You’ve probably heard New Mexico’s tricultural myth: the common misconception that the state’s culture is a harmonious blend of Indigenous, Latinx, and Anglo heritages. Setting aside this myth’s other inaccuracies, where does that fable leave the stories of African American and AAPINH (Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian) New Mexicans who are just as much a part of the tale?
Twelve young New Mexicans move the needle on that myth in the fourth annual True NM 2024 Sawubona Exhibition, taking place during this May’s Albuquerque Artwalk on May 3. The True New Mexico program, cosponsored by New Mexico Black Leadership Council and New Mexico Asian Family Center, is designed to combat racism by bringing young people together to share their stories with the community through art. The artists receive a stipend for supplies and to pay for their time, allowing them to focus on creating. But before the art gets made, the artists do a deep dive into their own stories and those of their wider communities.
“We asked the youth from the start. … What matters to you?” says Sarah “Zee” Azibo, program coordinator. “When you’re talking about anti-racism, what do you want to talk about? It’s been really powerful. [The youth artists] are the ones who made this what it is.”
Those discussions ranged wide and deep from February through April, through topics like affirmative action, equity vs. equality, intersectionality, othering, identity, and self-perception. As well as having those weighty conversations—facilitated by youth coordinators Kai Warrior and Ayami Nakanishi—True NM artists met with BIPOC guest artists and participated in activities: A shoe swap helped them learn deeply about the other youth in their cohort, a Downtown art walk led to reflection about representation in public art, and more.
The 2024 True NM cohort selected “Sawubona”—a Zulu term that means “I see you seeing me”—as this year’s exhibition theme. The True NM program does more than combat racism and the tricultural myth: It develops leaders by increasing participants’ self-esteem and awareness of themselves, their communities, and the wider world. You can be part of that development—by attending and supporting the True NM Exhibition, and by getting the kids in your life involved in other arts-based leadership development opportunities like NMBLC’s Roots Summer Leadership Academy (RSLA). RSLA helps youth develop self-esteem and leadership through interpersonal connection, STEM, arts, and social-emotional learning. Registration opened in April, so learn more and sign up at bit.ly/rsla2024.
Don’t take our word for the value of these programs in the development of the youth who will lead us into the future. In the words of 2024 True NM artist Isabella Park, “This is the first time I’ve ever had people that look like me and share the same cultural identities as me speak about the passions I share. … I was able to connect and process traumas and my own experiences that I didn’t realize were there.”
“Jazz is the Black American experience,” says Rodney Bowe, an Albuquerque upright bassist and jazz musician. “Very simply put, jazz came from us. We played it from the soul.”
According to Bowe, Albuquerque is “a great ground to get your feet wet.” Artists and listeners both benefit from jazz jams around town. Bowe, who teaches a class to prepare adult students to play in a jazz jam, says, “A jazz jam is open. It’s open to the public and, at the same time, it’s open to a novice as well as a master.”
Some of Bowe’s favorite local, regular jams include:
Ben Michael’s Restaurant on Tuesday nights from 7 to 10pm: 2404 Pueblo Bonito Ct NW, in Old Town
QBar Lounge at Hotel Albuquerque with saxophonist Alex Murzyn and pianist John Funkhouser, Fridays and Saturdays 6 to 10pm: 800 Rio Grande Blvd NW, in Old Town
Outpost Performance Space, located at 210 Yale Blvd SE, is a gem. Outpost hosts a jazz festival each summer, jazz shows throughout the year (like Diane Richardson’s Ella Fitzgerald tribute on April 18), and educational jazz programming. Check out their schedule at outpostspace.org.
For jazz in your own home, don’t miss the “All That Jazz” radio show on KUNM 89.9 FM at noon on Mondays. Listen online at kunm.org.
“You cannot be safe playing jazz because jazz is experimentation,” Bowe reminds us. “If you’re being safe in playing jazz, you’re not playing jazz.”
“There is so much feeling and depth, so much that’s connected to gospel songs that goes all the way back to slavery times.”-Aria Gaston.
When you ask Aria Gaston—a Las Vegas, Nevada-based singer-songwriter, vocal coach, and gospel talent—why gospel music is important to the Black American experience, she wants you to know that “there’s a reason we sing the way we sing” that goes all the way back.
Gaston points to the spiritual “Wade in the Water”: “That’s way old school, right? Come to find out … Those hymns were their own code.” It was illegal to teach enslaved people to read or write, so these coded songs—also known as map songs or signal songs—were important vehicles to communicate dangerous ideas and instructions. “Wade in the Water” instructed people fleeing slavery that they would need to travel through water to find freedom. Other songs like “Follow the Drinking Gourd” and “Steal Away” had their own meanings and were used regularly on the Underground Railroad. It’s said that “Sweet Chariot,” sung to let slaves know that they would be escaping soon, was Harriet Tubman’s favorite song.
Gospel still speaks to us today. “Gospel music is full of encouragement for ourselves. I feel like the depth of who we are is knowing in our hearts who God is, and that is why we are able to share such a strong message of hope: to tell people trouble don’t last always, and we are going to keep singing that until we are sweating,” Gaston explains.
If you’re looking for a chance to sing songs of encouragement and praise until you break out in a sweat, don’t miss the free One NM Gospel Concert on Sunday, April 28 at First Unitarian Church (3701 Carlisle Blvd NE) in Albuquerque. Gaston will be headlining, “creating a worshipful experience where people are changed and don’t leave the same.”
The One NM Gospel Concert is open to and meant for everyone. While the music may be deeply rooted in the Black American experience, Gaston is confident when she says, “Of course gospel can pull all races together.” She backs the statement up with years of experience singing to and with audiences of all stripes. “Gospel music has soul in it. People talk about how they can feel it. Whites, Blacks, [Hispanics]—it doesn’t matter who they are. When a person gets up there singing a gospel song, you’re gonna see tears running through their eyes.”
“Definitely, it will bring everybody together,” concludes Gaston. RSVP to attend here. Sign up for the choir here.
Imagine a single-parent household with three dependent children receiving a 30-day eviction notice in the dead of winter—not for failing to pay rent, but due to the property owners’ absolute discretion over lease renewals.
This scenario, sadly familiar to many New Mexicans, underscores a harrowing reality: despite prioritizing housing, numerous residents find the soaring costs of rental housing unmanageable. With 60 percent of International District residents spending over 30 percent of their income on housing and faced with rental prices between $1,200 and $1,700 for a modest two-bedroom apartment, their challenge is exacerbated by stringent credit and income eligibility criteria.
The Uniform Owner Resident Relations Act, the guiding document for landlord/tenant relationships in New Mexico, has seen proposed amendments consistently fail across four legislative sessions. This impasse points to a broader issue: the lack of a principled negotiation framework, as advocated in “Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In” by Roger Fisher, William Ury, and Bruce Patton. This approach could facilitate the realization of housing as a human right for all New Mexicans.
In the 2024 Legislative Session, House Bill 293 (HB 293), championed by District 19 Rep. Janelle Anyanonu, appeared to be a viable, win-win solution for all parties. With its innovative public co-signing program, HB 293 aimed to dismantle the barriers faced by individuals with credit and income challenges, offering a pathway to financial stability through comprehensive support services, including housing counseling and credit repair. Despite the bill’s potential and broad appeal, it failed, highlighting the critical need for flexible problem-solving within the rigid framework of legislative processes concerning housing rights.
The journey of HB 293 underscores the stark divide between the non-negotiable need for affordable, stable housing and the legislative hurdles that hinder its realization. The bill’s failure emphasizes the imperative for principled negotiation—leveraging mutual interests, options for mutual gain, and objective criteria—to navigate these challenges effectively.
We are indebted to Rep. Anyanonu, who has exemplified principled negotiation in her tireless advocacy for HB 293. Her dedication, commitment to New Mexico’s citizens, and acknowledgment of housing as a fundamental right reflect the leadership and vision necessary to tackle the housing crisis. Thank you for “Getting To Yes” so quickly, Rep. Anyanonu.
HB 293’s narrative, through the lens of “Getting to Yes,” illustrates that addressing this wicked problem requires not only strategic legislative efforts but also community engagement and support. By employing principled negotiation strategies and acknowledging the contributions of dedicated sponsors, we can and will advance policy alternatives to UORRA to ensure accessible, affordable housing for all New Mexicans—a collaborative endeavor underscored by the promise of impactful, negotiated solutions. In the prophetic words of songwriter Karen Carpenter, “we’ve only just begun.” Join us on April 11 for a meeting to demystify New Mexico’s complex legislative process. RSVP here for access to this hybrid event.
Jump into the driver’s seat with the New Mexico Black Leadership Council, Senator Harold Pope, Jr., Representative Janelle Anyanonu, and Representative Pamelya Herndon. Explore how citizens can steer change, navigate community needs, and accelerate transparent and effective change that’s all about the people, by the people, and for the people.
In the Oscar-nominated film American Fiction—which won the 2024 Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay—a Black author faces a downward career spiral. Thelonious “Monk” Ellison (Jeffrey Wright, nominated for Actor in a Leading Role) has his latest book rejected with a request he write something “more Black.” Meanwhile, fellow author Sintara Golden’s (Issa Rae) book We’s Lives in Da Ghetto is a bestseller and lauded as authentic.
Frustrated, Monk writes My Pafology, full of Black stereotypes and tropes, in response. He’s sure his critics will see the error of their ways and back off. The opposite happens—an editor loves the book and offers him beaucoup bucks. Monk grapples with what it takes for a Black creative to be successful, and whether that’s synonymous with “selling out.” The movie underscores the fact that, all too often, Black folks gotta do what we gotta do. There’s no shame in that, yet it takes its toll on health and well-being.
Director Cord Jefferson said that before he’d even heard of Erasure, the Percival Everett novel upon which American Fiction is based, he got a note from an executive about a script he’d written: to make his character “Blacker.” I’m reminded of Gabrielle Union’s cheerleading captain character Isis in Bring It On. The original script contained “Black” language that bore no resemblance to actual Black American slang. “I am not the most Ebonically gifted person, but I recognize a made-up word when I see it,” Union writes in We’re Going to Need More Wine. “I worked hard to make Isis a real character. It is interesting to me that when people reenact my scenes, they turn me back into that caricature the director and I consciously took steps to avoid. They snap their fingers and say, ‘It’s already been broughten.’” That “broughten” line isn’t even in the movie. Clichés often override reality, and it’s exhausting.
Monk’s lucrative offer for his joke manuscript comes in the middle of a crushing familial health and financial crisis. The situation’s not uncommon and it’s exacerbated for Black Americans by factors such as health disparities and the severing of opportunities to build generational wealth. Monk faces a hard choice: soul integrity or physical care. Is it really “selling out” when it’s about doing what it takes to provide for your family and survive?
Monk is psychologically and emotionally tormented, which impacts the relationships he needs to thrive as a Black creative. Given the ongoing effects of oppression Blacks have to deal with, it’s especially cruel to add the shame of “selling out” to a plate already spilling over with burdens. We all make tough choices in life, but we can balance them with compassion for ourselves and others. Give a nod: I see you, we’re in this.
Mental health is critical to thriving. Artistic expression is crucial for an evolving, conscious society. Despite pushback to be mainstream, palatable, respectable, and to “correctly” represent, it’s imperative that Black folks keep writing and telling our stories.
As Cord Jefferson said, “It’s up to the people who make art, the people who make culture, to remind us that actually we need to mend these issues or else we’re really in a lot of trouble.”
This article appears in Uplift Chronicles April 2024 International District Edition.
For nearly a decade now, 99.9 FM The Beat has transmitted adult contemporary R&B—spanning old-school classics of the 1970s to hits from the latest SZA album—along with local news, music and community programming over Albuquerque’s airwaves
Future Broadcasters founder and CEO Byron Powdrell has been immersed in broadcasting—from radio to television and back again—in Albuquerque since the late-1980s. What differentiates Powdrell from many in the industry is his combined experience in radio’s technical and engineering side alongside front-of-house programming. In April, Future Broadcasters launches its high school radio pilot project at Highland High School, to which Powdrell brings industry experience plus what he learned literally building low-power FM radio station 99.9 FM The Beat from the ground up.
The mission of Future Broadcasters is mentoring youth in the art of radio through hands-on opportunities for them to learn and gain experience. Employing science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) as access points guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking, the high school radio project is about igniting creativity and creating new media and educational futures right here in New Mexico.
Powdrell’s family migrated to New Mexico from West Texas in the 1950s and he worked at his father’s venture, Powdrell’s BBQ, until he transitioned into the world of broadcasting. Throughout the decades, Powdrell has served in a number of volunteer roles and appointments in Albuquerque. In the 1990s, Powdrell served on the Urban Enhancement Trust Fund Committee. More recently, Powdrell served as Chair of the City of Albuquerque’s Head Start Policy Council and Co-Chairman of the City of Albuquerque Community Policing Council for the Foothills Command.
Powdrell also competed in campaigns to represent District 9 on the Albuquerque City Council in 2017 and 2021. No stranger to community volunteerism and the political arena, Powdrell has hands full with Future Broadcasters, 99.9 FM The Beat and the Highland High School Radio Project. Powdrell assisted New Mexico Black Leadership Council Founder and CEO Cathryn McGill with applying for and obtaining an FCC license for the Council’s future low-power FM radio station, 91.1 FM. With that FCC license now granted, the Council has three years to build a radio tower and plan its programming.
Stay up to date on Powdrell’s projects by following 99.9 FM on Facebook and Instagram @thebeatabq. Follow Future Broadcasters on Facebook @Futurebroadcasters and Instagram @wild99hd3. Check out The Beat by tuning your analog or digital dial to 99.9 FM or visiting https://99thebeatfm.com.
New Mexico Black Leadership Council (NMBLC) interviewed District 6 Councilor Nichole Rogers, Albuquerque’s first Black woman to hold the position.
Note: a version of this article first appeared in the March 2024 edition of NMBLC’s monthly newspaper, the UpLift Chronicles. For more great articles about the people, places, and happenings of New Mexico’s Black communities, subscribe to the UpLift Chronicles.
District 6 encompasses the International District (where NMBLC is headquartered), and is roughly defined by the geographical boundaries of Lomas to the north, Gibson to the south (including Sunport and Mesa del Sol), Eubank to the east, and parts of I25/University to the west. The district is beleaguered by the housing crisis, entire square blocks filled with people in some sort of physical and mental distress, crime hot spots, and the reputation to go with it. It’s also a place Nichole Rogers calls home. Councilor Rogers is ready for the challenge of addressing the needs of District 6.
Congratulations, Councilor Rogers! Below is our Q&A. Answers have been condensed for clarity and length.
What do you love about the International District?
The diversity. Being able to find all walks of life, all cultures, the food. And really the people. The families that have chosen to call the International District home really take care of each other. I know the families and when the kids have events we all come together. When there’s weddings, we all get invited. We’re a part of each other’s lives and you can rely on each other.
What motivated you to run for City Council?
I always preach about being the change you want to see. When I looked at who was running, I didn’t feel represented in the candidates. I had to take my own hard advice that if you wanna be that change, then you kinda gotta step up yourself.
I had gotten into Emerge New Mexico. I applied because Secretary Deb Haaland [U.S. Department of the Interior] suggested that I learn more.
[Emerge New Mexico is a group that trains Democratic women to run for office.]
That was way back in 2020. I hadn’t even come to work for the mayor. I was not even thinking about politics in any way, shape, or form. Emerge New Mexico gave me the confidence and provided a network of women that pushed to say, yes, you. It is you, and it should be you, and why not you.
My grandma was the final person that asked me. I’d always go to her to make big life decisions. I was talking to her about people asking. And she basically was the one that was like, well, you need to do this. You always talk about your purpose. This is you walking in your purpose. And I was like, okay.
So she was really the one, the final person that pushed me to do this. And she, at the time, was on hospice already. And she told me, I’m waiting for you to win ’cause I know you’re gonna win. To the day, she died the day I took oath at the city clerk’s office. To the day.
Yes, you. It should be you. Why not you?
— Councilor Nichole Rogers
What barriers did you overcome to run for city council?
One, it’s not safe for us [Black folks] to do the things that we need to do in order to win an election, like knock on doors. I knew that 80% of people will vote for you if you knock on their door, so my strategy was to outwork every single candidate by knocking on more doors than them. But I also knew it’s not safe for our people in certain parts of our city to knock on doors. That was a hard reality. But I have to do it. I’m the candidate, I gotta do it.
Photo Courtesy of Nichole Rogers
For our canvassing events where we had volunteers, we would always do a buddy system. For myself, there was one neighborhood that was super scary to knock. I had to have some really tough conversations with my team at the time, to say, “Look, I don’t feel safe in this neighborhood. I need you to use your white privilege to walk in that neighborhood for me.” That was a hard conversation, ’cause they’re like, “What do you mean?” And I’m like, “you’re just going to come with me and see for yourself what I’m talking about.”
I also knew it’s not safe for our people in certain parts of our city to knock on doors.
—Nichole Rogers
[Nichole describes an excursion where her white canvassing partner expressed dismay at what she observed when they knocked on doors together. For example, the person who answered the door wouldn’t look at Nichole.]
And then when she would say that I was the candidate they’d look at me and be like, “What? You’re the candidate?”
If I knocked on a door, it wouldn’t open. But if I stayed to the side and [the white volunteer] knocked, then the door would open. And I’d pop out and be like, “Heyyy.”
The microaggressions that we [Black people] would get at the door, that we deal with all the time, were maddening for her [the white volunteer]. She said, “I’ve canvassed all over this city, and I’ve never had somebody say ‘I’m gonna keep the door closed for safety and talk to you through the door.’”
The first time that happened to me, I didn’t snap. I immediately turned around and was like, “Who’s coming?” And they see me realize You mean safety from me. How do you continue to ask, “Can you sign my petition?”
The anti-Blackness that exists still in the state was something we overcame.
What does a typical workday look like for you?
Meetings. Getting a handle on what’s happening in our district project-wise from all of the departments. APD, ACS, housing, roads, lights, parking, parks. We had a really quick turnaround for capital outlay requests, so I did a lot of research and put in requests for capital for the legislative session. I started working right after Christmas. Also trying to figure out my priority legislation, research all of that to start writing some legislation. I’ve been busy in three weeks.
What advice would you give to anyone who’s a “first”?
What’s important to me in being the first is to represent well. Because they expect that we’re not going to do well. They expect that we’re gonna fail. We heard it all during the election. It’s just really heavy on me to make sure I do a good job. It has a ripple effect across our community. It’s not just me. They don’t just look at me, Nichole. They look at it as all Black people as a whole. That is not a privilege that we are afforded, that we can be individuals.
Photo Courtesy of Nichole Rogers
I also am very mindful of wanting to pull up others. I feel the responsibility to work in the Black community, to build our political power, and build infrastructures so that we can move across the whole spectrum. We don’t have that right now. We’ve worked really hard to set up our institutions within government. And we need that. But we also need coalition building outside of the government. We have the New Mexico Office of African American Affairs, and we have the MLK, Jr. Commission and we have [City] Office of Black Community Engagement. But we also need entities like New Mexico Black Leadership Council, working outside of government, pushing government to do better. That’s one nonprofit, that’s one part of it. We also need strategy groups that are for profit that are getting these contracts with these government agencies that are working on the work that needs to be done in the community.
That’s one of the things I’m going to be focused on, teaching our community how to get more.
What are some steps that regular folks can take to work with City Council for the health of their district?
Show up. Be engaged. I know it’s hard to come to City Council, but watching them online–they’re on GovTV, channel 21 on Mondays as well as YouTube–and signing up for public comment on issues. You can sign up for general public comment to put something on our radar that we need to be thinking about.
If there’s an issue that you feel strongly about, I’m sure we have a board and commission that’s tackling that issue. Applying to be on some of our boards and commissions is a big step in getting involved.
But that’s hard, right? Because a lot of the folks in District 6 are working and busy dealing with how they’re going to pay their rent. Having to put food on the table, what’s happening at school, finding jobs, not having sick leave. There are so many other factors to why we can’t be engaged. It’s on us that we have to reach out in a different way. So I want to model that, making ourselves accessible to community. We have to do things a little differently in order to reach different people.
Meet Councilor Rogers in person at the first in a series of monthly pop-ups
When: Thursday, March 7, 4-6pm Where: Frank’s Famous Chicken and Waffles on 400 Washington St SE, 87108. Frank’s Famous Chicken and Waffles – https://www.franksfamouschickenandwaffles.com/
The New Mexico Black Leadership Council puts the spotlight on New Mexico’s Black business community.
We love seeing our communities thrive. No matter which holiday you celebrate, one thing is for certain— ’tis the season for shopping. Before you hop in the car and head over to the mall, don’t forget to think small. Consider supporting those local businesses owned by your neighbors; we have to stick together to keep small and Black owned businesses booming. The following shops from NMBLC’s latest Black owned business listing will help get you through the holiday season and beyond.
Are you a Black owned business and want to be added to the Black owned business list? Fill out the quick and easy form at the Black owned business page and we’ll add you to our digital directory.
This article first appeared in the November/December 2023 edition of NMBLC’s monthly newspaper, the UpLift Chronicles.
We’re kicking off the list with catering, kitchens, and comfort food.
Biscuit Boy NM https://www.biscuitboynm.com/ 505.750.8269 Rail Yards Market 777 First St. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102 On Sundays, May thru October at the Rail Yards Market, come taste the spectacular biscuits and biscuit sandwiches made with local ingredients.
Bobbi’s Homestyle Catering https://www.bobbishomestylecatering.com/ 505.385.0963 If you want a homestyle catering experience for your next event, be sure to book early, Bobbi’s slots fill up fast.
Frank’s Famous Chicken & Waffles https://www.franksfamouschickenandwaffles.com/ 505.261.9458 400 Washington St. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108 It’s hard to find a better combo than fried chicken and waffles, right? Try the delicious food coming from the kitchen of this Albuquerque staple that’s been featured on The Food Network.
Hollow Spirits Distillery https://hollowspirits.com/ 505.433.2766 1324 First St. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102 Grain-to-glass spirits created with New Mexico red corn, high-quality grain, and a mix of botanicals paired with great food.
Jambo Café https://jambocafe.net 505.473.1269 2010 Cerrillos Rd., Santa Fe, NM 87505 Jambo Café is proud to be TheSante Fe Reporter’s pick for Best International Cuisine for 12 years. It serves a variety of African homestyle dishes.
K’Lynn’s Southern & Cajun Fusion https://www.klynnsfusion.com/ 505.453.3068 4300 Ridgecrest Dr. SE, Suite O, Rio Rancho, NM 87124 Southern and Cajun cuisine crafted here by self-taught Chef Karen Johnson-Bey.
LeeCooks Church https://instagram.com/leecooks_church 917.834.0452 The Taos-based caterer specializes in global soul food with a twist. LeeCooks offers vegan and vegetarian options.
Nexus Blues Smokehouse https://nexusbrewery.com/ 505.445.1545 1511 Broadway Blvd. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87102 Get your barbecue fix at the Nexus Blues Smokehouse in the heart of South Broadway!
Nexus Brewery & Restaurant https://nexusbrewery.com/ 505.242.4100 4730 Pan American Fwy. NE, Suite D, Albuquerque, NM 87109 Soul food with a Burque twist . . .
Powdrell’s BBQ http://www.bbqandsoulfoodabq.com/ 505.345.8086 5209 Fourth St. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107 Barbecue, Southern sides, and desserts featured at this famous family-run operation.
Ras Rody’s Jamaican Vegan Kitchen https://www.rasrody.com/menu 505.385.3011 1320 Agua Fria St., Santa Fe, NM 87501 The capital city’s authentic, scratch Jamaican vegan food truck. Like no other.
Revolution Bakery https://revolutionbakery.com/ 505.346.2669 418 Cerrillos Rd., #6, Santa Fe, NM 87501 100% gluten free bread and pastries, small-batch, at the Design Center Building.
Rude Boy Cookies https://rudeboycookies.square.site/ 505.200.2235 916 Central Ave. SE, Suite E, Albuquerque, NM 87106 Scratch-made cookies that taste like home . . . but better!
Beauty
Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but in this case, beauty is in the hands of these business owners. If you’re looking for a new hairdo or stocking up on supplies at home, this list will help out!
A Better U Barber + Beauty Academy 505.265.4777 http://www.abuacademy.com/ 5400 Phoenix Ave. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110 A Better U Beauty Barber Academy provides a high level of education and service to ensure its graduates can become industry successes. Walk-ins are welcome at the student salon.
D-Tail Hair Studio https://www.dtailhair.com/ 505.289.6998 1606 Central Ave. SE, Suite 100A, Albuquerque, NM 87106 D-Tail Hair Studio specializes in ethnic hair and dreadlocks. Other services include cuts, coloring, and highlighting for women’s and men’s hair.
Dreams Barbershop https://www.instagram.com/dreams_barbershop1/ 505.358.3349 7114 Menaul Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110 Specializing in all your barber, hairstyling, hair coloring, and other professional services.
Dreams Barber Supply 505.908.7900 https://www.instagram.com/dreamsbarbersupply 6001 San Mateo Blvd. NE, Suite E2, Albuquerque, NM 87109 Hair care products for the public and supplies for hair care professionals all in one place.
Hair It Is! https://www.facebook.com/Hairitissalonabq/ 505.489.1048 525 San Pedro Dr. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108 Hair, nails, braids, massages, and a friendly environment.
Nina Farrow Hair Studio https://www.ninafarrow.com/ 505.710.0251 6300 San Mateo Blvd. NE, Suite F2, Albuquerque, NM 87109 (ABQ Salon Suites #125) The incomparable Ms. Farrow has more than 35 years of experience in the beauty industry.
Trendz Beauty Supply https://trendzbeautysupply.com/ 505.881.4777 4301 Menaul Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110 Lace front and full wigs, eyelashes, hair care products, and much more.
Health and Wellness
They say “health is wealth,” so here are a few ways to put the phrase into practice. Whether you’re looking for a new dentist, a pediatrician, or some good ol’ rest and relaxation, the businesses below should be able to assist.
About Face Med Spa www.aboutfacemedspa.com 505.944.6333 6800 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Suite D, Albuquerque, NM 87109 Laura Johnson MSN, FNP or “Ms. J” is the owner of About Face Med Spa, serving clients in New Mexico and beyond, and offering restorative treatments and cosmetic injections.
A Nu Feel’n Myofascial Pain Center, LLC. https://anufeeln.massagetherapy.com/ 505.289.6718 5300 Sequoia Rd. NW, Suite 101, Albuquerque, NM 87120 Problem-solving, non-invasive, drug-free solutions for pain.
Concierge Health & Wellness Massage Spa https://www.conciergemassagespa.com/ 505.305.5615 7804 Pan American Fwy. NE, Suite 2, Albuquerque, NM 87109 Dr. Calvin Ducane Ward, D. Msc. owns this spa aimed to treat everyone “like a patient and a superstar while paying attention to their body in a relaxing, welcoming and private environment.”
Ember Birth & Postpartum Services https://www.emberbirth.com/ 505.369.2112 The doulas at Ember Birth & Postpartum Services say they’ve been called to serve the families of our community during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
Enchanted Living of New Mexico https://www.enchantedlivingnm.com/ 505.867.6164 12501 Royal Point Ct. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111 A set of boutique senior homes in New Mexico that strives to provide the highest quality & loving care for our residents & their families.
Face to Face Pediatrics https://www.facetofacepediatrics.com 505.226.5543 Our board-certified pediatrician offers direct primary care to virtually all of New Mexico. Dr. Dionne Ross has training in integrative medicine and is passionate about providing care for patients with ADHD.
Family & Cosmetic Dental Design https://albuquerquedentaldesign.com/ 505.359.2289 7520 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Bldg. C, Suite A, Albuquerque, NM 87109 & 505.218.6599 5920 Whiteman Dr. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120 This family dentist practice treats patients of all ages, offering services like checkups, teeth cleaning, crowns, veneers, and more.
Innovative Massage Therapy https://innovative.massagetherapy.com/ 505.506.4016 2921 Carlisle Blvd. NE, Suite 215, Albuquerque, NM 87110 Providing general health massage for aches and pains, stress and injury with a specialty in medical massage for the treatment of specific issues.
Moe-Fit https://www.moe-fit.com/ 215.805.5907 109 Kjersti Ct., Corrales, NM 87048 Morris White is a certified personal trainer with 30 years’ experience. He offers at-home and virtual training helping clients with a variety of physical needs, abilities, and goals.
OMA Body https://www.omabody.com/ 505.588.4931 5200 Eubank Blvd. NE, Suite B1, Albuquerque, NM 87111 (inside Kendra & Co) A lymph drainage therapist.
Spirited Wellness https://www.spiritedwellnessnm.com/ 850.603.1806 6739 Academy Rd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109 Massage therapy, lactation counseling, yoga, and meditation.
The Doc Spa https://thedocspa.com/ 505.884.8900 1950-C Highway 333, Edgewood, NM 87015 Offers comprehensive services through a three-pronged health, wellness, and beauty approach.
Merch
9 Mile Tees http://9miletees.com 505.503.1597 5111 Menaul Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110 Chris Moore, owner of 9 Mile Tees Screen Printing and Embroidery, founded the business in 2013 with the goal of making affordable, customizable t-shirts with a quick turnaround time.
Baskets of Africa http://www.basketsofafrica.com/ 505.323.2315 1714 Eubank Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112 Shop a large selection of high-quality, fair-trade baskets from varying parts of the continent of Africa. Your purchase helps support the basket weavers of Africa, many of whom are women.
Bert & Jess Clothiers https://www.bertandjessclothiers.com/ 505.345.9329 2671 Louisiana Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110 Men’s formal and casual clothing to keep it stylin’.
Blackdom Clothing Ltd. Co. https://blackdomthesis.com/shop Clothing and merchandise highlighting the history of Blackdom, New Mexico, and the significance of the Afro-Frontier® in American history.
Eastern Oils https://easternoilsnow.com/shop If something smells good, why not let it be you? The family-owned business established in 2001 prides itself on both great oil scents and great customer service. Order online today!
Gapelii https://gapeliibrand.com/ A premium high-end fashion brand based in Hobbs, NM, created for both men and women. Gapelii offers handcrafted apparel and sneakers.
Mothership Alumni https://www.mothershipalumni.com/ 505.405.1337 105 4th St. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102 An Albuquerque-based arts initiative focusing on creating economic opportunities for artists.
Entertainment
99.9 The Beat https://99thebeatfm.com/ Black-owned local radio station playing old school and today’s hot R&B!
DJ Flo Fader https://www.facebook.com/DJFLOFADER/ flofader@gmail.com DJ Flo Fader can make your next event sound even better. He specializes in funk, soul, hip-hop, R&B, reggae, rock, ’80s + ’90s, top 40, and reggaeton.
Dreams Event Studio https://www.dreamseventstudio.com 505.908.7900 9577 Osuna Rd. NE, Suite M2, Albuquerque, NM 87111 Searching for a place to host your next event? This venue offers over 2,300 square feet at its Northeast Heights location.
Waters & Company https://www.watersandcompany.cpa/ 505.260.0616 3311 Candelaria Rd. NE, Suite J, Albuquerque, NM 87107 Full-service accounting firm licensed in the Land of Enchantment.
Legal Services
KWH Law Center for Social Justice and Change https://www.kwhlawcenter.org/ 505.242.6317 625 Silver Ave. SW, Suite 185, Albuquerque, NM 87102 The KWH Law Center, a nonprofit organization, focuses on strengthening the rights of women, families with children, and communities.
The Law Offices of M.A. Kendrick https://www.makendricklaw.com/ 505.549.2560 500 Marquette Ave. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
The following piece was written by Shannon Moreau.
Talkin’ to the Screen on Halloween
NMBLC Folks Pick the Best Black Halloween Movies
Night of the Living Dead
This zombie classic is one of Deputy Director Kindra Hill’s favorite horror movies. It starred a Black actor as the hero, a big deal in 1968. “The script didn’t even describe the character as Black,” says Kindra. “Duane Jones was cast because, as said by director George A. Romero, ‘Jones was the best actor we met to play Ben.’”
J.D.’s Revenge
“Unconventional choice,” says UpLift Director Jack Champagne. Glynn Turman and Louis Gossett Jr. star in this 1976 horror Blaxploitation flick about a law student who gets possessed by the spirit of a WWII era Bourbon Street hustler. “It’s just my kind of silly.”
Eve’s Bayou
Not feeling the hard core horror vibe? Lead Communications Coordinator Hal David Roberts has your back. This 1997 Southern gothic has a powerhouse cast: Jurnee Smollett, Samuel L. Jackson, Lynn Whitfield, Diahann Carroll. It’s also got seriously dark themes. “I definitely watched it when I was too young.”
They Cloned Tyrone
“The craziest mash-up of sci-fi, comedy, horror, and Blackness I’ve seen since Get Out,” says Chronicles Managing Editor Sean Cardinalli. Jamie Foxx, Teyonah Parris, and John Boyega are the unlikely trio thrust into a government conspiracy caper. “It’s eerie and entertaining while acknowledging every Black viewer with a wry wink.”
Get Out
“I had to be dragged kicking and screaming to this,” says Cathryn McGill, NMBLC Founder/CEO. “But it was FIYAH!!!!” Jordan Peele’s directorial debut made a star of Daniel Kaluuya and spawned deep conversations about racial microaggressions. “I know so many people who are drinking the tea and living in the sunken place.”
Now go get your own scary movie night poppin’! And Happy Halloween!
What’s your favorite Halloween movie? Let us know on Facebook or Instagram!
This week on the blog, NMBLC features the latest in the “Newcomer Spotlight” series with Sonya Bellafant, New Mexico Legal Aid Executive Director. The profile “A World of Difference” first appeared in the October 2023 edition of NMBLC’s monthly newspaper, the UpLift Chronicles.
For more great articles about the people, places, and happenings of Albuquerque’s Black communities, subscribe to the UpLift Chronicles.
The following piece was written by Kristin Satterlee.
A World of Difference
Sonya Bellafant, New Mexico Legal Aid Executive Director
Coming to town this past spring, Sonya Bellafant is expanding people’s access to justice using the strong voice she’s won through experience and tenacity.
Since arriving in April to take the Executive Director position at New Mexico Legal Aid (NMLA), Sonya Bellafant hasn’t found much about the Land of Enchantment not to like. “Except for the dust.”
She loves the mountains, the peaceful drive home, the friendly people, the constant sunshine. “It’s absolutely stunning,” she says. And she is excited to do “impactful work” at NMLA.
The agency Bellafant previously worked for, 603 Legal Aid in Concord, NH, “. . . didn’t do a lot of casework and direct representation. For me, that was very difficult, because one of the reasons I became a legal aid attorney was that there are many people who aren’t comfortable using their voice. When you can’t exercise your voice, having someone to empower you, and to educate you, and to represent you, can make a world of difference.”
Sonya Bellafant with her dogs. Photo courtesy of Sonya Bellafant.
NMLA provides outreach, education, advice, and in some cases full legal representation for disenfranchised and low-income New Mexicans. Legal aid attorneys help people understand their rights and access justice in housing issues, benefits, domestic violence and family law, employment, and more.
“All of these things, unfortunately, I’ve faced in personal and professional experience. In all candor, I incredibly value the position I’m currently sitting in, because I can support the legal advocates and stand side by side with them.”
Bellafant recalls the struggles of the family she grew up in, which started her down the road to legal aid work. “The thing I’m most proud of is that I am the descendant of a woman who did not graduate high school, got married as a teenager, and had three children by the time she was 21.” Legal aid attorneys helped Bellafant’s family achieve a more stable economic status. Her mother got a divorce, an order of protection, and a GED—and graduated college while Bellafant was in high school. “Every day, I go to work hoping that we are having the same impact on everyone that we serve.”
Bellafant became an attorney, she says, “Because I needed one.” When she learned that the legal field was looking for more women, “I thought, well, I can do this.” Painfully shy, Bellafant discovered that she loved litigation. When her partner in moot court won Best Advocate despite Bellafant doing the bulk of the preparation, she remembers thinking she would “never again allow shyness to prevent me from speaking up.”
Now she uses the voice she won to help others. “Representing people who came from the same economic status I was born into was one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had.”
Bellafant’s agency, NMLA, is accessible online and through community outreach. “We have a host of teleclinics, in-person clinics, and an incredible team that gets out regularly to meet with the community.”
“The amount of need in New Mexico by far exceeds the available resources. Probably the biggest struggle for a legal aid attorney is we cannot help everyone who reaches out to us. But we do an incredible job at assisting as many people as we can.”
