Date:
2/3/2004
Contact: Wendel Sloan at 505.562.2253
Reporter: Helena Rodriguez
PORTALES—There will be a little bit of art and soul in Eastern New Mexico University's Black History Month activities that kick off on Thursday, Feb. 5.
Highlights of the month-long celebration will include a soul food cooking demonstration, a Players Ball Banquet, an art exhibit, motivational films and talks, an open mic night and a "Speak Out ENMU" event.
The theme for this year's Black History Month celebration at ENMU is "Promoting integrity while embracing history," according to Rosalind Curtis, student director for the Office of African American Affairs.
Events begin at 8 a.m. Thursday at Ground Zero, located in the Campus Union Building (CUB), with a free showing of a motivation film, "Raising Self-Esteem for African American students." The film will be shown on a
continuous basis from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on that day.
According to Diana Cordova, coordinator of Multicultural Affairs, there are approximately 200 students of African-American descent attending ENMU.
Curtis explained why she feels Black History Month is an important observation. "I believe a person can never know where they are going if they don't where they are from, and I believe knowing your history prepares you
for your destiny."
On Monday, Feb. 9, a "Speak Out ENMU" event will give African-American students an opportunity to voice problems, concerns and ideas. The event will be from 3-5 p.m. inside the Pecos Room in the CUB and will also
focus on improving the African-American experience on campus as well as the services offered through the Office of African-American Affairs.
On Thursday, Feb. 12, another motivational film, Martin Luther King's famous "I Have a Dream" will also be shown at Ground Zero throughout the day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
On Feb. 23, a first-year event, an open mic night, will be staged at Ground Zero at 7 p.m. Curtis said anyone is welcome to come and rap, sing songs, perform comedy skits or any other type of talent.
Main events of Black History Month are planned toward the latter part of February, including the Players Ball Banquet, which will be held from 6 p.m. to midnight on Feb. 24 inside the CUB Ballroom. Tickets are $15.
Motivational speaker Maurice Monson of Clovis will be the guest speaker and the menu will feature chicken cacciatore linguine.
The soul food cooking demonstration at 5 p.m. on Feb. 26 inside the Family Consumer Building cooking lab on campus will feature Clovis chef Leon Fields Jr. of Field's Family Catering. He is the former owner of the Family Diner in Muleshoe, Texas. Fields will demonstrate how to make some African-American favorites, including barbecue spare ribs with all the trimmings, as well as desert. The event is open to the public and free food
will be served.
The works of African-American artist, Janet Taylor Pickett, will be on display from Thursday, Feb. 12–28, at the Runnels Gallery inside the Golden Library. Pickett is a well-known artist from Monclair, N.J., who uses
fabric, drawing, installation and other objects to express the force of life. She has exhibited her artwork extensively in the Northeast.
For more information, call the Office of African–American Affairs at 505.562.2437.