AfroFrontierism: Blackdom (1900 - 1930)
Timothy E. Nelson, Ph.D., Historian

FAQs

Blackdom and AfroFrontierism FAQs

Q: Where is Blackdom?

 

A: Blackdom Township, Chaves County, New Mexico; Roswell (20 Miles North), Dexter (10 Miles West), Roswell Correctional Facility (3 Mile South in Blackdom Commons).

Screen Shot 2019-09-19 at 9.20.16 PM.png

Image created by Timothy E. Nelson


Q: What happened to Blackdom?

 

A: The Great Depression ended the dual residency model Blackdomites used to thrive. Blackdomites lived and worked outside of Blackdom while communing as well as doing business in Blackdom. Beginning in 1929, the collapse of the financial markets lessened the opportunity to convene for business and gatherings in the townsite; yet, the town continued to produce royalties from the Blackdom Oil Company well after WWII.

Image by Timothy E. Nelson | The Blackdom Oil Company in Business after the great crash. 1930

Clipping Altered by Timothy E. Nelson |The Blackdom Oil Company in Business after the great crash. 1930

Interview with Frank Boyer confirming the oil royalty narrative.

Clipping altered created by Timothy E. Nelson | Interview with Frank Boyer confirming the oil royalty narrative.


Q: Where are the descendants of Blackdom?

 

A: The descendants of Blackdom are in New Mexico and have spread out throughout the United States, and some the world as part of larger patterns of migration. Dr. Nelson has even tracked some descendants to his home city of Compton, CA.

P. Carl Boyer, the Great, Great, Great, Grandson of Francis Marion Boyer works for the Compton Unified School District and is friends with Dr. Nelson on Facebook.

(Permission Received from Carl Boyer)

(Permission Received from Carl Boyer)


Q: What is Afro-Frontierism?

 

A: AfroFrontierism: The scholarly thought of Timothy E. Nelson, Ph.D. and coined termed in his 2015 dissertation; describes the idea of people of African descent reclaiming their own history and culture, and creating a new narrative that is based on their own experiences and perspectives. It is a way of challenging the dominant narrative of African history and culture, which has been shaped by colonialism and racism. It is a way of reclaiming identity and creating a new narrative based on their ambitions.


Q: How can I support Dr. Nelson’s research?

 
 

A: Find something to like, share and or comment on in Blackdom. The more dialogue the better. You can also support Dr. Nelson’s research by donating here, buying some merchandise, booking him for a speaking engagement, and sharing the story of Blackdom with others.

 
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Clipping Altered by Timothy E. Nelson | Start of the Revival


Q: Who was Mittie Moore?

 
 

A: She was the largest female landowner in Blackdom. Mittie possessed a lot of mystery on purpose, she was Madame, Bootlegger and Gunslinger who eloquently used the court system as her stage. She also understood the rights of her sovereign body and knew they did not have jurisdiction over her body.

 
Mittie Moore, Wilson 1919 Homestead announcement

Image by Timothy E. Nelson | Mittie Moore, Wilson 1919 Homestead announcement

Police Judge’s Docket (Photo by Dr. Nelson, Records courtesy of Southeastern New Mexico Museum)

Police Judge’s Docket (Photo and Image by Dr. Nelson, Records courtesy of Southeastern New Mexico Museum)

 

Speaking Engagements


Q: Where has Dr. Nelson presented his work?

 
 

A: Dr. Nelson presented his work at the #2019WHA (Western History Association) Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, and he and his team coordinated a panel for the #2020WHA’s first on-line Conference. Covid-19 provided several opportunities to share his work: Las Cruces Museum's History Notes, Museum of New Mexico Docents and Volunteers, New Mexico State University Chicano Studies, University of Northern Iowa, Harvard Anti-Racism Policy Journal, Black Professionals Charles Schwab Juneteenth and more. His past presentations can be viewed on our events page.


Q: What subjects does Dr. Nelson speak on?

 
 

A: Dr. Nelson presents his research on Blackdom and descendant land, as well as racial justice, intersectionality, African Diaspora, Ethnic Studies, Afro-Frontierism, and the revolutionary triad of intellect amongst Black Ministers, Black Freemasons, and Black Military men.


Q: How do I book Dr. Nelson for a speaking engagement?

 
 

A: You can inquire about booking Dr. Nelson for a speaking engagement here.


Dr. Nelson created Blackdom Clothing to create merchandise to illuminate an awareness of Blackdom and the Afro-Frontier®.

Blackdom Clothing Ltd Co. gives away more merchandise than it sells.


Shipping and Returns

Q: How long will it take to get my product?

 
 

A: Please allow 72-96 hours to process and ship orders. Orders will arrive in 7-14 business days (Monday-Friday) depending upon weather and address provided.


Q: What is your return policy?

 
 

A: We gladly accept returns for unworn, unwashed items, within 30 days of a customer receiving the item. Customers will receive an email once the return has been processed; all funds will be returned to the original form of payment. Book sales are FINAL.