Black History Month was established to commemorate and celebrate the contributions to the United States made by people of African descent. The first celebration occurred on Feb. 12, 1926 when American historian Carter G. Woodson established Black History Week, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In 1976, the week was expanded to Black History Month, which we now celebrate to this day.
Kick-Off/ Stroll Steam
Date: Feb. 1
Location: CUB Lobby
Time: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Description: The Office of African-American Affairs will start the celebration of Black History Month with a kick-off! There will be music, snacks and Stroll team and other performances by University Celebrity! Pick up a calendar of events and giveaways.
Black Lawyers in New Mexico Association: "How Black Attorneys fought to get into Graduate School"
Date: Feb. 4
Location: Pecos Room
Time: 2 p.m.
Description: Ray Hamilton is the treasurer for the Black Lawyers in New Mexico Association. Mr. Hamilton will be speaking on litigation against segregation in Higher Education brought by the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and discuss the history of the Black Lawyers in New Mexico Association. Raymond Hamilton is a native New Mexican. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of New Mexico, where he majored in English and received his BA in Secondary Education. He is a graduate of Harvard Law School class of '75. Following his Public Defender tenure, Mr. Hamilton engaged in private practice.
Harlem Globetrotters "You Write the Rules" Tour
Date: Feb. 5
Location: Greyhound Arena
Time: 7 p.m.
Description: The Harlem Globetrotters are an exhibition basketball team that combines athleticism, theater and comedy. Sponsored by Athletics.
Co-Exist Movie and Discussion
Date: Feb. 6
Location: Sandia Room
Time: 2 p.m.
Description: Learn about the Genocide that occurred in Rwanda in 1994 and the hardships and crisis people faced during this awful time. Discussion to follow.
Dance Jam
Date: Feb. 7
Location: Sandia Room
Time: 7 p.m.
Description: The office of African American Affairs will be hosting a Just dance 4 Wii Tournament! You will have the chance to dance and compete for a cash prize all while having fun! Don't miss out on this chance to show off your dance moves and win a cash prize.
"The Crossroads of Freedom and Equality: The Emancipation Proclamation and the March on Washington"
Date: Feb. 12
Location: Sandia Room
Time: 2pm
Description: Alumni Affairs Coordinator, Robert Graham, will be speaking on "The Crossroads of Freedom and Equality: The Emancipation Proclamation and the March on Washington" The year 2013 marks two important anniversaries in the history of African Americans and the United States. On January 1, 1863 the Emancipation Proclamation set the United States on the path of ending slavery. A wartime measure issued by President Abraham Lincoln, the proclamation freed relatively few slaves, but it fueled the fire of the enslaved to strike for their freedom.
Life Lessons: Financial Preparedness and how to make relationships work
Date: Feb. 13
Location: Navajo Room
Time: 2 p.m.
Description: New Mexico State Office of African American Affairs presents: Financial preparedness to achieve success by Cecilia Webb, Social and Community Outreach Coordinator. Nicole Byrd, ENMU Alumna, will be speaking on relationships and how to make them work.
Feb. 14th
Valentine's Day!
Feb. 18th
President's Day-No School
Perceptions and Misconceptions on being Black
Date: Feb. 19
Location: Aztec Room
Time: 2 p.m.
Description: Halle Pittman, Alnise Freeman, Eric Norwood and Rodrick Chambers will discuss perceptions and misconceptions on being Black or African American in today's societies. Topics that will be discussed: Biracialism, how African Americans are perceived in the media, and stereotypes of Black Men and Women.
Health Care for African Americans
Date: Feb. 20
Location: Sandia Room
Time: 2 p.m.
Description: The Director of Nurses in Seminole, TX, ENMU Alumna and Hobbs City Commissioner, Crystal Mullins, will be speaking on health care for African Americans and the opportunities that are available.
NAACP Luncheon
Date: Feb. 21
Location: Zia Room
Time: 11:30 a.m. - pick up tray, noon - presentation
Description: Clarence Smith ENMU Alumnus, the secretary to State Treasurer James Lewis, and secretary of the NAACP Albuquerque Division will discuss National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and what their purpose is. You Must RSVP to the luncheon by Feb. 15 if you wish to attend. The topic of discussion is TBA.
The Negro Baseball League- An American History-Book Signing
Date: Feb. 25
Location: Sandia Room
Time: 7 p.m.
Description: Byron Motley is a multitalented individual as a filmmaker, photographer, musician, author and lecturer. Will present on "The Negro Baseball Leagues- an American History". Byron Motley will be discussing how the Negro Leagues not only affected African American History but American History as well. Mr. Motley film was produced by PBS. His book "Ruling Over Monarchs, Giants, and Stars" will be available for signing. This event is co-sponsored with ASAB.
Comedian Clifton Simmons
Date: Feb. 28
Location: Ground zero
Time: 7 p.m.
Description: Clifton Simmons is a comedian from San Antonio, Texas! Clifton incorporates singing, dancing and acting all into one show. He will be in the upcoming Friday film and has done many shows! Come celebrate the Grand Finale for Black History Month!