When the Multicultural Resource Center first opened in the 1960's it was called the Black History Center. It moved several times and was eventually renamed the Multicultural Resource Center; to reflect its evolution into a center that promotes equity in the classroom by learning through diverse perspectives. While the MRC was housed at 1930 Como Avenue, a coordinator supervised the five main program areas which were run by educational specialists. The five areas included African American Education, Asian Education, Chicano/Latino Education, Native American Education, and Sex Equity in Education.
When Saint Paul was planning a new high school, Arlington Senior High, the district designed a space dedicated for the MRC. In 1997 the Multicultural Resource Center opened in its beautiful new space. From 1997-1999 the MRC was run by two educational specialists and was open to all the Saint Paul Public Schools. In 1999 the MRC closed and remained dark for the next four school years.
Funding through the East Metro Integration District was allocated to the Saint Paul Public Schools to re-open the Multicultural Resource Center and hire one staff person. Soon the Multicultural Resource Center "Steering Committee" was formed, consisting of EMID representatives, with their guidance the Office of Educational Equity hired a TOSA (teacher on special assignment) to begin the work.
In May 2003, efforts to reopen the center were initiated, and the MRC began the process of ramping up for the re-opening, fall of 2003.
The center is currently in the process of reorganization and set-up which includes: purchasing needed materials, research and identification of artifacts, cataloging the existing collection and new acquisitions, organizing volunteers, establishing student internships, marketing the center, and all other preparations associated with the reopening of the MRC.
The MRC re-opened for business on October 22, 2003.
|
