“This is a Black acropolis,” said Rev. Dr. Alex Gee, founder of the Center for Black Excellence and Culture, at the buidling’s steel topping out ceremony on Wednesday on Madison’s South Side.
The Center for Black Excellence and Culture celebrated a significant milestone in the building’s completion on Feb. 12. Community members came out to see the in-progress building at 655 W. Badger Rd. and to sign a steel beam with The Center’s logo before it was hoisted up into the building. The ceremony marked one of the final portions of the project to complete its exterior before the interior.
The Center broke ground in the summer of 2024 with the intention to be a first-of-its-kind, 37,000-square-foot, three-level facility cultural landmark.
(Photo by Omar Waheed)
Planned programming includes Black culture, history, innovation and leadership development, mental wellness, arts and youth science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) engagement.
The signing of the steel beam at the ceremony was relegated last minute to indoors due to heavy snow where Dr. Rev. Alex Gee heralded The Center as “not just a building.” He likens The Center as a new, modern Black acropolis similar to ancient Greek acropoli with its space dedicated to culture and community.
(Photo by Omar Waheed)
“Right here in Madison, Wisconsin, in a state that has yet to know and appreciate the depth of its Black genius, we are erecting our own Acropolis, a place where Black culture will be celebrated, not just tolerated,” Gee said. “Black excellence will be standardized and not merely exceptionalized. Historical Black achievements will be recognized across the entire state and wise Black elders will be seen and honored.”
The Center expects to support 2,000 students learning Black history, 5,000 people revitalized by Black performances and art, 250 seniors to share their experiences and wisdom across generations and 175 members of The Center for Black Innovation and Leadership.
The Center is expected to be completed in fall 2025.
