The Power of Community: Timeica Bethel's Dedication to Yale's AfAm House

In this captivating episode of "Yale College Voices," host Darice Corey sits down with Timeica Bethel, the dynamic Director of the Afro American Cultural Center and Assistant Dean of Yale College. Timeica shares her remarkable journey from the housing projects of Chicago to the prestigious halls of Yale, a narrative that resonates with triumph, resilience, and community impact. Throughout the episode, listeners are invited to explore Timeica's experiences which are both unique and universally inspiring.
Timeica opens up about her upbringing in Chicago under the guidance of her grandmother, painting a vivid picture of her early life in a low-income community. This grounding led her to cultivate a connection to education as her escape and her path to success. Her story continues with her unexpected yet transformative transition to Francis W. Parker School, credited as the "best thing that ever happened" to her. This serendipitous opportunity set her on the path to Yale, where she would not only gain education but also begin laying the groundwork for a legacy of leadership and empowerment in the black community.
As Timeica recounts her time as a Yale undergraduate, she details her deep engagement with the Afro American Cultural Center, affectionately known as "the house," and her many roles across student organizations. These experiences solidified her sense of identity and leadership, leading to impactful moments such as rallying her peers to address campus issues head-on. Darice and Timeica discuss how these formative years at Yale prepared her for further roles in education and advocacy, including her work with Teach for America and efforts in educational equity.
Circling back to Yale, Timeica's journey comes full circle as she returns to steer the Afro American Cultural Center, fostering an environment of inclusion and celebration of black culture. She shares her vision for the future, including upcoming events for the center's 55th-anniversary celebration, promising a vibrant homage to its past while charting a sustainable future. Through her story, Timeica exemplifies what it means to extend grace, elevate others, and remain committed to a mission of everything to help, nothing to hinder. This episode not only illuminates the importance of leadership and community but also celebrates the transformative power of education and perseverance.

Podcast Host: Darice Corey | Senior Director of Web and IT Planning | Yale College Dean’s Office DEIB Advisory Committee Co-Chair | Pierson College Fellow

Podcast Guest: Timeica Bethel ‘11 | Director of the Afro-American Cultural Center | Assistant Dean, Yale College

Video/Podcast Producer: Ryan McEvoy | Yale Broadcast Studio

Social Media Team and Content Creators:
Esther Donald Mwakisambwe ’25 | Yale School of the Environment