Host of events at ENMU for Black History Month

STAFF WRITER

Eastern New Mexico University’s Department of African American Affairs is celebrating Black History Month by taking a look into the culture of Africa.

“The theme that we are working with this year for Black History Month is ‘Africa: A Look into African American Memory, Roots and Ancestry,’” said African American Affairs Director Rochelle McClenton. “For our kickoff, we had a gospel celebration. It was very well put together, and it was a very uplifting event. I think we’re going to try and do that in the future.”

According to McClenton, another event that has already happened was a speech on Diaspora, or the dispersion of indigenous peoples from their homelands by graduate student Versia Hodges.

“The whole point of that presentation was the fact that it is important to have a lot of diversity in your life to get educated and cultured, because it makes you a better person,” she said.

The Department of African American Affairs is hosting the following events throughout Black History Month:

• On Tuesday at 2 p.m. in the Campus Union Building’s Sandia Room, ENMU student Sase Mumba will be giving the presentation “Adventure into Zambia,” about her home country.

• There will be a “Soul Food Day” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at the cafeteria in the Campus Union Building. According to McClenton, the menu will include fried chicken, ribs and mashed potatoes. There will also be informational plaques at the cafeteria to explain the significance of “soul food.”

“Most people don’t realize that on Sunday, when you get out of church, your family gets together and you eat the soul food,” said McClenton.

• Also on Feb. 17 will be the Mr. and Ms. Black Contest. The two winning students will receive scholarships, crowns, tiaras, sashes and “bragging rights for a year,” according to McClenton. Voting will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and the winners will be crowned at 12:45.

• At 7 p.m. on Feb. 18, there will be a screening of the documentary “Good Hair” by Chris Rock at the San Juan Village Clubhouse.

“I think people should come and see this, because it’s very enlightening,” McClenton said.

• On Feb. 24, HIV and AIDS testing will be offered in the lobby of the CUB from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will also be presentations about prevention and treatment of HIV and AIDS at this time.

• Feb. 25 will feature “Exploring Nigeria,” a presentation by Joyce David-Wuam, health coordinator for the State Office of African American Affairs in Albuquerque, about her homeland and her experiences there. The presentation will take place at 2 p.m. in the Sandia Room

• On Feb. 29, Byron Motley, author of the book “Embracing Cuba,” will be presenting a picture show and book signing at 6 p.m. in the Becky Sharp Auditorium.