In honor of Black History Month, KTAL Radio will be broadcasting its first feature produced for the new series Las Cruces Stories. The 12-minute story profiles Mr. Clarence Fielder, a beloved and dedicated teacher who grew up in Las Cruces and taught for many years in the public schools and in the Department of History at NMSU.
“We are extremely proud to be producing this series, and to feature Clarence Fielder as our first Las Cruces Story,” explained Executive Producer Nan Rubin. “Mr. Fielder’s history as an educator and his influence as a mentor was a wonderful inspiration we wanted to share.”
He especially enjoyed sharing the early history of the African-American community of Las Cruces, which centered around his own experiences as well as those of his parents and grandparents. Mr. Fielder was also instrumental in restoring the Phillips Chapel CME Church, founded by his grandparents Ollie and Daniel Hibler, which served as a school during segregation and was named to the National Register of Historic Places as the oldest existing African-American church in New Mexico.
The concept for Las Cruces Stories was suggested in the 2020 Las Cruces Public Arts Master Plan. When KTAL invited people to contribute story ideas about “interesting local people and places, historical figures, cultural objects, or colorful events” the station received more than two dozen creative and unique topics.
“The suggestions we received were remarkable both in their relevance and in reflecting local diversity,” continued Ms. Rubin, “We believe Las Cruces Stories will be an exciting way to tell many inspiring stories that will illuminate some of the richness in our local culture and history.” At least three more stories will be produced by summer.
Air times on KTAL Radio 101.5 FM are:
Sunday, 2/14 at 2 p.m. right after The Moth Radio Hour
Wednesday, 2/17 at 5 p.m. after Democracy Now
Tuesday, 2/23 at 9:00 a.m. after Café Con Leche
To hear the Las Cruces Story: Mr. Clarence H. Fielder, visit the KTAL Radio website https://www.lccommunityradio.org/lcstories.html Or Radio Que Tal on Facebook
Send comments and story ideas to <[email protected]>
This project is supported in part by New Mexico Arts, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, and by the National Endowment for the Arts.
Posted by LasCruces.com
