February is a time to celebrate and educate black history and culture. That is exactly what NMSU Black Programs and Student Black Association did through events, inviting the entire student community to join. 

 Zhul Library contain a powerful African America legacy. Dr. Hiram Davis, first black Dean of the university, championed the cause of a desperately needed new facility, that became reality in 1887, Zhul library. 

 In the time of Dean Davis led the university, he created alliances with The Associated Students of New Mexico State University to fund bonds for a new library building that met the growing standards of research and studies of the university. 

  “If hadn’t been for the work of Dean Hiram Davis probably wouldn’t even have this building (Zhul Library), he lobbied very hard.” said Susan Beck NMSU,  professor and librarian. 

 At the entrance of Zhul Library, Kiera King, Secretary of the Black Student Association, set up two different book displays featuring African American writers, where students can come and pick up a book throughout the month of February. 

  Tiffany and Christopher Brook are founders and directors of the B.E. Group. The group held auditions in the community to bring attention to the stereotypes regarding African Americans and the more dense black history. The Colored Museum performance was written by the Broadway Director George Wolfe, and it is meant to redefine what it means to be black in contemporary America.  

  The Colored Museum performance took place along the installations “Four Sites of Return by Kijesha Breeze, which is an exhibition of black, indigenous, and people of color with anonymous masks, paintings, and sculptures—all with the purpose to demonstrate dismissed black history in the past. The exhibition will remain on view until Mar. 5 inside Devasthali Hall. 

The month-long celebration will conclude with two events that are being hosted by the NMSU Black Student Association and Black Programs. 

 An African drum and dance education performance which features dancers from the NMSU Dance Program in the Department of Kinesiology will be held at​​ Rentfrow Hall on Feb. 24. Registration is required on the Crimson Connection website. 

 The Black Student Program will conclude with the 70’s themed roller-skating party for NMSU students, faculty, and staff. Finally, at the Spot Family Entertainment Center, all are welcome to celebrate the music and fashion of black culture. Free admission and skate rental for the first 50 people to register. 

Black history month is more than just celebrating a race, it is about learning and celebrating diversity. According to College Factual website NMSU Main Campus have diversity rank of #628 out of 3,514 total schools in the ranking. NMSU overall diversity is higher than the national average, although there is still room for improvement around diversity.