Snowden Multicultural Center

A gracious old house with an inviting porch, the Snowden Multicultural Center hosts some of Kenyon's most intriguing activities—a dinner featuring Bengali food, a discussion about cross-cultural dating, a celebration of Latino History Month. Snowden is the home for multicultural events at the College, as well as a resource center offering books, magazines, and videos embracing the world's cultures. Since it opened in 1992, it has sponsored programs and supported student groups that take Kenyon's commitment to diversity beyond the classroom.

Student organizations using Snowden include ADELANTE, devoted to Hispanic and Latino cultures; the Black Student Union, affirming African-American identity; ASIA, focusing on Asian cultures; and ISAK, which brings together the international students on campus. These and other cultural organizations sponsor educational programs as well as social events open to the entire College community. In addition, Snowden itself has a student-run programming board that plans activities throughout the year.

One of the most popular offerings is the Global Café, a monthly dinner featuring the cuisine of a particular culture. Students do the cooking, and proceeds are donated to groups working to eliminate world hunger. Another regular event is Dessert and Discussion, where the topics can be thorny but the food is always sweet.

Snowden Multicultural Center Fast Facts

Named for: The Snowdens, a prominent African-American family in the Mount Vernon area. Thomas and Ellen Snowden, former slaves, came to Knox County, Ohio in the 1820s. From the 1850s until the early 1920s, the Snowdens were locally famous as musicians.

Original use: Faculty housing

Current uses: Snowden includes meeting rooms, a resource center, space for social events, and housing for a student manager.

Historical notes: A book by Kenyon sociologist Howard Sacks and his wife, Judy, argues that the Snowdens may well have written the song "Dixie," which is usually attributed to Daniel Decatur Emmett.

Snowden trivia: The colorful chairs on the Snowden porch were painted by Kenyon art students.

Insider information: During the first weekend of classes, the campus congregates at Snowden for the Snowden Kick-Off. This all-campus cultural extravaganza features musical entertainment rich in energy, melody, and rhythm.