Black History Month is an annual celebration of the achievements and contributions of Black, African, and African American communities during the month of February. Born in 1875 in the state of Virginia, Carter G. Woodson, a distinguished Black author, editor, publisher, and historian, dedicated his life to the study of the African diaspora and maintained historical records of Black life and achievements globally. Woodson launched Negro History Week in February 1926 to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. This concept was later expanded into Negro History Month, and more than two decades after Woodson's death, U.S. President Gerald Ford wrote a message urging Americans to recognize Black History Month. Finally, in 1986, U.S. Congress passed a Public Law to officially designate the month of February as National Black History Month.

In 2019, 46.8 million people in the U.S. identified their race as Black, either alone or as part of a multiracial or ethnic background. This includes many who are descendants of enslaved Africans as well as those who are immigrants. Innumerable contributions to this country's development of principles of justice, freedom, and equity can be traced back to Black communities' resilience and persistence. In the UNM HSC Office for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, we believe that Black cultural enrichment within our country, and more locally, The University of New Mexico, should be celebrated and more recognized widely.

Schedule of Events

January 25, 2025

10:30AM: Black History Month Kick Off Brunch at SUB Ballrooms

January 29, 2025

3PM: Back to Our Roots at AASS Lounge

February 3, 2025

11AM: Flag Raising Ceremony at Scholes Hall

12PM: Knowledge Bowl at AASS Lounge

February 5, 2025

8:30PM: Men's Basketball Game Featuring UNM NPHC at The Pit

February 7, 2025

10AM - 3PM: National Black HIV Aids Awareness Day
Testing in the SUB 1 PM Workshop in AASS lounge

February 12, 2025

12:00 PM to 1:30 PM: UNM School of Medicine: BeAJEDI Speaker Series with Dr. Robert W. Livingston at UNM Domenici Center Auditorium

"The Conversation: How Seeking and Speaking the Truth About Racism Can Radically Transform Individuals and Organizations"

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February 13, 2025

12PM: Love & College at AASS Lounge

7PM: Women's Basketball Game Featuring UNM Afroettes at The Pit

February 14, 2025

All Day: African American Day at the NM Legislature at NM State Capitol

February 18, 2025

All Day: Lorde Morrison Day at AASS Lounge

February 19, 2025

3PM: Rebellion, Resistance, Retention at SUB Ballroom C

12:00pm - 1:00 PM: Without Permission or Apology: The Life and Career of Mary Edmonia Lewis at Virtually on Zoom

Join Kirsten Pai Buick, Ph.D., Professor of Art History and Chair of the Department of Africana Studies at UNM, as she discusses with participants her novel titled "Child of the Fire: Mary Edmonia Lewis and the Problem of Art History's Black and Indian Subject."

Dr. Buick will illustrate how 19th century mixed African-American and Native American (Mississauga Ojibwe) artist Mary Edmonia Lewis, also known as "Wildfire," navigated how her art was perceived, and how she created distinctly "American" art touching upon themes of indigeneity, sentimentality, gender, and race.

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February 21, 2025

2PM & 3:30PM: Flavors of Freedom: Soul Food Cooking Class with Kat at Johnson Center

February 27, 2025

6PM: Hip Hop is Resistance: The Future of America Keynote with Kevin Powell at SUB Ballroom B

Date: January 25-February 27, 2025

Location: Various Venues in Albuquerque, NM.

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