Celebrate Black history in New Mexico with events in health and wellness, cultural vibrancy, and positive youth development.
Here at the New Mexico Black Leadership Council, we believe Black history is not something that happens just once a year in February and then goes away. In New Mexico, we celebrate Black history all year with ongoing events designed to inspire and enlighten. From the Black health and wellness townhall through the visionary Roots Summer Leadership Academy, we build partnerships and band the community.
One of the new projects NMBLC is most excited to share this year is the True New Mexico photo exhibit. This is a collaboration with the New Mexico Asian Family Center (NMAFC) and is part of this organization’s ongoing mission to bust the tricultural myth. If you missed the online event, check out the gallery here: https://truenm.com/gallery
Mark your calendar for the upcoming ABQ Artwalk Pop-up on May 7th. Read on to make your plans for the year round New Mexico Black History Festival.
Invisibility Syndrome Workshop
Invisibility Syndrome: A psychological experience where a person feels that their personal identity and ability are undermined by racism
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
The New Mexico Black Leadership Council is proud to have hosted the Invisibility Syndrome Workshop, presented by the concept’s creator, Dr. Anderson J. Franklin. “Invisibility Syndrome” is defined by Dr. Franklin as a psychological experience where a person feels that their personal identity and ability are undermined by racism in ways big and small.
“This was a very valuable presentation, really appreciated the breakout sessions to hear everyone’s thoughts as well. NM is a multicultural state!”
— Invisibility Syndrome Workshop Attendee
Two tracks were offered: one for mental health providers, with CEUs available, and the other for the community.
The programming was supported by NM Bernalillo County Behavioral Health Initiatives, Behavioral Health Training and Education Services Grant.
We are excited to bring more innovative workshops centered on mental health in the future.
“Before determining what that person is like find out first hand who they are.”
— Invisibility Syndrome Workshop Attendee
True New Mexico Artwalk Pop-up
Friday, May 7, 2021, 5-9PM
A collection of self-portraits from young Black & AAPI New Mexicans
The True NM collaboration between the New Mexico Black Leadership Council (NMBLC) and the New Mexico Asian Family Center (NMAFC) brings together a collection of self-portraits from young Black & AAPI New Mexicans looking to dismantle the tricultural myth. The tricultural myth is the idea that Hispanics, Indigenous, and LatinX people live together in harmony. This false belief erases the reality of oppression that many New Mexicans still experience, and ignores the existence of Black and Asian American/Pacific Islander people in the state.
“Combating erasure can feel like an uphill battle, but it starts with teaching our history. It also starts with all marginalized New Mexicans being loudly and unapologetically ourselves. It starts with us learning about our culture, our history, and having conversations like these. We can only teach history if we learn it and care about it ourselves.”
— Raine F. (They/Them/Theirs), TRUE NM Artist
This evocative Photovoice project gives youth from the groups often overlooked as an integral part of the New Mexico citizenry a chance to speak up about their experiences. The digital exhibit was held on April 25th. In case you missed it, you can view photos of the artwork here: https://truenm.com/gallery
Meet the young artists in person and support their amazing work on May 7th at the pop-up happening as part of ABQ Artwalk. Stop by any time between 5-9PM at the Secret Gallery located at B Ruppe Drugstore on 807 4th Street SW.
Racial Reckoning: True Equity in Mental Health
Wednesday, May 26, 2021, 9AM – Noon
Take part in an opportunity to build a better and more inclusive mental health system in New Mexico and the United States. The New Mexico Black Leadership Council, with support from the Bernalillo County Behavioral Health Initiative, presents the “Racial Reckoning: True Equity in Mental Health Townhall” virtual event. We’re spearheading this convening about mental health in New Mexico from the Black and Indigenous People of Color perspective. Dr. Jamal Martin of the University of New Mexico will discuss current epidemiology and Dr. Michael Lindsey, NYU and editor of “Ring The Alarm: The Crisis of Black Suicide in America,” will be the Keynote Speaker. Participants will have the chance to delve deeper into this topic in panel discussions, as well as qualify for Continuing Education Credits (CEUs).
Keep up with the updates for the Racial Reckoning here: https://nmblackhistory.nmblc.org/
Roots Summer Leadership Academy
Sunday, July 11 — Friday, July 30, 2021
The Roots Summer Leadership Academy (RSLA) is NMBLC’s flagship 3-week summer learning program that uses the performing / visual arts and math integrated curriculum to engage youth during out of school time. In 2020, we created a hybrid online and in-person COVID-19 safe camp experience for 25 young people. We plan to do even bigger and better this year. RSLA recently expanded to an after-school program. In a partnership with Explora, Emerson Elementary students registered with the Boys & Girls Club can take part in the Roots Explorers Project (R.E.P.) for four weeks during the 2021 spring term.
This July, RSLA returns for the summer camp program. Registration begins May 4, 2021. To learn more about RSLA and to register, click here: https://nmblc.org/roots-summer-leadership-academy.