info@nmblc.org
(505) 407-6784
1314 Madeira Dr SE
Albuquerque, NM 87108
About
- Home
- About Us
What This Logo Represents
Our logo represents who we are as a Black-led organization in New Mexico. We are proud of the Zia Sun Symbol that represents the four cardinal directions, the four seasons of the year, the four periods of each day (morning, noon, evening, and night), and the four seasons of life (childhood, youth, middle age, and old age). The center of the sun symbol stands for life itself.
With the utmost respect for the Zia Pueblo and the indigenous peoples of New Mexico, our logo pays homage to the symbol and combines it with Adinkra symbols from Ghana.
Adinkra symbols reflect general truths and convey traditional wisdom, aspects of life, or the environment. The symbol used at the center of the New Mexico Black Leadership Council logo is Adinkrahene, the chief of all Adinkra symbols, meaning “to act in a leadership role and inspire others.”
And finally, to fulfill our desire to promote true multiculturalism in New Mexico, we use the dots around the symbol to represent the ripple effects that one individual or one organization can have when there is both leadership and service.
The New Mexico Black Leadership Council North Star Goals are to:
- Promote True Multiculturalism in New Mexico
- See New Mexico at the Top of All the Good Lists!
- Change the Tricultural Myth
- Support Thriving & Vibrant Communities
Our Focus
Areas of Impact
We work in five (5) areas of impact: Positive Youth Development, Advocacy & Civic – Engagement, Workforce & Leadership Development, Health (Behavioral, Financial, Physical) and Cultural Vibrancy.
In order to have maximum impact in each area of interest, the NMBLC is working diligently to create an appropriate communications network infrastructure within our communities in order to mobilize effortlessly in times of joy and sorrow. In addition, we work with community organizations to develop a collective impact organizing strategy that allows the Black communities to come together to work on important projects in a way that celebrates the diversity within our communities and identifies areas of shared interest for research, new policy initiatives, and the development and continued support of established programs and services.
Cultural Vibrancy
Arts & Events Based Community DevelopmentMusic
Art
Historic Preservation
Annual NM Black History Festival & Events
February - September Annually
Health(Physical, Behavioral & Financial)
Our health is our wealth
Workshops, Conferences, Referrals &
Programs and Services
Workforce & Leadership Development
Annual Leadership Conference
Chisholm Table
Workforce Innovation Act Partnerships
Youth Entrepreneurship Opportunities
Advocacy & Civic Engagement
New Mexico Black Voters Collaborative
City, County, State Policy Initiatives
UpLift Initiative
Volunteer Opportunities
Positive Youth Development
Roots Conservatory Programs
For Isaiah Reading Empowerment
Roots Summer Leadership Academy
Roots Explorer Program
Omega Psi Phi Talent Hunt
Our Origin Story
In 2011, the New Mexico Black History Organizing Committee, founded by Cathryn McGill, formed a coalition of like-minded individuals who understood that Blacks in New Mexico had been historically excluded from the political, social and cultural landscape. A group of more than 20 organizations and 100 volunteers worked to create the first annual New Mexico Black History Month Festival in 2012 as a means to bring individuals and primarily volunteer-led organizations together to build and strengthen our communities from the inside out knowing that we have the ability to create long-term community resiliency in a manner that is about us, by and for all. The 2014 African American Economic Transformation (AACETS) Study laid the groundwork for the creation of the New Mexico Black Leadership Council in 2019.
Find out more about the 2014 African American Economic Transformation Study (AACETS). Read the Report Here.
Meet Our
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is comprised of community and national leaders with expertise in a wide range of areas. They contribute significant amounts of time, talent, and energy to ensure the growing vitality of NMBLC.
About the Director
Cathryn McGill
Founder and Director of the New Mexico Black Leadership Council.
Cathryn has been working in various projects in New Mexico since 1984 having held senior management positions at the City of Albuquerque and in several nonprofit organizations around the state of New Mexico. Cathryn is firmly committed to being a part of seeing New Mexico rise to the top of all of the “good lists’ in every area of NMBLC’s impact focus.
We plan to be a part of creating a New Mexico where “Everyone Belongs”.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
You may have some questions about our organization or services. Below are answers to common questions we hear.
Absolutely. All are welcome here. If you are interested in volunteering for events or working with us to advance some of our initiatives, please sign up using the NMBLC volunteer Sign Up Form and let us know what you’re interested in. We’ll move over and make a space for you.
We receive funding from public and private foundations, individual donors and government institutions. If you would like to make a donation or legacy gift to the NMBLC, please visit our Donations Page.
Yes, if you are looking for our IRS determination letter or more information about our organization, please review our Annual Reports and 990 Documents
Absolutely! We would not be who we say we are if we excluded anyone. We often say, “All who come without drama are welcome.”
We make every effort to archive all of our events. We normally post them on our YouTube Channel. Please subscribe to our YouTube Channel and follow us on Facebook or Instagram so you don’t miss another event.
Annual Reports
Our commitment to accountability and ethical practices is central to everything we do. We believe that because our donors and sponsors are truly partners, the use of their contributions should be administered in an open and transparent manner.
Annual Reports
- Financials 2020
- Financials 2021
- Financials 2022 - Coming Soon
Organizational Policies
- Donation Policies - Coming Soon
- Volunteer Policies - Coming Soon
Volunteering is engaging community
Volunteering is an important part of community life. Your donation of your time and talent helps to improve the lives of others and makes an impact. Contact us about volunteering opportunities.