In 1938 Oliver LaGrone was the first black graduate of UNM. LaGrone was born in the Oklahoma territory in 1906, where he was among the first Black students to complete college studies. After leaving Howard University, where he studied journalism, he transferred to UNM to pursue his first love sculpture at the recommendation of then UNM president, James F. Zimmerman. LaGrone was commissioned to create a statue for a hospital in what was then Hot Springs, New Mexico. When the statue was unveiled, LaGrone was told not to bother to attend because no hotel in town would rent a room to a black man. The hospital has since moved to Albuquerque and the original statue remains on display. Patients often touch the statue for good luck as they enter or leave the hospital. (Slater, 1996)

Source: Slater, R. B. (1996). The first black graduates of the nation's 50 flagship state universities. The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education, (13), 72.

37 years after UNM allowed open admission to all qualified students, only 5 Black students attended the university. One of those 5 was founder of Essence Magazine, Ed Lewis. Lewis’ time at UNM taught him life lessons, "I learned that you should never give up when you embark on something. If I lost my scholarship because of my support for Malcolm X, it confirms that I am an individual who stands up for what he believes." (Bush, 2014)

Source: Bush, M. (2014, October 21). Entrepreneur alum back in ABQ to celebrate UNM homecoming. Albuquerque Journal.

On May 1, 1965 the Sigma Gamma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi was chartered at the University of New Mexico by Rene Matison.

Source: (Source: Rene Matison)

A Lobo staff reporter was forced to leave a meeting of Negro students in the Union yesterday afternoon when participants they would leave if she stayed and continued to take notes.

Source: Daily Lobo- Digital Repository

What is "Black Power.?" Dr. Nathan Hare, a Negro sociologist and "Black Power" advocate defines it in the following way: 'Power' is the ability to influence another person-even against his will, if necessary, We know what 'Black' is. So 'Black Power' means ~he exercise by black people of influence on the forces which oppose us. Those forces happen to be white for the most part.

Source: Daily Lobo- Digital Repository

Following racial incidents at local establishments, a group of Black students met to discuss their concerns. Joe helped direct the conversations and by the end of the meeting the Black Student Union was formed with him leading. (UNM Foundation, 2013) “Joe’s remarkable ability to never waiver from the core messages of equity, inclusion, and scholarship produced astounding results. Included in BSU’s list of demands presented to then-president Ferrel Heady in April 1969 was the creation of a “Black Studies Department.” Heady countered with the challenge to develop a full proposal for the program. Joe and his colleagues did just that, and the initiative that has today become UNM’s Africana Studies Program was formally launched. Through Joe’s efforts, a permanent structure for the inclusion and education of African American students at UNM was created, touching the lives of thousands over more than four decades.” (UNM Foundation, 2013)

Source: The University of New Mexico Foundation. (2013, December 13). UNM People Changing Worlds: Josephus Long. Donor Story.

UNM's Black Student Union (BSU) has drafted a statement of proposals designed to remedy what it views as "a lack of communication and mutual understanding'' between coaches and black athletes on the Lobo football team and within the entire athletic department.

Source: Daily Lobo- Digital Repository

The Omega Psi Phi Sweetheart dance, "A Night in Jamaica," will feature a "slave-line," and an Afro-dance team during the two intermissions.

Source: Daily Lobo- Digital Repository

“Mary Sue Gaines DePass was crowned the First Black Homecoming Queen in the history of the University of New Mexico in 1968. Her love for the art of Modern Dance earned her a role in The Rites of Spring production. In her sophomore year, she was voted Omega Psi Phi Sweetheart. In 1970, she pledged Delta Sigma Theta. She and her line Sorors chartered the first Black Sorority on the UNM Campus.” (McRuiz)

Source: McRuiz, M. (n.d.). Mary Sue Gaines DePass: Educator, Mentor, Homecoming Queen. UNM Alumni.

Joe Long, a BSU member, told The Lobo last night that some of these demands include: the immediate reinstatement of Lionel Williams, the immediate resignation of : Heady, an investigation of alleged "racial practices" of the UNM Athletic Department, and an immediate severance of all ties with Brigham Young University.

Source: Daily Lobo- Digital Repository

Last summer the NSA passed resolution calling for "all member schools presently involved in academic, athletic, or social activities with BYU" to sever relations until such time as BYU eliminates racial inequities.

Source: Daily Lobo- Digital Repository

Chuck Campbell, chairman of the steering committee of the Black Student Alliance at the Denver Center of the University of Colorado, said after the incident the WAC officials would not deal with them. "No Negotiations" "We see that the WAC is not willing to negotiate," Campbell said. "They are not willing to listen to reasonable demands by black people. "They are no longer interested in working with black people." The council, meeting in Denver since Monday, has been plagued throughout by questions stemming from a black student protest against Brigham Young University (BYU)~ operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon).

Source: Daily Lobo- Digital Repository

BLACK STUDENT ELECTIONS Black Student Union is having their election of officers this week. The ballots will be taken in the Student Union building Wednesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Offices to vote for are coordinators, secretaries (2), and treasurer. Each concerned Black student may vote. A table will he set up at the specified time. If you haven't voted yet, be sure to check it out today since it is the last day to vote. Help your Black Student Union to take care of business by putting your brothers and sisters in office who care about Black students on this yard. The results will he announced at the next BSU meeting or thereabouts.

Source: Daily Lobo Digital Repository

Charges of nepotism and ''discriminatory" practices were leveled against Betty Neher, assistant director of the Union, by the Black Student Union (BSU) yesterday.The allegations against Ms.Neher were made at a news conference called yesterday at the Afro-American Studies Center. Ms. Neher was accused by the students of "nepotism" stating she "is married to and is the direct supervisor of the Food Services Director."

Source: Daily Lobo Digital Repository

The direction of the Black Student Union from its inception, was to change the academic, social, and cultural structure of the University to meet the needs of the Black university community; to develop student services in the Black community; and to foster brotherhood relations between African and Afro-American Studies. The Black Student Union, contrary to statements made in the above mentioned article that Sam Johnson "started" BSU, began when Ralph Featherstone of SNCC, and Ron Karenga met with Black students in the fall of 1967 to organize a Black Student Organization. Joe Long, a graduate student, was the first BSU co-ordinator. Two years later, BSU members changed the leadership to four coordinators.

Source: Daily Lobo Digital Repository

Barbara Brown Simmons turned her student activism into a lifelong journey. She left a lasting legacy at UNM as a key figure in the Black Student Union as she helped advocate for the creation of Africana Studies. Barbara established the UNM chapter of the Black American Law Student Association, with a membership of one, and sponsored the BALSA regional conference at UNM during her time at the law school. After two devastating failures, Barbara passed the bar exam, but faced a hearing with the Ethics Committee about her arrest as an undergraduate, which she navigated successfully.

Source: Winter, A. (n.d.). Barbara Brown Simmons. Omeka RSS.

About thirty members of the Black Student Union (BSU) crowded into ASUNM President Alan Wilson's office yesterday demanding that the organization receive funds. The impromptu conference took place after Wilson announced Monday he would veto a $1150 appropriation bill for BSU because ASUNM did not have enough money. He said then he would support a bill to give BSU $300 less, but added the other money was needed to conduct the fall student election and ASUNM recruitment program.

Source: Daily Lobo Digital Repository

The ASUNM Senate overrode President Alan Wilson's veto of funds for the Black Student Union last night by a vote of 15-2 with three abstentions. All 20 senators and 75 students were at the meeting which overrode the veto and gave BSU $1150 for its operations this semester. Mike Patterson, BSU treasurer said, "I'm not really not happy with the money they gave us. It was already our money. "

Source: Daily Lobo Digital Repository

New to the Alumni Association board of directors this year is Ed Lewis of New York City, Publisher of Essence, a magazine for black women that has defied industry traditions by turning a profit in its early years. Lewis, a 36-year-old bachelor, left UNM and a master's degree in political science and international relations and working in the Albuquerque city manager's office. While at UN the former award-winning Bronx High school athlete was bounced from the Lobo football team.

Source: Alumnus

A symbolic "last box" of new library materials was opened in Zimmerman Library recently during a celebration of the benefits of the statewide bond issue that has provided $10 million in acquisition funds for libraries at state-supported colleges. Examining the new materials are, from left, President Davis, Vice President Dave Garcia and President Tom WIlliams of ASUNM, State rep. Lenton Malry and Library Dean Paul Vassallo.

Source: unknown

Chicano Studies here at the University has provided help to Chicanos entering the University, has shared office space with different Chicano organizations, and has offered a broad selection of classes for nearly eight years. The program was a catalyst for affirmative action in minority hiring practices. Chicano studies has provided valuable links to the community, and at one time sponsored cultural schools in Duranes and Atrisco.

Source: Daily Lobo

A proposal to attain teacher certification in Afro-American studies has been submitted to the UNM administration and the College of Education, the director of Afro-American Studies said. Director Dr. Harold Bailey said the purpose of the proposal is to help train potential teachers of Afro-American Studies. Black-study courses are designed to meet the needs of all students, not the needs of blacks, Dr. Bailey said. There should be more courses geared to black student needs, he said.

Source: Daily Lobo Digital Repository

The Alumni Association is considering adding a Homecoming King contest next year, but the Black Student Union beat them to the draw this year with its-own Homecoming King and Queen contest. Voting concluded at 5 p.m. Thursday on four queen candidates and three king candidates, who were nominated on the basis of "out· standing qualities of leadership, involvement and devotion to the cause of black students at the University." 'l'he queen candidates are Stacy Harris, 19, majoring in biology: Angela. Kent, 20, majoring in business administration and minoring in special education: Vanessa MacFarlane, 22, majoring in recreation and minoring in sociology; and Debra Parrish, 19, majoring in business and minoring in management.

Source: Daily Lobo Digital Repository

Black parents whose children participate in a youth enrichment program at the University of New Mexico were hot Monday because of the cool reception they say UNM President William Davis gave them. About 35 parents met with Davis to protest the ousting of Afro- American Studies director, dr. Harold Bailey. They also protested the cutback in the black youth enrichment program created and run by the Afro American Studies center for the past decade.

Source: Albuquerque Journal

The reorganization of two ethnic studies programs at UNM has led to the ouster of Harold Bailey, Afro-American Studies director. Bailey, who had been employed by the University under annual contract, found himself out of a job Monday when his contract was not renewed.

Source: Daily Lobo Digital Repository

The Black Student Union will meet tonight to draft a petition calling for the dismissal of the Afro American Studies Director Harold Balley, the Lobo learned late Tuesday. Mark Simms, a BSU coordinator, said BSU's action was in response to the recent firing of Afro American Studies Assistant Director Shiame Okunor and his secretary Bonnie Gatson. Both were notified March 10 of their dismissal in a letter from Bailey. Contacted Tuesday morning, Bailey said he "was not aware" of BSU's impending action or why BSU would take such action. Bailey could not be reached Tuesday evening for comment.

Source: Daily Lobo Digital Repository

Immediately after the meeting was called to order, Reggie Waites, BSU President, apologized to Bailey and the numerous students in attendance for leaking BSU's intended action. Waites then told reporters from the Lobo and Albuquerque Journal to leave. "We don't want to make BSU a shield for students. There are mixed feelings about BSU accepting responsibility for the petition. Anyone who signs the petition does so as an individual student" said Waites Mark

Source: Daily Lobo Digital Repository

The Lobo, on April 23, ran an article regarding the dissatisfaction of some students with Dr. Harold Bailey, director of Afro-American Studies. The Lobo stated that, according to one source, the Black Student Union meeting scheduled to deal with the matter was public...I attended the Black Student Union meeting with four other ASUNM Senators, three of which belonged to the Black Student Union. Shortly after the Lobo and the Albuquerque Journal were dismissed, the request was made to me by a BSU member, that the ASUNM Senator not belonging to the Black Student Union and myself should leave. During our visit we were neither recognized nor introduced.

Source: Daily Lobo Digital Repository

Juba Clayton set the foundation for African American Student Services as our first director. Projects like Bridge and Summer Best are similar to intiatives she started during her time here.

Source:

Afro American Studies and Student Services split at UNM: The initial idea for the creation of Afro American Studies program at UNM in the late 1960s was because of the social activism of Black students on campus. Taking it a step a further, African American Student Services (AASS) was an offshoot to provide Black students a holistic opportunity to realize/achieve their academic goals and be properly informed about Black culture/history.

Source: Muhammad, H. (1980, November 7). Afro Studies Takes Positive Turn. New Mexico Daily Lobo.

President Joseph Baca presented the Association's annual Alumni Citizenship Award to Yolanda Tryon at the May meeting of the executive board. The award is intended to recognize endeavors, helpfulness, good spirit and cooperation. The theory behind the award is that many students work diligently in UNM extra-curricular activities, yet they often go unrecognized because their service is not considered to be newsworthy. Students who are considered for the award often have their names on the rosters of several organizations, and they give evidence of willingly participating in numerous projects and activities.

Source: Daily Lobo

The Black Student Union is sponsoring a lecture by black political author C.L.R. James to be held Oct. 26 in Woodward Hall, room 149, BSU President Frank Parks said Monday. Parks said the 81-year-old James is "a living legend.'' James has written such books as Black Jacobins [The History of the Haitian .Revolution], World Revolution: The Rise and Fall of the Communist international 1917-1936, Party Politics in the West Indies and Modern Politics.

Source: Daily Lobo Digital Repository

The Omicron Delta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. was chartered May 15th 1981 by Alexander Albright, Kevin Evans, Carl Grant, Elliott Hester, Anthony Miner, Clifford Rallins, Eddie Tiggs, Tedman Vance, and Kevin Williams.

Source: (Source: Dr. Charles Becknell Jr., Pi Eta)

"I have always been interested in law enforcement and I always wanted to go federal" Carlton Daniel Spriggs said recently in a telephone interview from Washington, D.C. But in "going federal he never expected to be on the firing line protecting the life of a president as a Secret Service special agent. Yet that is exactly where he found himself March 30, 1981, when a would-be assassin suddenly opened fire on President Reagan as he left a capital hotel.

Source: UNM Alumnus

U.S. Sen Pete Domenici and Secret Service Special Agent Danny Spriggs will be honored Feb. 20. Domenici, chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, and Spriggs, a former Albuquerque policeman who helped protect President Reagan during an assassination attempt, have been chosen as two of the University of New Mexico's most distinguished graduates.

Source: Albuquerque Tribune

Mark Blazek Wednesday brought to tho forefront a controversy as old as language itself. His editorial "Discrimination is sometimes desirable" stated that "minorities are academically inferior to whites."He claims that "everyone knew it all along." He bases this on the fact that "minorities" (a misnomer sinceAnglos are among the minorities in this state, but others, such as Native Americans and Spanish Americans aren't, by numbers) score lower on tests, such as the SAT and CST. "Statistics" do support this.

Source: Daily Lobo Digital Repository

After the offices of the New Mexico Daily Lobo were occupied by protestors yesterday, Black Student Union (BSU) President Craig Jackson and fonner BSU President Frank Parks removed themselves and went to a quiet place to talk. They busied themselves with an examination of the bylaws which govern the Lobo, to see what courses of action were open to them, Jackson said. "We do not want to bypass the laws, we want to go through them. That is the only way we can get the changes we want," he explained.

Source: Daily Lobo Digital Repository

About 50 enraged students packed the New Mexico Daily Lobo newsroom Thursday after a heated demonstration organized by 11 student organizations protesting Wednesday's editorial by exManaging Editor Mark Blazek, "Discrimination is Sometimes Desirable.'' A press conference organized by nine ethnic organizations, the GSA, the Student Veterans Association and other individual students kicked off a march to Marron Hall where protesters began crowding into the newsroom demanding the resignation of Lobo Editor Marcy McKinley.

Source: Daily Lobo Digital Repository

The ASUNM film committee in conjunction with the Black Student Union will be presenting various films throughout February in observance of Black History Month.

Source: Daily Lobo Digital Repository

At the coronation, Myra Richardson, 23, and Vince Baca, 20, were crowned UNM's Homecoming Queen and King. Richardson, from St. Louis, Mo., is a senior majoring in speech communications, and Baca, from Bernalillo, N.M., is a junior majoring in business administration.

Source: Daily Lobo Digital Repository

During opening arguments !D the federal trial that lasted two hours, William Tryon, attornev for Becknell, said the university's decision not to hire Becknell as assistant director for student counseling in 1980 was based on his past and not his qualifications. UNM Athletic Director John Bridgers subsequently hired Tom Brennan for the post after a nationwide search.

Source: The Albuquerque Journal

U.S. District Judge EdWin Mechem has dismissed a discrimination lawsuit Charles Becknell filed against the University of New Mexico. Becknell had charged that UNM discriminated against him when the university failed to hire him in 1980 as an assistant director of athletics.

Source: The Associated Press

and investments there. Michael Smith,· president of UNM's Black Student Union, said that the University of California at Santa Cruz asked him Tuesday to join other campuses in a national show of solidarity Wednesday. . ~'There's a national movement for students to become more involved with problems of South Africa. and the investments of universities, corporations and companies in South Africa," he said.

Source: Daily Lobo Digital Repository

The South African government jailed opposition leader Nelson Mandela in 1962 for his anti-apartheid activities, including the formation of an armed branch of the African National Congress. The former pacifist and attorney was sentenced to life imprisonment a year later. Interested human rights activists and students arc still trying to educate the public on Mandela and the South African situation. demanding his release from prison 23 years after he lost his freedom.

Source: Daily Lobo Digital Repository

With the theme 'The Black Family, Strength of a Race," Black History Month got underway with a brunch Saturday in the New Mexico Union (SUB). In addition to the food, the celebration featured singer Thelma White and a presentation from the historical play ''To Be Young, Gifted and Black."

Source: Daily Lobo

“Professor Burr was the first African American woman to be granted tenure and the first African American woman to be promoted to full professor at the University of New Mexico. Professor Burr taught intellectual property law, art law, entertainment law, wills and trusts, and international law. She also served as acting director of the Africana studies program at the university for the 2008-09 academic year.”

Source: The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education. (2017, July 28). First Black Woman Full Professor at the University of New Mexico is retiring. The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education.

Associated Students of the University of New Mexico President Michael Gallegos has been elected to complete the remaining term of the president of the American Student Association. Gallegos assumes his duties as ASA president immediately, but will not leave for the ASA home offices in Washington, D.C., until mid-May because of his present responsibilities as ASUNM president, he said Saturday.

Source: Daily Lobo

UNM's first African-American graduate has returned to his alma mater this 'Neck to speak about his life and work as an artist. Eighty-seven-year-old Oliver LaGrone, a graduate of the class of 1938 and a renowned sculptor, poet and lecturer, is in Albuquerque this week to rededicate his sculpture, "Mercy," 10 Carrie Tingley Hospital.

Source: Daily Lobo

The historical mosaic that is now New Mexico has an integral piece missing... Much of the historical contributions of Blacks in the territory that is now New Mexico have been very deftly excluded from the history books," Williams said. He added that "individuals or groups who have knowledge of this culture during the period from 1500 to 1890' should contact him at the UNM Division of African American Studies.

Source: The Albuquerque Journal

With February comes Black History Month and, to help kick off the celebration, African-American Studies (AAS) will sponsor its 11th annual brunch. This year's theme is African American Women: The Past, The Present, and Tomorrow. The brunch, which includes a lecture by Myrlie Evers-Williams, will take place Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Ramada Classic Hotel. Evers-Williams, the chairperson of the National Board of Directors of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), is also the widow of slain civil-rights leader Medgar Evers.

Source: Daily Lobo

President Richard E. Peck speaks with Sam Bone, executive officer of the Martin Luther King, Jr. State Commission, following a commemoration service for King at the UNM Alumni Memorial Chapel sponsored by UNM African American Studies (AAS). In recognition of Black History Month, AAS will host several other events in February... The local NAACP chapter recently honored AAS Director Shiame Okunor (right) with its "Martin Luther King, Jr. Award."

Source: Campus News

Fifth grade wiII be remembered as the year some nice people" from UNM provided the inspiration she needed 10 sec a college education in her future. says Eugene Field Elementary student Ebony Wade. Those "nice people" are UNM students from a variety of disciplines enrolled in Problems Course #394 which is offered each semester for three credits through the award-winning UNM African American Studies Mentorship Program.

Source: Campus News

Aswad Allen, former program director of the Inter-Cultural Center at Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park, CA, is the new director of the UNM's African American Student Services Center. Allen, who began his UNM duties on Jan. 13, succeeds Brenda Chandler, who served as the center's interim director since September of 1995.

Source: Campus News

History shows that the African people have been present in the Americas since Spanish explorers first encountered the continent--making them a part of the American experience long before many European ethnicities. And in the Southwest, their presence has played an important part in every stage of the region's historical development.

Source: Campus News

The legacy of Charlie Morrisey, "quintessential activist" for the Black community, is one that should be remembered, says Dr. Shiame Okunor. director of UNM's African American Studies (AAS). Morrisey, who died of breast cancer in 1992, chaired numerous committees, volunteered for the American Red Cross and served as Albuquerque chapter president of the National Council of Negro Women.

Source: Daily Lobo

"A People ... Facing A New Millenium," is the theme of this year's Black History Month celebration at UNM, sponsored by UNM's Black Student Union, African American Student Services andAfricanAmerican Studies. All events are free. Experience the richness of Albuquerque's gospel music at the Gospel-Rama Music Fest on Feb. 7 from 3 to 6 p.m. in the UNM Student Union Building (SUB) Ballroom.

Source: University of New Mexico Campus News

For Scott Carreathers, the flag-raising ceremony outside of Scholes Hall Thursday that marked the beginning of Black History Month symbolizes the meaning of the February celebration. “Knowing what the colors on the flag mean — red for the blood of our ancestors, black for black people and green for the land and hope — it really encompasses the meaning of this special month,” said Carreathers, UNM director of African American Student Services. Everett Wheeler-Bell, president of the Black Student Union, said the purpose of the ceremony is to recognize black achievements and contributions.

Source: Daily Lobo

The UNM community can attend an anti-violence event, soul food cookout or concert all at lunchtime today near Zimmerman Library. Students, faculty and staff are invited to join the Women's Resource Center for a symbolic whistle-blowing event to confront violence against women in all its forms. People also will have a chance to express their thoughts and feelings on the subject through an art project called "Joining the Voices of Women." The center will offer violence prevention and safety information.

Source: Daily Lobo

teve Birdine spoke to about 75 people in the SUB Ballroom Saturday, urging them to change their lives and put his affirmative words into action, as part of the first UNM Black Cultural Conference. Birdine is the president and chief executive officer of Affirmations in Action, a diversity-consulting firm in Indianapolis. He presents talks and workshops on diversity at colleges and universities nationwide. The Black Student Union and African American Student Services sponsored the conference.

Source: Daily Lobo

UNM's first Black Cultural Conference will raise awareness among University students about black culture, event organizers say. "We are doing this to build a sense of community and pride in our heritage," said Jocelyn Gamble-Mims, senior program adviser for UNM's African American Student Services. The conference will take place this weekend and is co-sponsored by African American Student Services and the Black Student Union

Source: Daily Lobo

ASUNM Student Special Events is bringing in a speaker this week that may ignite romance, even after Valentine's Day. "The Art of Kissing" is be tomorrow, Feb. 17, at 7:30 p.m. in the SUB Theatre. This event was successful two years ago, so even if the title sounds silly, check it out because you may be pleasantly entertained and learn a thing or two. SSE is also bringing in a comedian in conjunction with the Black Student Union called B-Phlat. The performance is on Feb. 24 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the SUB Ballroom and free to the UNM community. The BSU will play host to an open mic night from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and the comedian will follow.

Source: Daily Lobo

In honor of National Black History Month, the Center for African American Student Services and the Black Student Union have organized a month full of events that they hope will build a sense of community. Although February is almost gone, the events are still coming strong. The lineup for the later part of the month begins tonight with a poetry and art show at 7 p.m. in the AASS offices on the first floor of Mesa Vista Hall.

Source: Daily Lobo

For the first time ever, there is a Mr. and Ms. Black UNM. Before a packed SUB Ballroom Saturday evening, UNM's Black Student Union deemed Kevin Walton and Vanessa Kidd the most deserving of the titles from the three men and four women who sought the crown. "It's a great feeling to be appreciated," Walton said, waving his shiny king's scepter and adjusting the oversized crown on his head. "It turned out well." UNM's Gospel Choir began the event with the Negro National Anthem before BSU chairwoman Nikiyah Gill introduced the five-judge panel of UNM faculty and staff that faced the task of naming the University's royalty.

Source: Daily Lobo

About 300 African-American high school students from across New Mexico visited the campus Thursday to see what UNM is all about. Scott Carreathers, director of African American Student Services, said African-American Student Day is organized to expose students to post-secondary education and the University. The event has been held annually since 1980. "We keep registration records from the event, and we do get a lot of African-American students that come to UNM," he said.

Source: Daily Lobo

Jay Tillman and I would like to respond to the letter written by Daily Lobo reader Brandon Curtis. His analogy of comments made by Tillman and myself about the return of Sigma Chi to the UNM community was taken out of context - this is not the issue, anyway. Tillman and I have a difference of opinion concerning the return of the fraternity; however, our issue is not with the UNM chapter of Sigma Chi, but with the culture of Sigma Chi as a national organization. This fraternity has a very long and deeply rooted history of racism, sexism, homophobia and acts of violence against women. In September 2003, the Duke University chapter of Sigma Chi held a party in which the fliers were made to look like expired green cards, T-shirts were handed out with a picture depicting a drunken Mexican and a mock border patrol checkpoint was set up. This party was held three days before Mexican Independence Day. This is one of the many things you can find out just by searching "Sigma Chi, racism" on Google.

Source: Daily Lobo

Josef Powdrell remembers what it was like growing up in segregated West Texas hearing the N-word tossed around lightly. "As a child, I was called the word by people who ran grocery stores, people who ran movies, people who shopped at stores," he said. "Now you have a generation that wants to take a word that endears negativity, inferiority, servitude and tries to turn it into a positive."

Source: Daily Lobo

Students met in the SUB Tuesday to discuss at length a word so controversial, few will say it out loud. UNM's Black Student Union held its second N-word Luncheon on Tuesday, where a panel broke down the issues surrounding the word and its usage.

Source: Daily Lobo

The building, home to the three ethnic centers, hasn’t been renovated since the 1980s, said Veronica Mendez-Cruz, El Centro de la Raza director. She said as part of the renovations, the building would have one centralized ethnic center instead of each having its own location.

Source: Daily Lobo

The Nu Tau Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was chartered April 19th 2010 by Anne-Sophie Fankam (not pictured), Glennasba Augborne, Stacy Johnson, Stacy Adjoku and Lezlee Landry (not pictured).

Source: (Source: Dannelle Kirven, Nu Tau, SPR 16 )

The fundraiser, organized by the Black Student Union and NMX Sports, will benefit NMX Sports’ project, Warehouse 508, and help Albuquerque’s youth, said D’Andre Curtis, BSU’s president. Also an intern at Warehouse 508, Curtis said he saw a pile of old sporting equipment in the warehouse basement and decided to use it to make an event. “I was just cleaning the cages and happened to have a brilliant idea,” he said. “I mean, why not sell it, get a few shillings, and put it towards something good?”

Source: Daily Lobo

GPSA Representative Talal Saint Lot (left) and Black Student Union President D’Andre Curtis don homemade signs to protest the Board of Regents’ proposal to raise student fees and tuition. About 100 students, faculty and community members attended the protest, which was hosted by ASUNM and GPSA.

Source: Daily Lobo

On March 1, black student Dominic Calhoun received a racist note on the door to his room in Coronado Hall. The note, which was drawn on his roommate’s dry-erase board, depicted an image of a stick figure man drawn in black ink with a noose leading from the figure’s neck to the word “N****r.” Calhoun, who is an exchange student from the University of California—Santa Cruz majoring in Africana studies, said he did not expect to be discriminated against in a supposedly liberal campus community.

Source: Daily Lobo

UNM has revamped efforts to increase its black student population. In the last 25 years the black student population at UNM has hovered around 2.8 to 3 percent of the overall student population, with no real efforts of targeted recruiting in place, said Scott Carreathers, director of African American Student Services. Carreathers added that only about half of all black students on campus use AASS, which he said has made outreach and retention for black students extremely difficult.

Source: Daily Lobo

The Gamma Zeta Gamma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. was chartered August 13th 2014 by Justin Alexander, Davilay Wells, Christopher Blanks and Allan Stone.

Source: (Source: Dannelle Kirven, Nu Tau, SPR 16 )

The Tau Phi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. was chartered April 13th 2014 by Rebecca Montoya, Neigelle Francisco, Teresa Woods, Shayla King, Lyndsay Stapleton, Bria Broussard, Monica Payne, Letia Lewis, Latisha Roybal, Yeshemabet Turner, Alyssa Fason and Ashley Davis.

Source: (Source: Their Plot)

The Black Student Union staged experiments modeled after the popular TV show “What Would You Do?” by creating a scenario where actors of different genders and races argued in a public place about race. “We wanted to uncover the hidden racism ... It is not in your face. We are trying to unpack natural, hidden racism that actually happens every day but most people don’t realize that they do it,” BSU President Jacklyn Asamoah said.

Source: Daily Lobo

In the wake of numerous deadly encounters between police and African Americans across the country, an intense national debate has been raging about the intersection of police brutality and race. Last week UNM students joined the conversation by inviting black police officers to share their experiences on the front lines of this battle. On Feb. 19 the UNM Black Student Union held a conference titled “Do You Know Your Rights?”, an event held in conjunction with Black History Month featuring a panel of African American police officers answering various questions about law enforcement issues and the difficulties of being both an African American and a police officer, or being “black and blue.”

Source: Daily Lobo

The meeting was arranged to discuss the action recommendations made in the African-American/Black Climate Review Report in 2011, and the implementation of those recommendations by the University administration. The meeting was attended by top university brass including Provost Chaouki Abdallah, Vice President of Enrollment Management Terry Babbitt, Vice-President for Athletics Paul Krebbs and Associate Provost for Faculty Development Virginia Scharff.

Source: Daily Lobo

The Rho Iota Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. was chartered April 30th 2016 by Dwaine Radden, Derrick Radden, Samuel Eze, Cheynne Dorsey, Patrick Reed, Nicholas Kemp and Matthrew Hill.

Source: (Source: Delino Lewis, Rho Iota, SPR 18)

Shyla Lavalle hopes to focus on black womanhood and awareness of black mental health in her 2018 campaign as Miss Black USA in preparation for the pageant this August. Lavalle, a third-year University of New Mexico student majoring in Public Communications and Africana Studies, received her title and crown as Miss Black New Mexico in August of 2016 and has held the position since. Her original campaign was based on the platform of promoting black womanhood and awareness of environmental distress, she said. Lavalle said she feels her original campaign platform could have focused more on promoting the empowerment of black youth in Albuquerque and volunteering with them.

Source: Daily Lobo

Dannelle Kirven, a junior studying communication and journalism and criminology, helped create this initiative. The idea to create this community began in 2015 after “complaints of black students about insensitive comments they faced while living in different residence halls,” Kirven said. She said black students did not feel a sense of community in residence halls, because they did not feel welcomed or comfortable. “They needed an environment where they could truly feel themselves,” Kirven said. The idea took so long to come together, because people in support of it had to meet with a variety of different people to make it a reality, she said.

Source: Daily Lobo

The Black Student Alliance (BSA) of the University of New Mexico has rejected an apology sent to them from the University of New Mexico Gamma Beta chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma (KKG) sorority in regards to racial comments made by KKG members at the New Member Summit for Greek Life. Members of BSA issued a response statement rejecting the apology, because the letter they received is the same as another letter sent to Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., an historically African-American serving fraternity. Both letters were concerning the comments made KKG members.

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“When we were in the workshop with (UNM Police Department), everyone was quiet and attentive and respectful,” Morgan said. “This group of girls, who were in the back, were literally mocking (McIver) the whole time.” Eventually, the comments from the group began to take a racial tone. The BSA statement stated that members of KKG also said, “Black people get away from me.” One member reportedly was so upset that he began to shake.

Source: Daily Lobo

“We talk about things that you’re not going hear in any other space on campus. No one else is going to talk about Mike Brown, Eric Garner, Sandra Bland — the Black Student Union cares about those topics,” said Dannelle Kirven, Vice President of BSU. “No one else is going to talk about prison incarceration rates, criminalization and stereotypes.” In addition to the discussion of important topics surrounding the African-American people in America, BSU offers a space to have fun with fellow members. Students in BSU watch movies, play games and take part in other activities to create a positive space for those who are a part of the community.

Source: Daily Lobo

The BLC was created to be a welcoming and inclusive living space where Black students can share their experience of navigating academia while establishing community. Choose BLC in Coronado Hall and celebrate Black heritage and culture.

Source: Residence Life & Student Housing | The University of New Mexico. (n.d.). Black Living Learning Community. Living Learning Communities

The University of New Mexico postponed its scheduled weekend game against Air Force after Nahje Flowers, 21, died on Tuesday. The news came on Tuesday morning in a press release from the University of New Mexico football program. The brief didn’t include the details of Flower’s passing but included quotes from head coach Bob Davie and athletic director Eddie Nuñez expressing the team’s sadness.

Source: Daily Lobo

“This incoming group of senators is going to be a lot different from the senators we’ve seen from years past,” Biederwolf said. “So many people talk about how ASUNM is so greek-oriented, and I think the numbers show for themselves that this incoming group really does impact every population on campus — and that’s all I really wanted going into this year (as President).” Despite changes in senatorial representation, voting trends appear to be harder to change. 961 students voted in last year’s ASUNM election, the lowest participation in fourteen semesters. Although 1,053 students voted this semester, some students voted only for senate candidates or the constitutional amendment.

Source: Daily Lobo

PMES seeks to unify and support black women through scholarship and community involvement. This includes a solid network of women who share the same passion towards education, professionalism and promoting academic and personal growth. For PMES, one way to do this is to give back to Albuquerque’s community. “The scholarship is given to a young lady attending a local high school, that exemplifies herself as positive role model to young black women as well as her overall community,” said Miracle Luster, president of PMES and UNM pre-med biology/Africana Studies major. “The scholarship aides in paying for her dress, ticket, dinner, etcetera.”

Source: Daily Lobo

Around 500 people filled the ballrooms in the Student Union Building to attend Pearson-Wharton’s talk: “When Intent Doesn’t Equal the Impact: Healing Relationships in the Wake of Offense” on Wednesday evening. Pearson-Wharton said her goal was to give the attendees the tools to effectively apologize and to recognize their own privileges, and recognize what to do in uncomfortable situations arising around race, gender and sexuality.

Source: Daily Lobo

The conference, subtitled "Blackness Unchained," was focused around "Radical Self-Care.” It included several workshops throughout its two-day duration with a concentration on mindfulness techniques. It also included seminars on leadership and community capacity building. The largest gathering of people was the Friday luncheon featuring Ericka Huggins, a "Black Panther Party member, political prisoner, poet and human rights advocate," according to a conference press release.

Source: Daily Lobo

Kirven held a variety of different leadership positions — President of Zeta Phi Beta sorority and President of the Black Student Union (BSU). Since the fall of 2015, she held a work-study position in the computer lab of African American Student Services (AASS), but she recently started working there as a professional support intern. "Just becoming a part of something that is bigger than yourself, accomplishing a goal and getting support from all types of different people," Kirven said. "Even people who were not part of my organization welcomed me to Greek life, and it really molded me into the leader I am today."

Source: Daily Lobo

On Aug. 27, perhaps the most famous football player ever to wear the cherry and silver uniform of the University of New Mexico posted an incendiary screed on Instagram denigrating NBA players’ brief strike of playoff games in protest of police brutality and structural racism. The players’ boycott was in response to the police shooting of 29-year-old Jacob Blake, a Black man, in Kenosha, Wisconsin on Aug. 23. Blake is paralyzed from the waist down, according to his lawyer, and remains hospitalized as of the publication of this article.

Source: Daily Lobo

In a time where social justice issues are constantly in the news and at the forefront of our minds, the new podcast “Re-Educated” helps process these concerns and looks at ways to better uplift the Black community. This podcast was released by the New Mexico State Office of African American Affairs on Sept. 17, and is available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Source: Daily Lobo

The Black Student Alliance (BSA) at the University of New Mexico is focused more than ever on the necessity of diversity at UNM. The organization has already gotten to work alongside the start of a largely online fall semester amid the coronavirus pandemic. The BSA is open to all Black students but mainly consists of leadership from other African American student organizations on campus. Its mission is to tackle oppressive issues that affect all of UNM, according to member Ricardo Hill.

Source: Daily Lobo

The Xi Eta Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. was re-chartered March 28th 2020 by Jezarae Van Zile, Yashira Ortiz and Odelle Brown.

Source: (Source: XI Eta Instagram: @xietasgrho)

The sorority was first founded on Howard University’s campus in response to the want for a sister chapter to the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity and an overall desire to champion educational and service-based pursuits for the black community. Since its historical conception with only five female founders, Zeta Phi Beta has grown considerably while celebrating significant firsts; for example, the sorority was the first to charter a chapter in Africa.

Source: Daily Lobo

Richard White is a man of many accomplishments with a life story full of determination and dedication. Even after becoming the first Black person in the world to achieve a doctorate of music in tuba performance, White said his greatest accomplishment was coming to the University of New Mexico, where he has the ability to make a difference in others’ lives. The journey he took to get where he is today was no smooth path. As a boy, White found himself unhoused on the streets of Baltimore, fending for himself. White had to imagine luxuries like a warm blanket and full stomach just to get through the night until he was eventually taken in by a local family. This may have saved his life, but the tuba is what shaped his legacy.

Source: Daily Lobo

Black Lives Matter (BLM) and racial justice took center stage at the University of New Mexico’s Africana studies Black History Month kickoff brunch with guest speaker Melina Abdullah, a professor and former chair of Pan-African studies at California State University, Los Angeles. Abdullah was among the original organizers of the BLM movement in 2013 and is a co-founder of the Los Angeles chapter.

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Brianna Edey is the current president of the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) and the University of New Mexico chapter of Zeta Phi Beta sorority. When asked about what makes the “Divine Nine” —a collective of historically Black Greek letter organizations, with eight of the nine active at UNM — unique compared to other organizations, she narrowed it all down to its rich history. “In fact, our (individual) organizations were created because we weren’t allowed in existing councils,” Edey said.

Source: Daily Lobo

The pandemic created the necessity for wholly virtual events, but the team at the Fro readily accepted the challenge. “It was very difficult and easy at the same time for our office because we’re a very creative group … we like to go above and beyond so even if it meant shifting our hours from the traditional 8-5 to doing 10-6 or even after six to accommodate students — we did that,” Dannelle Kirven, a student success specialist at the Fro, said Future programming for February covers a wide variety of topics that students can engage with. Upcoming events include: “Verzuz Afro Staff Edition: Patricia vs. J” on Feb. 12, “RAW Tuba Talk ft. Dr. Richard White” on Feb. 18 and “The Bigger Picture: Hip Hop and the BLM Movement ft. Dr. Lakeyta Bonnette-Bailey” on Feb. 25.

Source: Daily Lobo

Music, dance and empowerment floated through Albuquerque as Burqueños showed up to celebrate Juneteenth over a three-day period at Civic Plaza. The event, entitled “To a Higher Ground,” lasted from June 18 to June 20. Juneteenth commemorates the announcement of the emancipation of enslaved people in America on June 19. The holiday originated in Texas in 1865, when the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation was applied after the end of the Civil War.

Source: Daily Lobo

Intensely passionate about mentoring students, Kirsten Pai Buick is ready to lead Africana Studies as director at the University of New Mexico. Africana Studies, which was voted to move to department status by the Faculty Senate last week, will teach undergraduate students and, eventually, graduate students.

Source: Daily Lobo

As one of the few Black female professors in the University of New Mexico art department, Stephanie J. Woods is making her mark nationally and internationally as an artist representing her culture. Now an assistant professor in interdisciplinary art at UNM, Woods has traveled all over the world as an artist, winning awards and participating in residencies and fellowships along the way. Woods is a multimedia artist and works with a variety of different formats, including sculpture, textile, photography, video and more. She also partakes in community-engaged projects.

Source: Daily Lobo