NMSU has full slate of programs to celebrate Black History Month

Posted Wednesday, January 26, 2022 10:14 am

History of Black History Month

African-American writer and historian, and the second Black person to earn a Ph.D. at Harvard University, Dr. Carter G. Woodson (Dec. 19, 1875-April 3, 1950) founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life, “which initiated the first variation of Black History Month, titled Negro History Week, in 1926 during the second week of February,” according to www.kent.edu. (That week includes the birthdays of both President Abraham Lincoln (Feb. 12, 1809-April 15, 1865) and abolitionist, author and social reformer Frederick Douglass (February 1818- Feb. 20, 1895).)

“The response was overwhelming: Black history clubs sprang up; teachers demanded materials to instruct their pupils; and progressive whites, not simply white scholars and philanthropists, stepped forward to endorse the effort,” according to www.africanamericanhistorymonth.gov.

In February 1970, Kent State University held the first observance of Black History Month. Then-U.S. President Gerald Ford recognized the celebration of Black History Month in 1976, the nation’s bicentennial.

“Black History Month acknowledges the rich contributions that African Americans have made to our country’s history,” the NAACP said on its website (www.naacp.org).

Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. The organization has 250,000 adult and youth members.

Contact NMSU Black Programs at 575-646-4208 and blackpro@nmsu.edu.

Visit blackprograms.nmsu.edu/ and find them on Facebook at Black Programs New Mexico State University.

By Mike Cook

New Mexico State University Black Programs, in collaboration with the NMSU Black Student Association, Doña Ana Community College (DACC) and NMSU Libraries, will present discussions of education, health and history, along with live entertainment and the dedication of a building wing as part of the celebration of Black History Month 2022.

The theme of this year’s celebration is “Back to Black: Building Leadership, Advocacy, Community and Knowledge.”

Here is the lineup of events:

Power Through Pedagogy panel, 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1. This virtual panel will feature Black educators discussing their experiences as leaders in higher education.
Black history documentary series, 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 2, 9, 16 and 23 in the DACC East Mesa library, 2800 Sonoma Ranch Blvd., room F.
Worthy Wisdom Elder’s Podcast, noon, Thursdays, Feb. 3, 10, 17 and 24, featuring Black community leaders to recognize excellence and preserve history.
Dedication of the Clarence Fielder Wing, 5:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11. Dedication of the NMSU History Department Area of Breland Hall as the Clarence H. Fielder Wing. Fielder (1928-2015) was an African-American educator and icon both at NMSU and within the Las Cruces community. He taught in the NMSU History Department for more than 30 years, taught African-American history and helped create the Black Studies Program.
Black Health Matters health fair, noon, Thursday, Feb. 17. Join community partners to learn about resources and supports.
African Drum/Dance Experience, 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24. A live cultural drum and dance performance, education session and participant engagement event.
70s Disco Party, 5:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 25. A skating event celebrating black ‘70s culture with fashion, music and food, at the Spot Family Entertainment Center, 170 W. Picacho Ave. in Las Cruces.

For more information on these events and links to the Zoom events, email blackpro@nmsu.edu.

Call NMSU Black Programs at 575-646-4208. Visit blackprograms.nmsu.edu.

NMSU has full slate of programs to celebrate Black History Month

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