In honor of Black History Month, New Mexico State University’s Black Programs and the Black Student Association invite the campus community to participate in a series of special events throughout February.
Aaliyah Walker, the president of the Black Student Association, said the 14 events aim to raise awareness about Black culture. While the activities are open to all Aggies, many are tailored toward student involvement, Walker added.
“We have planned and prepared many events for students by students, which will help educate, appreciate and support Black culture and traditions in many ways,” Walker said. “From cultural food to art, it is important that all students have the opportunity to experience parts of Black culture.”
Latrell Treadwell, a member of the Black Student Association, described Black History Month as a time to reflect on the past and present – particularly the impact that Black students continue to make at NMSU.
“The events planned this February create intentional spaces for learning, celebration and connection, allowing students of all backgrounds to engage with Black history, culture and lived experiences in meaningful ways,” Treadwell said. “Through dialogue, art, food and community-centered programming, we are honoring resilience while also encouraging unity and understanding across campus.”
Cecil Rose, the director of Black Programs, said the long-standing campus organization, which is part of NMSU’s Office of Land Grant Inclusive Mission, is committed to partnering with student and community groups to celebrate Black History Month.
“Celebrating heritage months like Black History Month is important for our campus, the city and region in being one of the primary facilitators to encourage engagement and connection in the community that we call NMSU and Las Cruces,” Rose said.
Treadwell said the events represent the importance of student-led efforts in shaping inclusive spaces and ensuring that Black voices, stories and contributions remain visible and valued at NMSU.
“Black history is not confined to one month,” he said, “but February gives us an opportunity to learn, reflect and move forward together with greater awareness and respect.”
Walker added, “The world can be a very loud and busy place at times, so it’s important that we focus on unity and the privilege we have to go to spaces where we are able to express ourselves freely.”
The events will take place as follows:
- Feb. 4: Black History Month lunch kickoff at Taos restaurant in Corbett Center Student Union from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Feb. 7: “Our Village, Our Culture,” Black Programs and Residential Life Family Community Day at the Vista del Monte apartments from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
- Feb. 7: Black and Brown Queer Alliance Recognition at the Aggie women’s basketball game at 2 p.m. at the Pan American Center.
- Feb. 11: “Power of the Pivot: Leading Beyond the Silo,” a discussion in Corbett Center Student Union’s Doña Ana Room from noon to 1p.m.
- Feb. 11: Black Student Association Recognition at the Aggie men’s basketball game at 7 p.m. at the Pan American Center.
- Feb. 12: Black and Brown Queer Alliance Marsha and Mac, a celebration of the LGBTQ activist Marsha P. Johnson, at Garcia Hall from 4 to 7 p.m.
- Feb. 15: William Still Afro American Symphony featuring Works of Paul Dunbar, presented by the Doña Ana County NAACP and New Horizons Symphony, at 2 p.m. at NMSU’s Atkinson Recital Hall.
- Feb. 18: “Remembering What Built Us,” a lunch-and-learn event with Charles Becknell at Zuhl Library from noon to 1 p.m.
- Feb. 18: “Stories in Color,” a Black history mural experience, hosted by the Black Student Association in the Black Programs office in Corbett Center Student Union from 5 to 7 p.m.
- Feb. 20: West African dance and drum workshop, hosted by the NMSU Dance Department in Rentfrow Hall from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
- Feb. 21: Joint NMSU NAACP College Chapter and Doña Ana County meeting in Corbett Center Student Union’s Doña Ana Room from 11 a.m. to noon.
- Feb. 25: “Celebrating the Firsts,” a ceremony hosted by the Doña Ana County NAACP and NMSU Athletics in the Fulton Center’s Villanueva Victory Club from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Feb. 26: Colorful Chapters Bookstore Pop-Up in the Black Programs office in Corbett Center Student Union from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Feb. 26: “Let’s Talk About It,” a discussion moderated by the Black Student Association in the Black Programs office in Corbett Center Student Union from 5 to 7 p.m.
- Throughout February, Zuhl Library will have a “Books That Inspire” display, featuring a collection of books selected by NMSU Black faculty and staff members and the Las Cruces community.
All events are open to all NMSU students, staff and faculty, as well as community members. For more information, contact Black Programs at blackpro@nmsu.edu.
-30-
Cutline: New Mexico State University will commemorate Black History Month throughout February with special events hosted by NMSU’s Black Student Association and Black Programs. (Courtesy)
Cutline: Angel Ennis, left, president of the Black and Brown Queer Alliance at New Mexico State University, and Aaliyah Walker, president of the Black Student Association at NMSU, share information about their organizations during a Black History Month event in 2025. (Courtesy)