Category: Community Event

He served in an all-Black battalion in WWII and experienced the racism of being segregated from the rest of the Army as well as experiencing the carnage of D-Day. As a result he dedicated his life to creating beauty and joy, spreading love and awe through his art making. He’s a poet/illustrator of over 60 children’s books (30 by Simon & Schuster), makes magical puppets and sea glass windows from found objects inspired by his African heritage. Ashley lived on the remote Cranberry Islands, Maine and has been using art his entire life to celebrate joy, mediate the darkness of war and racism, explore the mysteries of faith, and create loving community. His life story and the art he makes from this wellspring of experience is an inspiration to people of all ages.

NMBLC has partnered with The Guild to provide free tickets to the screening. Please use the form below to get on the list!

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A film anthology utilizing unedited footage of the 1974 Black athletic boycott at the University of New Mexico and other historical events relevant to African Americans in the state of New Mexico.

Location: University of New Mexico, SUB Lobo Lair 1046

Ray On My Mind pays tribute to the legendary Ray Charles. Portraying Ray, master pianist and vocalist Kenny Brawner leads an 11-piece orchestra and three accompanying vocalists performing hits including “What’d I Say?,” “I Got A Woman,” “Mess Around,” and “Georgia On My Mind.” Tucked into the evening are monologues about the influences on Ray’s style and the personal struggles he endured throughout his career.

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Shakespeare’s iconic story rises from an ancient grudge between two families, making Romeo & Juliet as resonant today as it was four centuries ago. With some of the most glorious poetry ever written, spoken by complex and memorable characters, two star-crossed lovers follow their passion to a tragic end. Featuring a Black and Latino cast, The Acting Company’s fresh production breathes new life into this enduring tale.

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In honor of Black History Month, KTAL Radio will be broadcasting its first feature produced for the new series Las Cruces Stories. The 12-minute story profiles Mr. Clarence Fielder, a beloved and dedicated teacher who grew up in Las Cruces and taught for many years in the public schools and in the Department of History at NMSU.

He especially enjoyed sharing the early history of the African-American community of Las Cruces, which centered around his own experiences as well as those of his parents and grandparents. Mr. Fielder was also instrumental in restoring the Phillips Chapel CME Church, founded by his grandparents Ollie and Daniel Hibler, which served as a school during segregation and was named to the National Register of Historic Places as the oldest existing African-American church in New Mexico.

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An interactive exhibit following the journey of African American homesteaders in New Mexico. Monday – Friday 10-5 pm through April.

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Step Afrika! is a dance company dedicated to the tradition of stepping. The company blends traditional African dances and percussive dance practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities into an electrifying, spectacular, and cultural experience. Tickets are only $5.00 and open to the public. Tickets can be purchased at unmtickets.com or at the UNM Bookstore Ticket Office. For more information about the show, to see videos, to see the sponsors, visit linktr.ee/unm_events. This event is co-sponsored by African American Student Services, Department of Africana Studies, Division For Equity & Inclusion, Student Activities Center, and the Student Fee Review Board.

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Join the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology in honor of Black History Month as we they welcome historian Dr. Timothy E. Nelson to the Maxwell Museum for a special talk about Blackdom, New Mexico. Moreover, see two new and original artpieces on display by folk artist Karen Collins: Blackdom & George McJunkin (the African American cowboy and archaeologist who discovered in New Mexico a distinctive type of stone tool, now called the Folsom point).

Before the talk in the Hibben Center, a reception will take place from 3:00- 4:30 PM inside the Museum’s center gallery, next to Karen’s art work, where the public will be able to meet Karen Collins and Dr. Nelson in person. Please be on the lookout here on our website for more information on the reception.

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