News

The University of New Mexico first celebrated Black History Month in 1976, following President Gerald Ford formal recognition of the month. However, the tradition started much earlier than 1976. It was 1926 when Harvard-educated historian Dr. Carter G....

Kirsten Pai Buick, Professor of Art History and interim Director of Africana Studies at The University of New Mexico, will be the main speaker at this year’s Africana Studies Black History Month (Virtual) Kickoff Brunch on Saturday, Jan. 29, at 10:30...

The University of New Mexico's Africana Studies program will mark its 51st anniversary with the 36th annual Black History Month Kickoff Brunch on Saturday, Jan. 30, at 11 a.m.  Guest speaker will be Melina Abdullah, professor and former chair of...

Charles Becknell Sr. and his son Charles Becknell Jr. carry not only the same names, but the same position as directors of the Black Studies program at The University of New Mexico. Although their terms as director are about 50 years apart, both have wrestled with similar social upheaval and outrage over racism....

Charles Edward Becknell Sr. is an example of living African American history and New Mexico state history. Becknell Sr. was the founding director of what is now The University of New Mexico's Africana Studies program directed by his son and namesake...

The University of New Mexico's Africana Studies program is marking its 50th anniversary with a line-up of events, starting with a Black History Month Kickoff Brunch featuring well-known journalist Roland Martin. The event is set for Saturday, Jan....

Barbara Brown Simmons has orchestrated many events that are forever part of The University of New Mexico’s historical fabric. Her recent oral history project immortalizes these events, making sure important parts of the University’s history—and the...

This February marks the beginning of Black History Month across the U.S. Many activities are planned to celebrate the achievements of African descent nationally and right here at The University of New Mexico. In anticipation of Black History Month, the...

The University of New Mexico Africana Studies program has a long history of bringing in engaging speakers to kick off Black History Month. When they arranged for NAACP Chairman Roslyn Brock to come, the reception was overwhelming. Individuals and groups...

For more than 25 years, UNM's Africana Studies Program has hosted a brunch ushering in Black History Month reflections for all of Albuquerque. This has traditionally been the first major UNM sponsored event of the Black History Month season. This year's ...