About 200 people discussed their thoughts on black history and celebrated a new scholarship at the 17th Annual Black History Month Kickoff Brunch Celebration at the Sheraton Uptown Hotel Saturday.
The gathering featured the Women of the Calabash ensemble performance, a poetry reading by Doris Fields, guest speakers and the announcement of the annual Black History Month Kickoff Celebration Person of the Year.
The UNM African American Studies Program sponsored the event in conjunction with African American Student Services, African American Staff-Faculty Council, the Charlie Morrisey Research Hall and the Black Student Union.
"Black History Month gives us a time to reflect upon our achievements," said Letha Allen, event coordinator and department administrator for African American Studies. "The miles that we have covered and the miles ahead. We've come a long way, but we're still not where we should be."
Ron Hinson, president of the Charlie Morrisey Scholarship, welcomed the audience by inviting people to reflect on black history in America and the global African connection.
"Today is a day to reconnect ourselves to our stolen identity and our stolen values," he said of the celebration. "Today is an occasion to think and reflect on our illustrious African history.
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"We are reminded on this occasion of our global significance and that it matters that we are the keepers of a legacy of world-wide accomplishment."
Shiame Okunor, UNM director of African American studies made a surprise announcement, unveiling a new African American Studies' scholarship named in honor of Alfred Mathewson, associate dean of the UNM Law School.
"Shiame did not tell me he was going to do this," Mathewson said. "I feel very honored. One day, I think the full impact will hit me."
Doris Fields, from the Office of African American Affairs, read a poem she wrote called "Moving Rights," which she said celebrated black history and, specifically, some historic supreme court rulings.
After a short break for lunch, the Women of the Calabash performed traditional African songs from Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and Zimbabwe.
The Women of the Calabash ensemble combines a variety of African instruments and vocals in traditional song and dance of African descent.
Members include Madeleine Yayodele Nelson, Marsha Perry Starkes and Nirvana Buckley.
At the end of the event, Joe and Doris Matthews were selected as the co-recipients of the Kickoff Celebration Person of the Year for 2002.
Hinson presented them with a plaque that recognized the husband and wife team's "dedication to the education of the youth; the pursuit of justice, equality and peace; and their selfless and unfailing support of the black community - religious, political, and cultural."
David Cooper, a senior at Cibola High School, said that although he enjoyed the celebration, he is dissatisfied with the concept of Black History Month.
"I think black history should be celebrated every month," he said. " They try to pack all these events into one month. I think it limits the education of black history. What is that really saying if we're not presenting that history and that culture and living it every month?"
James B. Lewis, chief operations officer for the City of Albuquerque, stressed the importance of educating youth, not just black Americans, but all Americans, about the rich cultural history and the role blacks have played in shaping the country.
"When we talk about education, every individual in this country deserves a quality education," he said. "We have a mosaic here that is very diverse and we need to accentuate and respect all cultures and races because everybody can make a contribution."
Lewis said support of events such as the kickoff celebration is key in the education of Americans.
"The average person, as we talk to them, sometimes thinks African American History is only for African Americans," he said. "But we all live it every day of our lives. The key is to share it."
Lewis said he attended the event to show his appreciation for the contributions black Americans have made in the United States.
"In our country, a lot of times you don't read about it in the history books," he said. "This is why you have the emanation of ethnic studies types of programs. So the story can be told."
Audience members of all ages also shared their thoughts on black history.
"I tell my friends all about Martin Luther King and what he did for all the black people," said Terran Farrow, 8.
Lorraine Peniston, learning disabilities specialist in Student Support Services, said Black History Month is a good way to recognize unsung heroes.
"This is to celebrate the black heritage, not only in the United States but coming forth from Africa," she said. "There have been many great achievements by African Americans that have not been recognized.
"Like what hasn't been mentioned so far in the media is that one of the pilots that went down on 9-11 was African American. Information like that needs to be expressed."
In 1926, Carter G. Wilson established Negro History Week to educate and highlight the contributions of black Americans throughout history.
Negro History Week evolved into what is now Black History Month, which is celebrated every February.
