SAINT ROBERT, Mo., October 16, 2024 — Drury University is proud to announce the opening of a new Cultural Room at the Drury GO location in Saint Robert, created in collaboration with the NAACP Pulaski County. This dynamic space, featuring murals by a local artist, celebrates rich African American culture and heritage to promote equality and inclusion for all.
“Having the Cultural Center here at the Saint Robert Drury Campus allows us to combine culture with higher learning and integrate activities for children,” said Nancy Sipes, the Saint Robert/Fort Leonard Director for Drury GO. “The Saint Robert campus is a completer site for the Elementary Education degree, making it the ideal space to fuse these components. Additionally, this center will be a huge support for the community.”
The Cultural Room is a significant milestone for the NAACP Pulaski County, symbolizing the chapter’s growth and unwavering commitment to its civil rights mission. Led by President Cynthia Andry, a lifelong advocate for equality, the chapter is excited to invite the community to explore this vibrant new addition.
Cynthia Andry, Chapter President of the NAACP Pulaski County who joined the NAACP in Detroit and has been active in the Pulaski County chapter since 1996, speaks passionately about her journey. “Witnessing the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and seeing my mother vote for the first time ignited my lifelong dedication to the cause of equality,” she recalls. “We are excited to provide this space for the community and encourage everyone to join us in celebrating our shared heritage. We welcome volunteers to help us make a difference and carry forward our mission.”
While a grand opening event is forthcoming, the Cultural Room is now open to visitors, with ongoing efforts to complete the space, train volunteers, and build essential programs. Full programming, including workshops and community events, will commence in early 2025.
To learn more about the Cultural Room, contact Nancy Sipes at (417) 873.6664 or nsipes@drury.edu.
About the NAACP Pulaski County:
The NAACP Pulaski County is a local branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, established to ensure the equality of rights for all people. Founded in 1987, the chapter works tirelessly to eliminate racial discrimination and promote political, educational, and social equality.
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Media Contact: Kevin Kropf, Ed.D., Executive Vice President of Enrollment Management, Marketing & Communication | Office: (417) 873-7390 | Email: kkropf@drury.edu