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CONNECT  |  Wednesday,  Feb. 4  |  Message from the VP

Message from the Vice President

 Flag Raising Photo

Greetings Student Affairs,

Happy Black History Month!

In 2026, we are proud to join Lobos across campus in honoring 100 years of Black History Month. What began in 1926 as Negro History Week, founded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson as a corrective to erasure, has grown into the vibrant, joyful, and expansive celebration we know today. This evolution was fueled not only by scholars and community leaders, but also by Black collegiate activism, where students across the country demanded fuller stories, deeper truths, and space to celebrate Black life beyond struggle alone.

At UNM, we recognize Black History Month as both remembrance and rejoicing as we honor legacy while amplifying Black communities past and present. This year, African American Student Services is excited to present “The ABCs of Black History," an intentional return to the basics. Our programs will follow an alphabetical order of engagement and will extend through the whole semester. 

Some exciting programs to be on the lookout for include:

  • I is for Innovate - featuring a dynamic student panel on hair, creativity, and identity, alongside the grand opening of our Afro Hair Shop.
    • Thursday, Feb. 12
    • 2-3:30 p.m.
    • SUB Lobo A&B
  • L is for Lorde/Morrison- a poetic immersion honoring the words, wisdom, and literary power of Audre Lorde and Toni Morrison.
    • Thursday, Feb. 18 
    • 2 p.m. 
    • Afro Lounge
  • O is for Overcome - a dinner with students about intentional allyship.
    • Thursday, Feb. 26
    • 6 p.m. 
    • More details to come

Throughout the month, we invite you and your students to engage with these programs and experience Black History Month as a living, breathing celebration of community, innovation, and belonging. As we commemorate 100 years, we are reminded that Black history has always been about telling the fuller story- one that includes joy, love, resistance, innovation, and excellence.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we celebrate together.

With appreciation,

Brandi Stone, PhD

Director, African American Student Services