.
The Hale Center is considered one of the finest Black Cultural Centers in the country and one of the few centers, if not the only, that has an academic and cultural side. The center develops and maintains supportive programs and activities for the development and advancement of all students and particularly African American students. Additionally, it serves as an instrument of orientation and instruction to the larger community on issues of race, politics, economics, community, art and culture. Further, the Center documents the contribution of Blacks to the world of arts, letters and science.
Hours of Operation
Monday through Friday: 7:50 a.m. - 9:45 p.m.
Sunday and Saturday: 12:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Inside the Hale Center
The Hale Center includes a state-of-the-art computer lab, several classrooms, meeting space and an exceptional art collection. A variety of organizations use the Center's facilities, and most are student groups. Students have access to resources that can accommodate programming for five to 300 people.
Outside the Hale Center
The Hale Center has many community organizations that utilize its resources. The Hale Center takes great pride in doing what it can to help support the surrounding Columbus community. From blood drives to mentoring and tutoring, the Hale Center and its staff take great pride in its ability to make a difference.
Hale Center Art Collection
One of the largest Black art collections in the United States and recognized by the Association of Black Culture Centers as one of the top five in the country, the Hale Center's artwork illustrates the Black experience through nationally-recognized artists. The art exposes visitors to a variety of Black art, and many of the artists, such as Smokey Brown and Ralph Bell, are from the Columbus area. Traditional artifacts from various tribal groups within Africa and the Caribbean are also represented.
Most of the artwork has been donated by the artists or is on loan to the Hale Center.
King's Life
Artist: Larry Winston Collins
Medium: Relief Painting
Young Black Woman Reading a Letter
