By diego.moctezuma Posted on

The Deep Roots of the Elson S. Floyd Cultural Center

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For my final project, I decided to visit the Elson S. Floyd Cultural Center on campus at WSU. Named after the former WSU president, one of the most unique and creative buildings on campus, their commitment to cultural diversity provides educational empowerment involved with race, ethnicity, cultural empowerment, and social justice. The distinct design involved with the building expresses the history of Asian, Native American, Latinx and African cultures.

While they are focused on the past within Washington State University’s history, their idea is to promote support and understanding to a more promising future for people of color. The photo essay I have taken includes a number of unique features around the building that all share different stories honoring the past of Native Ancestral lands in the Palouse.

In front of the Golden Eagle and Serpent room door, “La Malinche” by Alfredo Arreguin illustrates a slave woman who was gifted as a present to Hernan Cortes in Mexico in 1519.
In front of the Sankofa room, “Reading Room” by Barbara Earl Thomas uses trumpet sounds, house floods, wind blowing, and water rising to symbolize a story of unforseen events.
In front of the Turtle room door, “The Chameleon” by Andres Barrioquinto reveals a dark past she once lived. The art in her head reveal her younger self, a friend in despair, and an angry lord.
The meditation pavilion to the right of the building is a quiet place for thoughtful reflection and contemplation.
A look at the four knowledge rooms and the unique door panel artwork for each door.
A packed house in the living room on Student Recognition night for the current 2022 student employees.

Inside the meditation pavilion there is a Sacred Earth Ring with soil from Niimíípu (Nez Perce) land, placed here as a reminder of their historical ownership of the land. 
A front view of the Elson S. Floyd Cultural center on Spokane St in Pullman, Washington.
A look inside the Sankofa Room where groups visiting listen, interact and study. This logo symbolizes tradition, knowledge and respect.
The Hesutin Waterfall is located at the main entrance of the Elson S. Floyd Cultural Center. It represents the native Niimiipu (Nez Perce) homeland. The water feature shows bronze ‘basalt’ columns, being scaled by five endangered Lamprey fish.