It was the fourth student union building built in the U.S., and the first at a state university in the country.

[2] It is only one of four buildings on campus on the National Register; the others are the Ohio Stadium and Hayes and Orton Halls.

The property was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, despite opposition from the university's executives.

It was named for the former vice provost for Diversity and Inclusion and professor emeritus at Ohio State, who spent years creating opportunities for students of color while creating safe spaces for these students.

Black student groups are working to have the space return to acting as a cultural center.