In the Fall of 2000, the Vice Provost for University Life (VPUL) office established a cultural resource center for Penn students interested in Black culture. The center was also to support Umoja, an umbrella group consisting of black student organizations. By Fall 2001, VPUL created an office suite in the Arts, Research, and Culture House (ARCH) to serve as the cultural center. After a naming contest and in consultation with students, the selection, from former student, William James Anderson III, SEAS '02 was Makuu.

Utilizing the seven principles of Kwanzaa: Umoja-Unity, Kujichagulia-Self Determination, Ujima-Creative Work and Responsibility, Ujamma-Cooperative Economics; Nia-Purpose; Kuumba-Creativity and Imani-Faith, Makuu provides support and guidance to individual students and student groups.   Makuu aims to identify student-evidenced challenges, enhance collaborative efforts among students, and become a repository of Penn resources that will increase students' academic, intellectual, social, cultural and professional success.