Events begin with flag-raising Feb. 1
The University of New Mexico’s Office of African American Student Services is gearing up to expand on a tradition of academic excellence, community empowerment, awareness and vision at the second Annual Black Cultural Conference, Feb. 28-March 1. This year’s theme “Mahogany Soul” is a reminder of the diverse cultures that the conference tries to represent. The events celebrate, inspire and develop past, present and future contributors.
Black History Month events begin Friday, Feb. 1 with the annual flag raising and Kick-off Celebration. Participants will meet at the African American Student Services Center, 1130 Mesa Vista Hall, march to Scholes Hall for the flag raising and then meet in the Student Union Building atrium for the celebration.
Other events include the Black History Month Film Series on Feb. 6, 20 and 27 at 7 p.m. in the African American Student Services Center, 1130 Mesa Vista Hall; luncheon lectures on Feb. 5, 11 and 19 in the SUB Lobo room; and the Madden 2008 Tournament in SUB ballroom B, Feb. 14-15.
The Black Cultural Conference kicks off with the Gospel Extravaganza in the Newman Center at 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 28, highlighting choirs from Albuquerque and surrounding areas. This year’s featured artist will be Rosalind Jones, the wife of Pastor James L’Keith Jones and a First Lady of Metropolitan Church of God in Christ. Her second live album “Holy” will be released in stores soon.
Conference activities continue with African American Junior Day on Friday, Feb. 29, including an Information Fair; an educational composition from the MacArthur Fellow recipient Ishmael Reed and Lothario Lotho and Company; a lunch time performance featuring Phyllis Wheatley High School Marching Band from Houston, Texas; and the Blues Festival in SUB ballrooms B and C at 7 p.m., featuring Cathy L. McGill.
An Albuquerque native, McGill will present an array of performers in “Roots Revival 2008, A Chronicle of African American Music.” The Roots Revival will encompass the call and response of the Negro Spiritual to modern day hip hop culture and all points in between.
Conference activities culminate Saturday, March 1 with a keynote speech by author and New York Times sports columnist William “Bill” Rhoden on his book, “Forty Million Dollar Slaves.” Peppered with historical gems and did-you-knows, “40 Million Dollar Slaves” weaves together the twin strands of innovation and struggle that today define adrenaline-filled arenas.
The final highlight, the Duke City Marchdown at 7 p.m. in Johnson Gym, will showcase the legacy of Black Greek step shows and promise exciting, friendly and skillful competition among historic collegiate fraternities and sororities.
“We, here at African American Student Services, strive to encourage and challenge our own young people and community members to be the best they can be,” said Scott Carreathers, director of African American Student Services. “We hope that the community will come out and support the conference to help make this a premier event of the Southwest.”
Conference tickets can be purchased beginning Feb. 1 through African American Student Services.
Ticket prices are as follows:
* Gospel Concert: $3 plus a non-perishable food item
* Blues Concert: $25 general admission
* William “Bill” Rhoden: $10 general admission, $100 per table of 10
* Duke City Marchdown Step Show: $8 Greeks, $15 general admission
For more information call Tenille Cleaves at (505) 277-5645 or visit http://www.unm.edu/~aass.
Media Contact: Benson Hendrix, (505) 277-1816; e-mail: bhendrix@unm.edu