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.”
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.
Help pick the next APS superintendent. The board is hiring a new superintendent for 2024, and is seeking input from the community.
The Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education is hiring a new superintendent and wants community input in the APS superintendent search.
The current superintendent, Scott Elder, will leave APS when his contract expires June 30, 2024. The board plans to have a replacement by July 1.
APS board President Yolanda Montoya-Cordova said in an open letter published in the Albuquerque Journal that the superintendent is responsible for day-to-day operations of the school district, developing a spending plan, and improving outcomes for Albuquerque students.
Albuquerque residents can voice their opinions on the superintendent selection a couple of ways.
Take the Online Survey
The online survey is available from November 8–22, 2023. APS board members will use input from this survey as they evaluate applicants for the superintendent position.
Attend the APS Superintendent Search Event at Manzano High
At the Manzano High School Fall Community Event, attendees can talk with APS board members about what they would like to see from the next superintendent. The board will also present information on
Student Outcomes Focused Governance
The Board’s Goals and Guardrails
The District’s Strategic Plan
When: Thursday, November 16, 2023, 6 to 8pm. Where: Manzano High School at 12200 Lomas Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112. What else: Light refreshments will be served. Interpretation services will be available. Drawing for giveaways at the end of the event.
. . . it’s so important for us to get it right when we hire our next superintendent. We need your help.
—Yolanda Montoya-Cordova, President, APS Board of Education
The job application for the APS superintendent is posted. The deadline to apply for the job is December 12, 2023. The board plans to have a candidate selected by the end of January.
Three former New Mexico student athletes make it to the NFL.
This week on the blog, NMBLC spotlights three New Mexico student football athletes who made it to the NFL. The profile “Show and Prove” first appeared in the August 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 Sean Cardinalli.
Show and Prove—Three former local student-athletes rocket to the NFL
KRQE’s sports director, Van Tate, has plenty to say when it comes to touting three recent, local student-athlete success stories. It’s because he knows that, these days, there’s a different—and much-improved—ethos for college student-athletes and their success in and out of their sport. Universities emphasize the student part of the student-athlete equation now. Tate is not only qualified as a media veteran to rap about athletes’ lives and livelihood, but played tight end himself at UNM back in the day.
We recently talked with Tate about the positive trajectories of Keshawn Banks, Jordan Byrd, and Jerrick Reed II, three talented Black athletes poised to light the pro football world up.
Tate states that in decades past, college athletes were kept eligible to play as long as possible, regardless of their academic credits, which Tate says was doing them a disservice. Nowadays, an athlete can get excused from practice if it conflicts with a class, or they can make the class up online. Athletes’ self-regard has changed, too; they’re taking advantage of the education they’re receiving as a result of their physical prowess. Many are like, “Look, I’m trying to graduate; this is my opportunity,” Tate says. They’re hip to taking care of academic business and working on their degree as effectively as clocking their stats on the field.
Keshawn Banks
Banks, Byrd, and Reed are local football stars who translated great high school and college success into professional possibility. Keshawn Banks graduated Rio Rancho High School, winning the state championship in 2016, finishing 13-0. He’s played defensive lineman for the San Diego State Aztecs and signed a free agent deal with the Green Bay Packers.
Jordan Byrd
Jordan Byrd is a speed demon, beginning as a national track champion in the 100 and 200 meters. He then quarterbacked the Manzano High Monarchs to their only state football championship in 2017. At San Diego State with Banks, he was tops as a running back and kick returner. Tate says there’s “no substitute” for Byrd’s speed. “If you can’t catch somebody, it’s game over.” Byrd signed as an undrafted free agent for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Former Lobo Jerrick Reed II got drafted straight to the Seattle Seahawks. And Tate says Reed’s so well-regarded and “so intense even though he’s not the biggest guy,” that Seattle GM John Schneider calls Reed an “angry elf, so he’s in good standing.” He showed and proved at Seattle’s minicamp this past May.
Jerrick Reed II
Tate is especially proud of the character of players like Banks, Byrd, and Reed; of the diligence and perseverance these new pros have shown. “These guys are tough. They couldn’t take a game off. So, by the time they got to the NFL, they didn’t need to be coddled.” Tate notes how smart these local stars are, investing in their future, betting on themselves, and working hard to give themselves all the chances to get where they wanted to go. We’ll all have to keep an eye on them this fall!
The 2023 Roots Summer Leadership Academy free youth summer camp registration is now open.
Summer is here and that means it’s time for Roots Summer Leadership Academy (RSLA) youth summer camp. RSLA is the New Mexico Black Leadership Council’s signature summer camp program that’s been running every year since 2012. It’s an arts and science based camp for youth ages 8 – 16. 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.
The theme for this year’s camp is Tayari. Tayari means “I’m prepared, I’m ready” in Swahili.
RSLA youth summer camp is FREE for all students. The deadline to register is June 30, 2023. Keep scrolling for all the details on RSLA and register here.
Watch the Roots Summer Leadership Academy sizzle reel for the RSLA class of 2022.
Roots Summer Leadership Academy Class 2022 Sizzle Reel
Roots Summer Leadership Academy 2023
When: Sunday, July 9 – Friday, July 28 2023, 9:00am – 4:00pm daily.
Where: First Unitarian Church, 3701 Carlisle Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110 (corner of Carlisle/Comanche)
What else:
Mandatory parent/caretaker orientation is Sunday, July 9, 2023, 4pm.
Camp drop off time is no earlier than 7:30am and pick up time is no later than 5:30pm daily.
Last day of camp is a Harambee performance and celebration on Friday, July 28, 2023, 11:30am
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.
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!
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.
“The present was an egg laid by the past that had the future inside its shell.”
— Zora Neale Hurston
The vision behind True NM is to deconstruct the tri-cultural myth: that New Mexico is a place where Hispanics, Indigenous, and Anglo people live together in harmony. The problems with this myth is that it ignores ongoing racism and erases the experiences of Asian American Pacific Islander Native Hawaiian (AAPINH) and Black people in New Mexico. The True NM project consists of youth artists from the Black and AAPINH communities. Their artwork answers the prompt, “What’s your True New Mexican story?”
Join us Saturday, May 28th, 2022 for the “Outside the Shell” art exhibit. The show runs from 1:00 to 3:00PM and takes place at the NMBLC office in the heart of the International District of Albuquerque: 1258 Ortiz Dr. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108.
Ane Careaga-Coleman“Fruits Basket” by Ane Careaga-ColemanAnna ShibuyaBarbed wire, clay, beads by Anna ShibuyaAsmi BhandariSculpture by Asmi BhandariDuc Pham3D Animation by Duc PhamFloretta StewartOil Painting by Floretta StewartHasti PannahArt by Hasti PannahIsa FigueroaAcrylic paint, Posca Marker, Prismacolor by Isa FigueroaKai WarriorArt by Kai WarriorLujayn GhweirArt by Lujayn GhweirLumina TamiArt by Lumina TamiPrajeeta DahalArt by Prajeeta Dahal
The project was made possible by funds received by the AAPI Civic Engagement Fund through an Anti-Racism Response Network Grant and the New Mexico Humanities Council.
“Love isn’t about what we did yesterday; it’s about what we do today and tomorrow and the day after.”
