Kimberly Sanchez Rael, Chair of the Board of Regents at the University of New Mexico | The University of New Mexico
Kimberly Sanchez Rael, Chair of the Board of Regents at the University of New Mexico | The University of New Mexico
The University of New Mexico now houses two collections of historical items highlighting the contributions of Rev. Charles Becknell, Sr., Ph.D., and Harold Bailey, Ph.D. These materials are accessible to researchers at the Center for Southwest Research.
The items, donated in 2022, were significant enough to allow for the funding of assistantships for two graduate students. Hakim Bellamy and Carlyn Pinkins spent two years processing and learning about the collections.
Hakim Bellamy expressed his admiration for Dr. Harold Bailey's life, stating, “If ever asked what kind of life Dr. Bailey lived, I would say 'a life of service.' He didn't just talk about it, he lived it." Carlyn Pinkins noted, "A few of the things I learned... is that he’s a direct descendant of Capt. William Becknell, the founder of the Santa Fe Trail."
Rev. Becknell played a vital role at the University of New Mexico as the founder of the Africana Studies Department and held several leadership roles in various organizations. He was appointed by Governor Jerry Apodaca as Secretary of Criminal Justice Planning and later founded the New Mexico Chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and the Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.
The Rev. Charles Becknell collection includes documents and newspaper clippings addressing issues related to race and politics. The collection contains materials from his tenure in the New Mexico State Cabinet and his time as a pastor and educator.
Dr. Bailey's impressive academic career was rooted in the University of New Mexico, where he obtained degrees in health and physical education, special education, and American studies. He worked to ensure equitable treatment for scholar-athletes and was an advocate within the community, serving in roles such as a certified diversity trainer and president of the Albuquerque branch of the NAACP.
The Harold Bailey Collection features a wide array of items, including policy papers and recognition awards from his public career. Significant events chronicled in the collection include the University of New Mexico Athletic Boycott and the establishment of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Observance in New Mexico.
The Center for Southwest Research invites those interested in these collections to visit during public hours and request access to the materials in the reading room.
Alerts Sign-up