All of Us Together: Black History Month and A Year of SONKE in New Mexico
Check out UpLift Chronicles' guide to Black History Month events happening in Albuquerque and throughout New Mexico in 2025.
by Shannon Yvonne Moreau
“Access to knowledge is the superb, the supreme act of truly great civilizations.”—Toni Morrison
Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future
New Mexico Black Leadership Council’s annual theme for 2025 is SONKE—Sharing Our Narratives, Knowledge & Experiences. "Sonke," meaning "all of us" in Zulu, encapsulates our shared journey, uniting New Mexico’s richly diverse communities. This and every year, NMBLC recognizes that each of our stories is a work in progress, connecting the past to the present and shaping our future.
We will be Sharing Our Narratives, Knowledge, and Experiences, highlighting how each individual story adds depth to the collective. Together, our voices weave a tapestry of resilience, heritage, dreams, and hopes—stories that build authentic connections and strengthen our communities. Let us come together to listen, share, and find strength in the unity of all of us during 2025 and beyond.
UpLift Chronicles’ Guide to February Festivities
Black History Month starts Saturday, Feb. 1. NMBLC’s UpLift Chronicles has compiled a rundown of celebrations happening in Albuquerque and around New Mexico. Keep scrolling for the current events listing, followed by a preview of NMBLC’s monthly events for the year.
Stay Updated with Our Event Calendar
Continue to check our events calendar for new Black History Month event deets as they come up.
2025 BHM Celebrations Across New Mexico
Black History Month at UNM: Jan. 29-Feb. 28, Albuquerque, UNM Campus
Lobos Respect Black History: Celebrating Our Roots
Event Details: https://afro.unm.edu/events/index.html
Black History Month Exhibit, Feb. 1-28, Albuquerque, National Museum of Nuclear Science & History
Learn about the groundbreaking accomplishments of Black scientists.
Event Details: https://nmblc.org/events/black-history-month-exhibit-at-nuclear-museum/
Hearing Our Voices, Reading Our Words, Saturday, Feb. 1, 1pm, Albuquerque, Rudolfo Anaya Library
Honoring Black authors of New Mexico, featuring poet Dr. Doris A. Fields and children’s book author Charlia Boyer.
Event Details: https://nmblc.org/events/hearing-our-voices-reading-our-words/
Culture for Service, Service for Humanity: A. Phillip Randolph and the Black Freedom Struggle, Saturday, Feb. 1, 4pm, ONLINE
Join this conversation highlighting labor activist and freedom fighter A. Philip Randolph.
Event Details: https://nmblc.org/events/culture-for-service-service-for-humanity-a-phillip-randolph-and-the-black-freedom-struggle/
Freedom Hair Movie Screening, Saturday, Feb. 1, 5pm, Albuquerque, Open Space Visitor Center
The Office of Black Community Engagement presents Freedom Hair, a film about one woman’s journey to change laws that targeting hair braiders and preventing natural hair stylists from owning a company.
Event Details: https://nmblc.org/events/freedom-hair-movie-screening/
Kool & the Gang, Saturday, Feb. 1, 8pm, Albuquerque, Route 66 Casino
Have a blast at Legends Theater with iconic R&B, soul, and funk band Kool & the Gang.
Event Details: https://nmblc.org/events/kool-the-gang/
The Chocolate Factory Presents: Club Noir, Saturday, Feb. 1, 9pm, Albuquerque, Albuquerque Social Club
Enjoy a show of jazz, funk, and soul featuring an incredible ALL-BLACK cast.
Event Details: https://nmblc.org/events/the-chocolate-factory-presents-club-noir
Ailey II, Sunday, Feb. 2, 3pm, Albuquerque, Popejoy Hall
“The Next Generation of Dance” is a vibrant “extended cultural community” that’s not to be missed.
Event Details: https://nmblc.org/events/ailey-ii
The Vice President’s Black Wife: Julia Chinn and the Story of Black Women’s Labor, Thursday, Feb. 6, 4pm, ONLINE
Join Association for the Study of African American Life and History’s fascinating conversation with award-winning historian Amrita Myers.
Event Details: https://nmblc.org/events/the-vice-presidents-black-wife-julia-chinn-and-the-story-of-black-womens-labor
Vigilance: The Life of William Still, Father of the Underground Railroad, Saturday, Feb. 8, 12pm / noon, ONLINE
Join the National Museum of African American History and Culture and Professor Andrew K. Diemer for an in-depth look at the life of a New Jersey-born abolitionist.
Event Details: https://nmblc.org/events/vigilance-the-life-of-william-still-father-of-the-underground-railroad/
Black Moms Art Healing Circle, Saturday, Feb. 8, 12:30pm, Santa Fe, Many Mothers Family Center
Register to join writer, artist, and priest Tintawi Kaigziabiher in worshipping the Divine Feminine through the art of waist beading.
Event Details: https://nmblc.org/events/black-moms-art-healing-circle
Kids’ History of Hip-Hop with Oriana Lee, Saturday, Feb. 8, 2pm, Santa Fe, Southside Library
Local artist, educator, MC, poet, and performer Oriana Lee breaks down the history of hip-hop for the kids!
Event Details: https://nmblc.org/events/kids-history-of-hip-hop-with-oriana-lee
The Power of Indignation: Richard Wright, Black American Novelist, Saturday, Feb. 8, 2pm, Santa Fe, Main Library
Author Darryl Lorenzo Wellington recreates the life and times of Richard Wright and then takes questions.
Event Details: https://nmblc.org/events/the-power-of-indignation-richard-wright-black-american-novelist/
New Orleans Songbook, Saturday, Feb. 8, 7:30pm, Albuquerque, Popejoy Hall
Jazz at Lincoln Center presents a production that revels in the spirit of Mardi Gras.
Event Details: https://nmblc.org/events/new-orleans-songbook/
Tracy Morgan, Saturday, Feb. 8, 8pm, Santa Fe, Buffalo Thunder
Don’t miss your chance to see comedian Tracy Morgan, known for his work on “Saturday Night Live” and “30 Rock,” live in New Mexico.
Event Details: https://nmblc.org/events/tracy-morgan/
The Little Tulips, Hob Goblinson, Kai Warrior, Sunday, Feb. 9, 8pm, Albuquerque, Sister Bar
NMBLC’s own social media assistant Kai Warrior opens this evening of local folk and rock music.
Event Details: https://nmblc.org/events/the-little-tulips-hob-goblinson-kai-warrior/
Black History Month Bingo, Thursday, Feb. 13, 6pm, Albuquerque, Nexus Brewery
Michael Lynn Hertz and Avery Martini host this all-ages FREE event.
Event Details: https://nmblc.org/events/black-history-month-bingo
R.E.S.P.E.C.T., Thursday, Feb. 13, 7:30pm, Albuquerque, Popejoy Hall
Enjoy all your favorite Aretha hits, including “Think,” “Chain of Fools,” and “Respect” plus many more at A Celebration of the Music of Aretha Franklin.
Event Details: https://nmblc.org/events/r-e-s-p-e-c-t-a-celebration-of-the-music-of-aretha-franklin
Frederick Douglass’s Birthday, Friday, Feb. 14, the United States of America
Read more here: https://nmblc.org/happy-birthday-frederick-douglass
Love and Luther: the Music of Luther Vandross, Friday, Feb. 14, 6:30pm / 8pm, Albuquerque, African American Performing Arts Center
Albuquerque’s finest musical artists honor the romantic musical achievements of Luther Vandross.
Event Details: https://nmblc.org/events/love-and-luther-the-music-of-luther-vandross/
Kids’ History of Hip-Hop with Oriana Lee, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2pm, Santa Fe, Main Library
Local artist, educator, MC, poet, and performer Oriana Lee breaks down the history of hip-hop for the kids!
Event Details: https://nmblc.org/events/kids-history-of-hip-hop-with-oriana-lee-523/
We Will Rest! with Tricia Hersey, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 7pm, ONLINE
Join Nap Ministry founder Tricia Hersey for a reading from her new book, We Will Rest! The Art of Escape.
Event Details: https://nmblc.org/events/we-will-rest-with-tricia-hersey
Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Friday, Feb. 21, 7:30pm, Albuquerque, KiMo Theatre
Take in the torch-bearers of New Orleans jazz.
Event Details: https://nmblc.org/events/preservation-hall-jazz-band
Kids’ History of Hip-Hop with Oriana Lee, Saturday, Feb. 22, 11am, Santa Fe, Le Farge Library
Local artist, educator, MC, poet, and performer Oriana Lee breaks down the history of hip-hop for the kids!
Event Details: https://nmblc.org/events/kids-history-of-hip-hop-with-oriana-lee-523-526
Gladys Knight, Saturday, Feb. 22, 8pm, Albuquerque, Isleta Resort and Casino
See seven-time Grammy winner Gladys Knight, known for "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" and "Midnight Train to Georgia," right here in Albuquerque.
Event Details: https://nmblc.org/events/gladys-knight/
Electric Voices: A Celebration of the Culture, Sunday, Feb. 23, 3pm, Albuquerque, Electric Playhouse
New Mexico Black Student Alliance’s Black History Month eEvent features speakers, vendors, a DJ, free food, and a chance to play in the Electric Playhouse’s interactive exhibits.
Event Details: https://nmblc.org/events/electric-voices-a-celebration-of-the-culture/
Hip-Hop is Resistance: The Future of America, Thursday Feb. 27, 6pm, Albuquerque, UNM SUB, Ballroom C
Join UNM African American Student Services for a Black History Month keynote featuring Kevin Powell in an interactive conversation about hip-hop’s role in Black culture and how it can inspire collective progress.
Event Details: https://nmblc.org/events/hip-hop-is-resistance-the-future-of-america/
Afrofuturism with Santa Fe Prep, Friday, Feb. 28, 11am, Santa Fe, Main Library
Explore a curated pop-up featuring exhibits, dance, and an artist talk by Breshaun Joyner’s Afrofuturism honors class.
Event Details: https://nmblc.org/events/afrofuturism-with-santa-fe-prep
