February 20, 2014 – Las Cruces, NM - On this edition of PUENTES, Emily Guerra bridges the community New Mexico State University’s Director of Black Programs, Dr. Festus Addo-Yobo. He is originally from Ghana, West Africa and was at the Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, Minnesota before joining NMSU in 2005. In 2013 he completed a doctorate in Educational Management and Development at NMSU.
Black History is celebrated during the month of February in the United States and Canada. It began as Negro History Week in 1926 to teach Black History in African American Communities. The name changed to Black History Month in 1970. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Dr. Addo-Yobo says that it is an occasion for us to remember the past, the present and the future.
Several events have been scheduled to celebrate and rediscover black culture in our community. On Saturday, February 21st, NMSU Fraternities and Sororities will a hold, “Step 4 A Cause,” a Greek and non-Greek Step and Stroll Competition for all ages at the Rio Grande Theatre from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Wednesday, February 25th, it is BSA Movie Night & panel discussion at NMSU’s Corbett Auditorium from 6 p.m. to 8:30 pm. Black History Month closes on Friday, February 27th with an Appreciation Dinner for Student Leadership at NMSU’s Golf Course dining hall from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Free admission to all events. For more information, visit – Black Programs New Mexico State University on Facebook.