Donna Brazile, a political commentator, author and adjunct professor at Georgetown University urged young black people to become engaged in politics and called on young women at UNM to become leaders.
The New Orleans native spoke in front of about 300 community members, UNM students, faculty and alumni Saturday at a luncheon in the SUB ushering in Black History Month.
“We need more women to blaze the path,” she said. “To create new opportunities and to help us keep moving forward. Why you? Because there’s no one better. Why now? Because tomorrow is not soon enough.”
Brazile recounted the achievements of black women such as Rosa Parks, Ida B. Wells, Mary McCleod Bethune, Harriet Tubman and Oprah Winfrey as examples of black women who broke through social restraints to become leaders in society.
Kyran Worrell is a senior pursuing a degree in Africana studies. She said Brazile is a modern woman challenging modern-age racism.
“(Brazile) embodies what perseverance, ambition and determination is for black men and women,” he said. “The reality is, although we are in 2012, racism still exists. For us to see her achieve and progress is inspirational.”
Sonia Rankin, professor and associate director of Africana studies, helped coordinate the event this year along with professor Alfred Mathewson, interim director of the program, and others. Rankin said Brazile is unique in that she has been successful in so many fields.
“There are few black women in the United States today who have the kind of reach that (Brazile) has had,” Rankin said. “Being that she’s been the ground breaking woman for so many opportunities in politics, history and culture, we decided that we would like to hear her perspective,” she said.
Charles Becknell Jr., Ph.D. and part-time instructor at the program, said the luncheon boosts awareness of Black History Month.
“It’s good to see Africana Studies host an event that has the ability to reach a broader audience simply by bringing in someone with national and international exposure to bolster the standing of the Africana Studies program.”
Rankin said Black History Month began as Negro History Week and was started by Carter G. Woodson as a way to discuss the black experience in a positive way.
“It’s used as an opportunity for the nation to pause and reflect on the black experience and, by extension, across the world,” she said.
Rankin said the first brunches were held in the mid-80s by Shiame Okunor Ph.D., director emeritus and part-time instructor of Africana studies. Okunor wanted an event that formally recognized Black History Month in New Mexico, Rankin said. In the past, the event hosted speakers such as Cornel West and Maya Angelou.
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For more details on events celebrating Black History Month, visit www.nmblackhistorymonth.com
