Month-long Events Series Celebrating Black History
This month, a series of events will take place across Albuquerque in celebration of Black History Month. Black History Month recognizes the contributions that African Americans have made to our country, and deepens our understanding of our Nation’s history. African American history is U.S. history, and we reject efforts to hide Black history and instead urge all students, parents and educators to demand their rights to comprehensive history as critical to our multi-cultural democracy. Many of the events honor the important themes of Black History and Black resistance.
“We are hosting some great events this month and we look forward to coming together with our community,” said Nichole Rogers, Office of Black Community Engagement Liaison. “This month we celebrate the legacy and accomplishments of those who came before us. Black History month is also an important time to recognize and reflect on the future, and how the work we do in our communities can make an impact for future generations to come.”
Here is a list of community events and resources curated by the Office of Equity and Inclusion:
The Langston Hughes Project
The Langston Hughes Project is a multimedia concert performance of Langston Hughes’ kaleidoscopic jazz poem suit titled, Ask Your Mama: Twelve Moods for Jazz. This concert is free, tickets here.
When: February 3, 2023 | 10:00AM
Where: Popejoy Hall
Black History Month Kick-Off Gospel Extravaganza
Come out and enjoy the wonderful talents of Albuquerque’s finest gospel singers.
For more information, contact Beverly Gaines, MLK Jr. Commission at 505-221-9016 or Charles Reado, OAAA at 505-389-6701.
When: February 3rd | 7:00 PM
Where: African-American Performing Arts Center
Black Business Summit
This two-day event is designed to help Black entrepreneurs, business owners, and future owners access resources for business development throughout the state of New Mexico. Several topics will be covered relevant to businesses who are in their ideation stage, as well as start-up businesses, growing businesses, and businesses in transition. More information is available here.
Sponsors: City of Albuquerque’s Office of Black Community Engagement, African American Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, City of Albuquerque’s Economic Development Department, and the New Mexico Economic Development Department.
When: February 7th and 8th
Where: Albuquerque Convention Center
African-American Day at the NM Legislature
African-American Day is celebrated at the New Mexico Legislature in tandem with Black History Month. This is a state-wide event with education on the legislative process, information on the Acts and Bills passed which specifically impact the African American community, a guest speaker, resources for African American youth, and food and entertainment. The Office of Black Community Engagement, in conjunction with Albuquerque Public Schools, New Mexico’s Office of African American Affairs, and New Mexico MLK State Commission will be taking youth up to Santa Fe.
When: February 10th | 9:00AM – 2:00PM
Where: Santa Fe, NM
Black History Month Meet & Greet
The Office of Black Community Engagement will be hosting this event to celebrate Black History and provide the latest updates from the office. Enjoy libations, food and fellowship with friends. Additionally, there will be an unveiling of the “It Takes a Village” poster series, created by mentees who conducted oral histories of notable African Americans in Albuquerque.
Sponsors: City of Albuquerque’s Office of Black Community Engagement and the African American Museum and Cultural Center.
When: February 24th | 5:30PM - 9:00PM
Where: Albuquerque Museum