African American history to be celebrated at roundhouse

With the theme "Heritage of Hope, Legacy of Victory" serving as the backdrop, African American Day at the State Legislature will be celebrated today at the Capitol Roundhouse.

A Clovis delegation comprised of two busloads of students, as well as school district and city officials, is expected to join participants from across the state in descending upon Santa Fe in celebration of black history and culture in New Mexico. Former New Jersey Secretary of State Deforest Soaries is slated as the event's guest speaker.

"It's a great opportunity for students of all ethnic backgrounds to experience the culture of the African American community and learn about the contributions African Americans have made throughout the state of New Mexico," said Clovis resident Selmus Price, who serves as the area's primary point of contact for the African American Day at the Legislature committee. "We have a group of middle, high school and alternative school students who will be in attendance, with an added element of the program being each school selects a pair of students to serve as legislative pages. That's a great honor and they will be recognized on the floor of the House."

Lanthia Gillespie-Miles is Vice President of the African American Legislative Day Council.

"Our event is every two years in Santa Fe," she said. "It brings African Americans from across the state together. We're pleased to provide students with an opportunity to sit in chambers to learn how the legislative process works."

Gillespie-Miles said the event will also feature the culmination of the Alice Faye Hoppes Scholarship contest, with the scholarship winner slated to read the winning essay entry.

"Alice Faye Hoppes offered innumerable contributions to Albuquerque and the state of New Mexico," said Gillespie-Miles with regard to the late community organizer and civil rights activist. "This year we asked applicants to share their thoughts about one thing they could do in their community to enact change for the greater good. The contest has proven to be very competitive and a highly effective teaching tool."