Celebrate Black History Month with Events and Learning Resources All Month Long
Feb. 8, 2021
ALBUQUERQUE – Every year, Black History Month celebrates the contributions that African Americans have made to American history and deepens our understanding of our Nation's history. The theme of many events this year not only celebrates Black history but also Black future.
The origins of Black History Month go back to 1915, 50 years after the 13thAmendment abolished slavery in the United States. Every U.S. president since 1976 has designated February as Black History Month, also known as African American History Month. Other countries including Canada and the United Kingdom also observe a month to celebrate Black history.
Among the events and programming this month is the 30 Days of Nonviolence, a month-long pledge to commit to Dr. Martin Luther King’s Six Principles of Non-Violence against the Triple Evils of Poverty, Racism and Militarism. The community is invited to participate in the series that began January 18 and continues through February 17 with virtual educational webinars and town halls facilitated by community members and by City employees, including the City Civil Rights Attorney Torri Jacobus on Wednesday, who will be talking about the CROWN Act.
“Black History Month is a strong reminder to not only celebrate the impactful historical achievements of Black Americans but also to honor the importance of the future of Black Americans and how their success is interwoven with the success of everyone in this country,” said Michelle Melendez, Director of the Office of Equity and Inclusion.
Events and Resources (Curated by the City of Albuquerque’s African American Liaisons)
Working with Black/African American Populations
City employees are participating in an informative learning session about working with Black/African American populations. Dr. Marsha K. Hardemen, former Personnel Director for the City of Albuquerque, is facilitating this session and bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience from her many years as a manager and leader. Dr. Hardeman served as Court Administrator of Municipal Courts, Director of the Albuquerque Convention Center, Director of the Department of Human Services for the City of Albuquerque and was primarily responsible for Administrative Grievance litigations while serving in the City Attorney’s Office after graduation from the University of New Mexico’s School of Law.
- Sponsor: Office of Equity and Inclusion
- When: February 9
- Where: online for City employees
For more information about this event, please contact the Office of Equity and Inclusion at [email protected]
30 Days of Nonviolence Webinar Series
30 Days of Nonviolence, a month-long pledge to commit to the Six Principles of Non-Violence against the Triple Evils of poverty, racism and militarism. The community is invited to participate in a series of virtual educational webinars and town halls facilitated by City employees and by community members through February 17.
- When: All month long
- Where: https://cabqnv.com/
For more information about this event, please contact the Office of Equity and Inclusion at [email protected]
New Mexico Diversity Conference for Youth
Join hundreds of teens and educators from across New Mexico for workshops and panels each Saturday between February 20 and March 20, for a unique and powerful experience planned entirely by and for students. The City’s Culture Change Leader, Giovianna Burrell, will be presenting.
- When: February 20 and March 20
- Where: http://bit.ly/3pTqBzr
Engaging in Antiracism Work: During Black History Month and Beyond
Black History Month is too often approached as a once-a-year opportunity to highlight the contributions of African Americans to American industry, life, and culture. Join Facing History and Ourselves in this interactive webinar where we will explore the importance of taking a more antiracist approach to celebrating Black achievement throughout the year. Taking a more antiracist approach means committing to confronting present-day inequities in schools and rejecting deficit approaches to educating Black students. “Black joy” can truly be expressed when students feel socially and emotionally safe and valued in school.
- When: February 10 2-3 pm MST
- Where: http://bit.ly/3jm1frC
Raising and Supporting Black Youth and Children in Foster Care and Beyond
Join New Mexico Child First Network as we celebrate and honor Black History Month with a monthlong conversation series on “Raising and Supporting Black Youth and Children in Foster Care and Beyond.”
- When: All month long
- Where: https://www.nmchildfirst.org/black-history-month
2021 Asante Awards
The New Mexico Black History Organizing Committee is celebrating 10 Years of the New Mexico Black History Festival, from February through July, including giving the Asante Awards this month. Asante calls for us to give thanks. This year’s Asante Awards: Barrier Breakers does just that by thanking and honoring important firsts in the New Mexico Black Community. Join us as we recognize the barrier breakers who bring us closer to realizing America’s promise of liberty and justice for all.
- When: February 21
- Where: https://nmblackhistory.nmblc.org/
African American Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce
Join the African American Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce in a virtual networking event to kick off the new year.
- When: February 9
- Where: http://bit.ly/3cMWeqO
Are You Getting the Vaccine? A Community Discussion
New Mexico is rolling out the COVID-19 vaccine to the public and there has been no coordinated effort to educate or engage the Black community around getting vaccinated. Join this online discussion with the Welstand Foundation and Black New Mexico Movement.
- When: February 11
- Where: http://bit.ly/39SZGOH
Black Lives Future Month
Black Futures Month is a visionary, forward-looking spin on celebrations of Blackness in February. The Movement for Black Lives is using this time to both consider and celebrate our Black radical history and to dream and imagine a world in which we are free and self-determined.
This Black Futures Month M4BL will uplift artists, creators, and organizers telling stories we have yet to hear — stories that will unlock our future.
- When: All month long
- Where: https://m4bl.org/black-futures-month/
A Celebration of Our Culture: Black History Today
Join the State Office of African American Affairs in a four-part series highlighting amazing aspects of New Mexico from a Black lens, which includes trivia, entertainment, recognition of incredible individuals from all over New Mexico and more.
- When: Feb. 12 at 2 p.m., Feb. 19 at 2p.m. Feb. 26 at 2 p.m.
- Where: http://bit.ly/36MKZe4
Learning Resources
Above and Beyond: Black History Month Calendar + Workshop
The Above & Beyond Black History Month calendar is a resource for educators committed to creating more equitable school communities for our students. This calendar was first created in 2020 by Tamisha Williams and Chéleah Googe to honor the history, celebrate the contributions, and uplift the resistance of Black folks.
UNM Black Alumni Chapter Oral History Collection
The UNM Black Alumni Chapter Oral History project was spearheaded by Barbara Brown Simmons, UNM alumni. Brown Simmons, founder and current president of the chapter, is a former criminal defense attorney residing in California.
- Where: https://rmoa.unm.edu/docviewer.php?docId=nmumss948.xml .
Find more Black History Month events and programming at http://www.cabq.gov/office-of-equity-inclusion/african-american-affairs
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