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Lab marks Black History Month with talks, exhibits

In observance of Black History Month in February, the Laboratory will host two speakers and two exhibits about Black pioneers in the Southwest. The exhibits will be on display simultaneously beginning today through March 1 in the second- and third-floor lobbies of the Otowi Building at Technical Area 3.

The talks and exhibit displays are open to all Laboratory badge holders.

Charles Becknell Jr., research coordinator of the Charlie Morrissey Research Hall, a division of the African American Studies program at the University of New Mexico, will speak from 10 to 11 a.m., Feb. 12 in the Physics Building Auditorium at Technical Area 3.

Becknell's topic is "African American Pioneers of the Southwest." The exhibit is the same as the lecture title and will be displayed on the third floor of the Otowi Building.

To view a description of the Charlie Morrissey Research Hall, program and photos from the exhibit, go to http://www.unm.edu/~afamstds/hall.htm online.

Becknell identifies and interprets the historical presence of people of African descent in the Southwest by focusing on early exploration, ongoing struggles and the many contributions of the early settlers. According to Becknell, the talk and display will inspire people of European descent to acknowledge that the legacy of privilege and access that many enjoy is inherited from a unique set of circumstances.

Becknell received his bachelor's degree from the University of New Mexico in African American studies and political science; a master's degree from Clark Atlanta University in criminal justice administration; and is currently completing his doctoral degree from UNM in language, literacy and sociocultural studies.

Cortez Williams, president of C.W. Enterprises Inc., consulting firm, and professor emeritus after more than 23 years teaching on a full and part-time basis at UNM, will speak from 10 to 11 a.m., Feb. 19 also in the Physics Building Auditorium at TA-3.

Williams' topic is "Reconsidering The American West: Blacks in the West, 1100 to 1899." The exhibit is the same as the lecture title and will be displayed on the second floor of the Otowi Building.

More information about Williams' exhibit is on the African American Diversity Working group Web site at http://www.lanl.gov/orgs/dvo/aadwg online.

Williams has been a consultant for many governmental and educational institutions, such as public and private school systems, institutions of higher learning, businesses and divisions of continuing education. Williams will discuss the history of Africans in the west, documenting their exploration in the Southwest and Central America as early as 1100 AD.

Williams received his bachelor's degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in bio-chemistry and history; a master's degree from the University of Connecticut in Latin American history; and a doctorate of philosophy from UNM.   He also is currently pursuing a second doctorate from UNM in American studies in business and public administration.

Becknell and Williams will be available in the exhibit area at the Otowi Building to speak with Lab employees about their displays from 1 to 2 p.m. on the days of their talks.

The talks will be simultaneously broadcast over LabNet Channel 9 and can be accessed via the Internet using Real Media and IPTV technology.

The talks and exhibits are sponsored by the African American Diversity Working Group, the Diversity (DVO) Office and the Diversity Affirmative Action Board.

-- Kathryn Ostic

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