Welcome to The Mary Lou Williams Center For Black Culture

Our Core Values:

Community

"You can't talk about the Black community at Duke without mentioning The Lou. It's the center for Black everything" -T'25

Authenticity

" The Mary Lou Williams Center cultivates genuine experiences that encourage Black excellence." -Staff Member

Inclusion

" Personally, I've always felt a sense of comfort at The Lou. Even when I was a first year I would just go and sit in the space not talking to anyone just observing and understanding the culture. Taking up space in The Lou, I gave a silent invitation to anyone else friends, peers who didn't feel like they belong, a chance to see someone they knew being included." -Alumni T'20

Liberation

" The Mary Lou fosters liberation by pushing students out of their comfort zones from the minute they step on campus. Through daily conversations, social gatherings, and events students are able to break out of their shells and become their most liberated selves." - T'26

Respect

" The Mary Lou pays respect to all identities in the African and African American Diaspora through its signature programming, intentional advocacy, and fostering an environment rooted in coalition building." - Staff Member