At the Asante Awards & Kumbuka Celebration we honor the archivists and photographers who tell the stories of Black / African American life in New Mexico.

In Swhalil, Asante means “thank you”.

2023 Asante Awards
Saturday, June 24, 2023
Fusion Theater – 708 1st St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Doors: 5:30 pm
Reception, Food, Drinks, Live Music & Historic Photography Gallery
Exhibit: 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm Awards Ceremony: 7:00 pm

At the event we will honor two local photojournalists / archivists and feature the works of Black photographers through a historic gallery exhibit.

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Recently retired Albuquerque Journal photographer Adolphe Pierre-Louis routinely won regional and state journalism contests. One first-place photo captured the aftermath of the shooting during the Oñate statue protest. Another showed the heart breaking toll of the COVID-19 pandemic through the face of a woman celebrating her 100th birthday behind a window. Adolphe’s commitment to justice is illustrated by his agreement with the state after a frightening incident with a New Mexico State Police officer. As part of his settlement, Adolphe forged a pact to speak to cadets at the police academy on unconscious bias.

Ronnie Wallace, editor of The Perspective magazine, is called “Mr. Albuquerque” by those who know him. Like photography giant Gordon Parks, Ronnie’s made it his mission to document the lives and culture of Black people. If something’s happening in the Black community, Ronnie’s there, camera in hand. He’s produced and preserved documents and content for over 40 primarily volunteer-led Black organizations in New Mexico. He’s also written for The Statewide Focus on the state of Black New Mexico.

At the event reception, enjoy live music, delicious food, a historic photo gallery

PLUS two interactive exhibits:

Kumbuka: The Living Archive
In Swhalil, Kumbuka means to “call to mind” or “to remember”.

Through Kumbuka: The Living Archive, we highlight personal histories shared as images from Black New Mexicans. Through this archive we show digital images that call you to remember who you are, where you are from, and how you exist in community.

These could be images of having dinner with your friends and family, going to an action, a snapshot of self love (yup, selfies are welcome), or your unique point of view of an ordinary moment.

Kumbuka: Remembrance
In Swhalil, Kumbuka means to “call to mind” or “to remember”.

Kumbuka: Remembrance is an opportunity to honor those who have transitioned from this realm to the next. We invite you to bring a photo of a loved one, family member, ancestor, a friend who you would like to honor at the event. There will be a dedicated space for you to leave your photographs and notes in honor of them before the start of the awards ceremony.

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