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It took more than seven hours to move the 330-ton stone house from Clinton Terrace. The building was given a new foundation and modern renovations, like its signature wrap-around porch.

Photographs By Adam Atkinson And Olivia Giralico

The Portlock Black Cultural Center moved to its new location in 2022 and continues to serve as a home and hub for students.

Amy Downey

It’s been a couple of years since the Portlock Black Cultural Center opened its doors at 41 McCartney St., after the historic home was physically moved around the block and extensively renovated for its current location. “It truly is a beautiful space and it’s actively used by multiple clubs and members of the community,” says Naomi Yilma ’26, co-president of the Association of Black Collegians (ABC).

Named for former academic dean David A. Portlock, the center supports educational and social experi-ences of students from historically marginalized backgrounds; Portlock’s grandson, Marc Jr. ’24, was one of the first residents to live here.

Take a look inside one of the most beloved buildings on campus.

The historic timeline in the hallway downstairs dates back to 1968, when the ABC began forming at Lafayette under the leadership of David A. Portlock.
The Brothers of Lafayette gather weekly in Portlock’s living room. In the spring, the group was recognized with an Aaron O. Hoff Award for Student Organization of the Year.
The Aaron O. Hoff Library, on the second floor, is the preferred study space for mechanical engineering major and Posse Scholar Justin Morales ’26.
Pieces of symbolic art have long been diplayed in Portlock locations, like those on view in the EPI/Riley Temple gallery, named for Trustee emeritus Riley K. Temple ’71.
One of the three upstairs bedrooms is occupied by Johanna Douge ’27; Douge is also a member of Lafayette African and Caribbean Student Association.
The ABC holds its board and general membership meetings, plus some events, at Portlock.
Prof. Rex Ahene acquired The Hairdresser sculpture on a trip to his native Ghana. It rests on the fireplace mantle.
Amy Downey Avatar
Amy Downey
Amy Downey is the editor-in-chief of Lafayette magazine. She has 20 years of experience in the magazine industry, including being on the editorial staffs at city regional publications such as Boston and Philadelphia. More recently, she was a senior editor for Penn Stater, the alumni magazine of Penn State University, from where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English with a focus in creative writing and publishing. She and her family moved to the Lehigh Valley in 2017.

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