Omega Psi Phi Fraternity is holding its annual High School Essay Contest for 2022. Enter to win cash awards for college.
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Nu Rho Chapter invites college-bound high school seniors to enter the 2022 high school essay contest. Three levels of college scholarship awards are possible with this contest.
The local winner will receive a $500 scholarship.
That winning essay will be entered into a district competition for the chance to win scholarships ranging from $100.00 to $500.00.
The district-winning essay will be entered into the international competition for the chance to win one of four scholarships ranging from $1,000.00 to $5,000.00.
The topic of the essay is
A world crisis has caused a paradigm shift for health disparities and social justice; what are your suggestions for positive change?
All essays must be submitted via email to omegaessaycontest@gmail.com no later than midnight Mountain Time on October 21, 2021.
NMBLC is hosting Pamoja, the first run/walk through the International District neighborhood in Albuquerque on Sunday, September 25.
The New Mexico Black Leadership Council (NMBLC) invites you to the Pamoja 5k Race for Equity. Join our neighbors in the International District of Albuquerque for a walk around the block or a run through the neighborhood. The race goes through the heart of the most diverse part of the city.
What Is Pamoja
“Pamoja” is Swahili for “better together” and that’s how we work to impact our communities. The goal is to bring people together to spotlight community resiliency.
The Pamoja Race for Equity is free. You don’t have to get pledges or collect money to participate. This event isn’t about raising money. It’s about meeting people, learning the neighborhood, and getting your fitness on.
Pamoja Event Details
When: Sunday, September 25, 2022, 8am to 11am.
Where: NMBLC Office at 1258 Ortiz Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108.
The Pamoja 5k Race for Equity is for the whole family! We have a 5k race for experienced runners. We have a 1 mile route for those who like to walk. And we have a special 1k lap for kids and seniors.
The 5k Race start time is 9am. The route begins at the NMBLC office and loops the neighborhood twice, heading east from Ortiz, south down San Pedro to Gibson, then back up San Mateo, and finishes on Ortiz.
The Community 1 Mile Walk start time is 9:45am. The route begins at the NMBLC office and circles the nearby blocks of Anderson and Ross.
The Kids K Walk & Run for kids and seniors start time is 10:15am. The route begins and ends in the event hub lot between San Mateo and Ortiz.
Sponsors and community organizations will be on deck with snacks, refreshments, and information on upcoming events in the community.
Whatever your running experience, age, or speed, Pamoja has a place for you.
NMBLC’s August open house launched the UpLift NM Initiative and brought organizations and the community together in Albuquerque’s International District.
The New Mexico Black Leadership Council (NMBLC) hosted an open house to announce the launch of the UpLift Initiative. The UpLift NM program serves New Mexico’s Black/African American communities and all residents of the International District in Albuquerque, New Mexico. NMBLC and partners have been collaborating on this project for over a year. At the open house, we finally got to share UpLift with the community.
The UpLift Open House was on August 16th, 2022 at the NMBLC office on 1258 Ortiz Dr SE in Albuquerque. Many local organizations set up information booths to share the services they offer. The rooms and hallways bustled with community members getting to know one another.
Emergency Rental Assistance and Housing Stability
The UpLift Room was a hub of reps and resources. NMBLC’s in-house legal counsel Chris Elam shared the resources available for those facing eviction and loss of housing. The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) can help eligible applicants financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic pay rent and utilities.
UpLift NM Open House UpLift Legal and Street Team OfficesUpLift NM Open House Chris Elam Legal CounselUpLift NM Open House NM Center on Law and PovertyUpLift NM Open House Chisholm Table Crew
COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence
The New Mexico Department of Health gave away free at-home COVID-19 tests and had the 411 on COVID-19, Monkeypox, and vaccinations. Dr. Duane Ross answered questions one-on-one about the vaccine and health in the Black/African American community. Bianca Cowboy of D.O.P.E. Services (Dedicated Outreach and Prevention Education) helmed a table of tools for preventing ailments such as sexually transmitted infections and drug overdoses.
One of the rooms screened the Digital Stories collaboration. Story creators Tracy Dingmann and Alfondso Thompson shared their frightening experiences with COVID-19 in the days before the vaccine.
UpLift NM Open House NMDOH TableUpLift NM Open House D.O.P.E. Services TableUpLift NM Open House Digital Stories Creators Tracy Dingmann and Alfondso Thompson
The New Mexico Black Voters Collaborative (NMBVC) had information on voting and voter registration. Several NMBLC and NMBVC members are registration agents and will be ready to help people register to vote for the upcoming election.
UpLift NM Open House NMBVC
Educational Resources
Newt Robinson of the Community Mentor Network recruited mentors to tutor middle school students. Librarians from the new International District Library signed people up for library cards and talked to parents about the activities and resources available for kids and teens. The New Mexico Humanities Council showcased their magazine, programs, and grants, and editors from the Albuquerque Journal handed out newspapers and made contacts with the community.
UpLift NM Open House Community Mentor NetworkUpLift NM Open House International District Library TableUpLift NM Open House NM Humanities Council TableUpLift NM Open House Albuquerque Journal
Mental Health Resources
One of the exhibits showcased Taraji P. Henson’s Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation (BLHF). The Empire and Hidden Figures star’s goal is to break the silence around mental health in the Black/African American community and lift the stigma so people can get the help they need.
UpLift NM Open House Mental Health Awareness Taraji P. Henson Display
Fun and relaxation were part of the program, too! A game and play area was set up for kids and one of the rooms was reserved for free ten-minute massages with massage therapist Sue Lunsford.
Capping off the program was an appearance by actress Regina Taylor (I’ll Fly Away, Lovecraft Country) who’s the voice behind our ambassador Glamma Bibi.
UpLift NM Open House Glamma Bibi PosterUpLift NM Open House Actress Regina Taylor
The UpLift program is for you and all your neighbors in the International District. Come find out more at (505) 407-6784 or https://nmblc.org/uplift/. See below for even more photos from the UpLift Open House.
UpLift Open House AttendeesUpLift NM Open House AttendeesUpLift NM Open House AttendeesUpLift NM Open House State Senator Harold Pope Jr.UpLift NM Open House APD SE CommandUpLift Open House Catered by Joy Lynn Hertz
Photo Credit: Photos were taken by Shannon Moreau and Robert Leming
Join us in welcoming the latest Black owned businesses in New Mexico to join the NMBLC online listing!
Industries represented on this list of New Mexico Black owned businesses include alternative health and wellness, massage therapy, and financial consulting. Check out the latest listings below and then go to our online directory to view even more companies and proprietors. If you want to submit your Black owned business, go to the online directory and complete the quick and easy form!
A Nu Feel’N Myofascial Pain Center LLC, myofascial trigger point, neural reset & licensed massage therapist. Albuquerque. Website: https://anufeeln.massagetherapy.com/
KaizenRhino Solutions International Consultancy, Financial Education Consultant. White Sands. Website: https://www.krsi-19.com
OMA Medical Aesthetics, Medspa/Alternative Health & Wellness. Albuquerque. Website (coming soon): https://www.omamedicalaesthetics.com Contact (in meantime): omamedicalaesthetics@mclark
Are you a New Mexico Black owned business? Join our online directory by filling out the form below:
University of New Mexico celebrates the start of the new academic year with UNM Welcome Back Days.
The University of New Mexico kicks off Welcome Back Days on Friday, August 19, 2022. The fun-filled week of activities runs through the following Friday, August 26. Keep reading for a rundown of the events at UNM welcoming new and returning students.
Friday Night Live
When: Friday, August 19, 7–10pm
Where: Student Union Building
Activities planned are casino games, photo booths, henna tattoos, karaoke, laser tag, Lobo teams, dance, and free food every half hour.
Class Crawl Campus Tour
When: Sunday, August 21, 2022, 5pm
Where:Cornell Mall
First-year students have the chance to print out class schedules and get help finding their classes on a campus tour. The starting point is outside on the Mall north of the Student Union Building. The tour starts after the Freshman Convocation.
Movie on the Field
When: Sunday, August 21, 8pm
Where: Johnson Field
The summer hit Top Gun Maverick will be shown outside on Johnson Field starting at 8:00 pm.
President’s Ice Cream Social & Departmental Information Day
When: Monday, August 22, 10am–2pm
Where: Duck Pond
Students can start the first week of classes with ice cream served by UNM President Stokes and University Administrators. Booths will be set up with information about campus programs, services and resources. The ice cream and live music start at noon.
Safety, Health, Wellness and Recreation Day
When: Tuesday, August 23, 10am–2pm
Where: Duck Pond and SUB Mall
The Safety, Health, Wellness and Recreation departments are giving safety demos, hosting recreational activities and discussing healthy living alternatives. Free watermelon sponsored by UNM Children’s Campus will be given out at noon. Live music starts at noon.
UNM Communities Day
When: Wednesday, August 24, 10am–2pm
Where: Duck Pond
UNM’s Ethnic, Black/African American, Women’s, Veteran, and LGTBQ Centers along with other culturally-based and student organizations will be on deck talking about their programs. Live performances start at noon. Free green chile stew and Pepsi products will be available starting at noon until gone.
North Campus Welcome Back Day
When: Wednesday, August 24, 11am–2pm
Where: Lawn Southeast of Domenici Center
The North Campus Welcome Back is held at the lawn just southeast of Domenici Center along Marble Ave. Information booths will be set up and free watermelon and free Pepsi products will be given out until gone.
Student Organization Day
When: Thursday, August 25, 10am–2pm
Where: Duck Pond
ASUNM Student Government leaders and 200 student organizations, including African American Student Services, will be represented to talk about all the great ways to get involved with communities on campus. There’ll be live music from 12–1pm. Free Pepsi and Dion’s Pizza will be given out starting at noon until gone.
African American Student Services Welcome Back BBQ
When: Thursday, August 25, 5pm
Where: Mesa Vista Courtyard
African American Student Services is back with their Welcome Back BBQ. Activities feature food, a live DJ, and a step show! This is also an opportunity to learn about campus resources and make community connections.
Campus Employment and Community Service Day
When: Friday, August 26, 10am–2pm
Where: Duck Pond
University departments will be on site hiring students for work study and student employment positions. Community organizations will be recruiting volunteers. The UNM Alumni Association will serve free coffee and donuts from 9am until gone, and free Pepsi products will be served over the noon hour. There’ll also be live music from 12–1pm.
Congratulations to all the new and returning college students!
Celebrate the Launch of the UpLift Initiative at the NMBLC Open House.
The New Mexico Black Leadership Council (NMBLC) is hosting an open house to announce the launch of the UpLift Initiative. UpLift serves New Mexico’s Black/African American communities and all residents of the International District in Albuquerque, New Mexico. NMBLC and partners have been collaborating on this project for over a year. Now it’s time to share UpLift with the community.
What is UpLift?
UpLift is a multi-year initiative focusing on long-term community resiliency in Albuquerque’s International District and in the Black/African American communities. This project is sponsored in part by the Department of Health Better Together project (COVID Pandemic Equity Initiatives), Con Alma Health Foundation (Reimagining Black Communities in New Mexico), and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
The UpLift Street Team does personal outreach in the International District neighborhood. Members of the team go door-to-door, talking to residents about their needs and how they can be supported. One of the UpLift Street Team members, Will Williams, was featured in a recent edition of the Sunday Albuquerque Journal. Williams is a long time resident of the neighborhood and is giving back with street level work to improve the quality of life in the area.
“There are a lot of hard-working people in this community.”
After the Open House, head over to Frank’s Chicken and Waffles for Karaoke Night with Young Black Professionals of Albuquerque (YBABQ). The fun starts at 7pm and goes until 11pm. Frank’s Chicken and Waffles is at 400 Washington St SE, Albuquerque, NM, on the northeast corner of Washington and Zuni.
NMBLC’s Roots Summer Leadership Academy Class of 2022 celebrates its 10 year anniversary.
This year marked the 10th anniversary of NMBLC’s youth summer camp program, Roots Summer Leadership Academy (RSLA). The 2022 RSLA ran for three weeks in July, from the 10th through the 29th. This year, the arts and science based camp returned to the First Unitarian Church for the first time since the pandemic. RSLA utilizes visual arts, movement, voice, and drama to teach STEAM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Arts, Math) skills. At the same time, students learn social-emotional concepts to help them thrive in everything they do.
Watch the Roots Summer Leadership Academy sizzle reel for RSLA class of 2022.
The theme for this year’s camp was Sawubona. Sawubona is an ancient greeting in Zulu culture that means “I see you seeing me.”
Learn about the full meaning of Sawubona in the video below.
The 2022 RSLA Camp concluded with a Harambee celebration on Friday, July 29th, at the First Unitarian Church. The Albuquerque Journal featured this year’s Harambee in their Bright Spot series.
“It was amazing. I met a lot of new people, I got to learn new things, and art, and dance styles.”
— Josaiah Thompson. Source: The Albuquerque Journal.
Check out the photo gallery of all the fun at Roots Summer Leadership Academy 2022 .
Roots Summer Leadership Academy 2022 Cliffs FiveRoots Summer Leadership Academy 2022 ClassRoots Summer Leadership Academy 2022 Two Buddies ShirtsRoots Summer Leadership Academy 2022 Cliffs TwoRoots Summer Leadership Academy 2022 Two SmilesRoots Summer Leadership Academy 2022 Cliffs ThreeRoots Summer Leadership Academy 2022 Group
Read the article on the Roots Summer Leadership Academy Harambee in the Albuquerque Journal:
The New Mexico Black Leadership Council visited the new International District Library. Read more for all the great resources available for free with a library card.
The International District has a new public library! The International District Library is located on Central, east of Louisiana Blvd, in Southeast Albuquerque. For those of us who remember, it sits where the old Caravan East nightclub used to be.
Address: 7601 Central Ave NE Albuquerque, NM 87108 Phone: 505-768-4970
The new library is a great addition to the Southeast Heights. This part of Albuquerque is one of the most populated, yet had been served by one of the smallest library branches, the San Pedro Library. The new International District Library is 25,000 square feet. Its gorgeous and contemporary design was crafted by RMKM Architects. RMKM took input from folks at town halls and worked with Library staff and the City Architect to shape the final design. The result is a spacious and inviting multi-space building with lots of light and color.
International District Library Outdoor Garden and Seating
The main section of the library has 29 computers for the public to use, plus additional computers in the young adult and children’s areas. Study rooms and a conference room that seats up to ten can be reserved by the public via a library card. The first ever Multi-Gen Room is available for reservation and can host computer and language classes, adult literacy programs, and job training. The Jewell Community Room, named for civil and social justice leaders Bobbie and Tommie Jewell, holds up to 150 people. It can be booked by the community for a variety of activities. It’s especially great for dance rehearsals and performances, in honor of the Caravan East Nightclub. All reservations require an active library card.
International District Library Multi-Gen RoomJewell Community Room SignInternational District Library Community Room
The reading room is available for people to set up their laptops and work in quiet. The #youngadult room is perfect for doing homework and conducting group projects. In the children’s area, kids can read books, play with various games and learning activities, or listen to story time.
International District Library Reading RoomShelf in Young Adult Room at International District LibraryInternational District Library Children’s Room
The library encourages people to just kick back and relax. Cafe style seating is paired with an indoor hydroponic garden. Outside is another green seating area. An outdoor plaza will hold performances closer to the fall when the weather cools down.
International District Library Front Seating AreaInternational District Library Outdoor GardenInternational District Library View of Plaza from Inside
There’s even virtual reality equipment that will be used for upcoming gaming programs.
The new library’s hours are
Monday and Tuesday, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm Wednesday through Saturday, 10:00 am to 6:00pm Sunday, 1:00 pm to 5:00pm.
People lined up outside the door on the day of the library ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, July 9, 2022. The new library is a project that has been in the works since the early 2000s. Area manager Florence Sablan said that people are excited to have a beautiful place to come in and use the computer or read a newspaper. She said that during construction, people from the neighborhood would come up and say thank you for taking a chance on this location.
Libraries are one of the few safe spaces that are open to everybody.
—Florence Sablan, IDL Area Manager
The International District Library and all the other public libraries offer so many free resources and activities. All you need is your library card. With your library card, you can check out books and ebooks, listen to audiobooks, and jam out to music. You can use one of their computers, complete with internet access, for free. Also available are computer and tech classes, online video tutorials on several subjects, and free activities for kids and adults. Visit the new International Library and start putting your library card to good use.
First, get your library card
You’ll have access to all of the library resources with your library card. Library cards are free. To get your library card, complete the library card application and take it into your nearest library branch. Bring your current photo I.D. and proof of your mailing address. Head to the information desk and say you’re applying for your library card. Once your application is processed, you can start using your library card right away.
Check out books, ebooks, audiobooks, movies, and music for FREE with your library card.
With your library card, you can borrow books, music, audiobooks, movies, and more at any public library location. If the book you’re looking for is in the library catalog but not at your nearest branch, request it through Interlibrary loan and it’ll be sent to the library nearest you. If the book you want is already checked out to another library card user, put it on hold so that you’ll be in line for the next available copy.
When you first sign in to any of the apps, you’ll be asked to enter your library information. Select “Library or Group” and “Albuquerque Bernalillo Public Library.” Enter your library card number and PIN, check the boxes, and you’re in!
Use a computer and internet for free
The ABQ public library branches have computers available to the public for use free of charge. All you need is your library card and PIN. Free Wi-Fi, Microsoft Office, electronic databases, and LinkedIn Learning are on deck as well. Check with the information desk for help the first time you go in to use one of the computers.
International District Library Young Adult Room with Computers
Take computer classes
Anyone with a library card can take free computer classes and/or get one-on-one computer help. Call to make an appointment or register for one of the upcoming classes.
Learn how to do stuff with LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning is an online video tutorial-based continuing education platform. Many companies and corporations buy agreements with LinkedIn Learning to make the courses available to their employees. With your ABQ library card, you can access these tutorials for free! Subjects include marketing, grammar and writing, photography, social media, project management, web design, and more. Go to the link, enter your library card details, and start exploring.
The ABQ libraries website houses several online databases to help you with your research, whether it’s for a school paper, a manuscript, or a work project. Browse Encyclopedia Britannica, the Merriam-Webster dictionary, Consumer Reports, national newspapers like the Chicago Tribune and Wall Street Journal, and much more. This wealth of information is at your fingertips with your library card.
In addition to all of the online databases, use the LearningExpress Library for online tutorials, practice tests, and e-books for people of all ages. High school studies, college prep, career prep, and more are available on LearningExpress.
For K-5, the New Mexico State LIbrary offers Gale Info Bits. Short, easy-to-read articles on all kinds of subjects range from arts to sciences to geography.
International District Library Kids Area
Take part in the Summer Reading Program
This year’s summer reading program runs through July 30, 2022. All ages can participate. Register at a local branch or online and start logging your reading time. Audiobooks count, too! Enter the weekly drawing for prizes.
Search for royalty free images
The library is another source for free images to use in your event flyers, presentations, papers, blogs, mood boards, whatever. Image sources include British Library, DK Images, Getty Images, and National Geographic. To browse and download images, log in with your library card details.
Dig into your family lineage
The main branch of the ABQ public library holds the genealogy center. It has 12 public computers with Internet access for research into your family history. Library staff can help you get started. You can also register for free online classes taught by local experts in genealogy.
Reserve a meeting room
Do you need a place for your group to meet? Book one of the rooms at the public library. They have conference rooms for small groups and individual study. Reserve a room using your library card.
There are so many things you can do with your library card. A daily visit to the home page of ABQlibrary.org displays new and current events, courses, and resources. You can check out a free concert series, learn a new language, and download an ebook. There’s something for everyone at the public library. If you don’t already have your library card, apply for yours. And if your current library card is stuck in a drawer somewhere, dust it off and start using it now!
International District Library Front Entrance
Shannon Moreau is the editor for the NMBLC EQ Blog.
NMBLC ignites the Chisholm Table project with microgrants to five Black volunteer-led organizations in New Mexico.
One of the main guiding principles of the New Mexico Black Leadership Council is assets-based community development. This approach is about elevating and utilizing our strengths and assets rather than focusing on supposed lack and deficiency. NMBLC’s Chisholm Table initiative exemplifies this philosophy. The Chisholm Table is a component of our collective impact organizing strategy and communications infrastructure network. It’s designed to build operational capacity among Black, volunteer-led organizations. One way to support these organizations is through funding.
“If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.”
—Shirley Chisholm
NMBLC is launching the UpLift program, funded by a grant from the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH). Under the UpLift program, NMBLC and partners have created a one-stop resource hub to provide help, resources, and information for the community. As part of the UpLift grant to support long-term resiliency, NMBLC received monies to award microgrants to New Mexican groups serving Black communities. Utilizing these funds to fulfill a phase of the Chisholm Table project, NMBLC awarded microgrants of $20,000 each to five Black volunteer-led organizations in New Mexico:
With these grants, the organizations can focus on and bolster their efforts in line with their mission. This can be anything from recruitment and retention, public relations, technology upgrades, and outreach.
Browse the photo gallery of our cohorts receiving their microgrant checks!
Chisholm Table cohort Aja Brooks, President of the New Mexico Black Lawyers Association, receives microgrant checkChisholm Table cohort Jay Wilson of ABQ BLESS Fund receives microgrant checkChisholm Table cohort Mylette Clark of Beyond the Chair Initiative receives microgrant checkChisholm Table cohort Treven Williams of Nu Rho chapter of Omega Psi Phi receives microgrant check
Join us in welcoming the latest Black owned businesses in New Mexico to join the NMBLC online listing!
Industries represented on this list of New Mexico Black owned businesses include catering, farming, assisted living, and business services such as notary and background checks. Check out the latest listings below and then go to our online directory to view even more companies and proprietors. If you want to submit your Black owned business, go to the online directory and complete the quick and easy form!
