Third World Center supports multicultural community

Prospect Avenue offers a lot more to Princeton students than just eating clubs. It boasts the Third World Center — a social and cultural center founded by the University to promote multiculturalism.

The TWC sponsors intellectual and social programs for the entire campus community — regardless of affiliation or background — to foster discussion of minority issues, TWC director Heddye Ducree said.

"I've benefited so much from the things they do there," said Andria Boateng '02, chair of the center's governance board. "They've been really instrumental in making the transition to Princeton easier."

Each year, the TWC offers programs to celebrate events such as Black History Month. In addition, the center brings speakers to campus, such as Tupac Shakur's mother, who spoke last year.

To guide its efforts, the TWC governance board chooses a different outreach mission each year. For last year's mission — "The Color of our Future" — students traveled to local high schools to stimulate interest among minority students in attending Princeton.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the TWC hopes to work closely with alumni to examine its mission and set future goals.

Many students take part in the activities the center offers. "A lot of the events the University puts on are geared to the mainstream, but the TWC sponsors events for the campus that bring to light different cultures," Boateng said.