Black History Month a time for reflection and for rejuvenation

There comes a point in every child’s life when he or she first learns of the sin of slavery in America. While it’s a jolt to all children, those of us who are not African American can only imagine the dismay felt by young Black children when they first learn that their ancestors were dehumanized under the U.S. Constitution and state laws.

That’s what makes Black History Month so important, and unique. We are a melting pot of diversity, a nation with a history of wrongs and rights, but it should go without saying that one of the greatest wrongs of this American experiment was its treatment of Black Americans.

The New Mexico Office of African American Affairs is hosting a virtual series every Friday this month highlighting New Mexico through a Black lens. It’s a perspective from which we can all learn something.

Following last week’s kickoff, the second part of the fourpart series, “The Strength of Black Veterans in New Mexico,” begins at 2 p.m. today. It will highlight the stories of brave African Americans who risked their lives in U.S. military service. The third part, “The Different Aspects of Black New Mexico,” will begin at 2 p.m. Feb. 19, followed by the final segment, “History on Wheels: Virtual Tour of the Black Mobile Museum,” at 2 p.m. Feb. 26. To register for any part of the series, go to www.oaaa.state.nm.us.

Amy Whitfield, the director of the Office of African American Affairs, notes Black History Month “is a time to reflect, honor and celebrate the individuals who have worked diligently for the freedoms of African Americans.”

And New Mexico has a long African American history many may not know, dating back to even before Albuquerque was founded in 1706, when Black settlers came to what was then called “Upper New Spain.”

And before it was a state, New Mexico became a refuge for many former slaves or free Blacks.

There was female Buffalo Soldier Cathay Williams, the first Black woman to enlist in the U.S. Army. She enlisted under the pseudonym William Cathay and posed as a man during the American Indian Wars.

There’s Fred Simms, a Black law clerk in Albuquerque’s prestigious Rodey Law Firm, who cast the deciding vote to locate UNM in Albuquerque. According to a 2005 Journal article, Simms took notes for a committee of the Territorial Legislature charged in the late 19th century with picking the site for UNM. When the committee vote deadlocked between Santa Fe or Albuquerque, Simms cast the deciding vote.

There’s Clara Belle Williams, the first Black student to graduate from New Mexico College of Agriculture & Mechanic Arts, now known as NMSU. Williams enrolled in the university in the fall of 1928, but it took her until 1937 to receive her bachelor’s degree in English as she took courses during the summer while teaching elementary school in Las Cruces.

There’s poet Anita Scott Coleman, who was raised on a ranch near Silver City and wrote award-winning essays, stories and poems for national magazines. Long before it was fashionable, Coleman wrote about issues impacting Black women, such as employment discrimination, White supremacist violence and segregation.

There’s also the rise and fall of Blackdom, a town run by African Americans in southeastern New Mexico. Georgian Francis “Frank” Boyer founded Blackdom about 20 miles south of Roswell in the early 1900s. The town was intended to give African Americans a chance at a self-sustaining life and the opportunity to build wealth as farmers, ranchers and business leaders. But due to drought and the Great Depression, it was all but abandoned after about 30 years.

And there’s the history being written by contemporary African Americans. The Office of African American Affairs is accepting nominations through March 26 for its Everyday Hero’s Award, which honors those who contribute to improving the lives of African Americans in New Mexico. Nominations can be made at www.oaaa.state.nm.us.

Community organizations from around the state are hosting events and initiatives this month in celebration of Black History Month. Information is at www.oaaa.state.nm.us, or call the Office of African American Affairs at (505) 383-6222.

This month, as every day, we should reflect on the wrongs committed in the past and renew our resolve the American dream does not discriminate.