February marks Black History Month, a time to celebrate the stories, creativity, and lasting impact of Black communities. Across Albuquerque, local organizations are hosting events that invite you to learn, connect, and celebrate through art, music, conversation, and shared experiences. From powerful performances to thought-provoking programs, these gatherings honor the past while uplifting voices shaping the future.

Events happening around the city to commemorate Black History Month:

• January 31^st at 10:30 am – 41^st Annual Black History Month Kickoff Brunch at The UNM Student Union Building Ballrooms: Keynote by Nichole Rogers, who is the first African American woman elected to the Albuquerque City Council. The theme is “Rooted in Legacy, rising in Purpose: The Power of Participatory Change.” Get tickets here.
• February 14^th at 11:00 am – Black Embodied Healing Space: This event offers mindfulness and somatic practices, as well as community healing for Black/African/African American identifying community members. It is hosted by Giovianna of Saff’s Sanctuary LLC, who is a certified Integrative Trauma practitioner. Register here.
• February 17^th at 7:00 pm – Ronnie Baker Brooks at Fusion Theatre: Brooks is Chicago blues royalty and the son of legendary Blues Hall of Famer Lonnie Brooks. Get tickets here.
• February 18^th at 7:00 pm – Ladysmith Black Mambazo at the Kimo Theatre: Founded by Joseph Shabalala, Ladysmith Black Mambazo is an internationally recognized group that sings a traditional music style called isicathamiya which originated in the mines of South Africa. Get tickets here.
• February 19^th at 5:00 pm – Third Thursday at the Albuquerque Museum: February’s Third Thursday honors Black History Month by celebrating creativity, community, and the power of collective support. Enjoy hands-on artmaking, special tours, and a dynamic performance by Wassa Wassa featuring live West African drumming and acrobatic dance. Throughout the evening, browse marketplace offerings from the Ujima Collective and enjoy a stroll through the museum’s exhibitions. More details here.
• February 20^th at 7:00pm – Cedric Burnside at The Bridge at Santa Fe Brewing: Burnside is a Grammy Award and National Heritage Fellowship-winning blues artist. He will be singing Hill Country blues, influenced by artists like his grandfather, RL Burnside. Get tickets here.

View the New Mexico Black Leadership Council Calendar and UNM Health Science websites for more events throughout New Mexico.

This blog is presented by the ABCD Committee