Enjoy music, a snack bar, a photo booth and games at VIIIZON’s 1st annual Father Daughter Dance! Girls, bring your father or the father figure in your life.
Tag: Cultural Vibrancy
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BLK N ART Youth Art Studio
Join two seasoned mentors to tap into your inner artist in this 2-part workshop for middle school to college-level students!
On March 18, Zero Bey (currently exhibiting “Art and Bones” at AAPAC with his father Kabu) will present an art workshop. Attendees will get three hours of hands-on studio time and and a foundation in artistic expression.On March 25th, Beverly McMilan will join Zero and engage the students in Art Therapy, taking current issues facing African American youth and allowing the students to release their feelings around these issues via art expression.
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One New Mexico Gospel Concert Spotlights Black Musical Tradition
The annual tradition of celebrating Black history and culture continues with the 2022 One New Mexico Gospel Concert.
In 1960, Martin Luther King Jr. said, “It is one of the tragedies of our nation, one of the shameful tragedies, that eleven o’ clock on Sunday morning is one of the most segregated hours, if not the most segregated hour, in Christian America.” The New Mexico Black Leadership Council answers this call with the One New Mexico Gospel Concert.
The 6th annual One New Mexico Gospel Concert brings together people of all colors and faiths to enjoy music guaranteed to raise the spirit. Join us Sunday, May 15, 2022, 3:00 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church of Albuquerque for an amazing lineup of New Mexico gospel singers and musicians. The concert features special guests from Las Vegas, NV, world-class New Mexico female vocalists, and the One New Mexico Gospel Interfaith Choir led by Dr. Stevie DeJuan Springer.
If you missed the concert, you can view it on our YouTube channel:
The One New Mexico Gospel Concert Lineup
Toni Morgan – Featured Soloist, New Mexico
Toni Morgan has sung with many talented artists around the world, including the Empress of Soul Gladys Knight, Anthony Hamilton, Sandra Crouch, and Darryl Coley. She recently released her very first single, “Jesus Help Me.” Like so many other gospel singers, her mother had her belting in church at an early age. In 2013, Toni moved to New Mexico from Fort Collins, Colorado. She loves the Lord and continues to share her gift with those who enjoy the sounds of music.
Toni Morgan performing “Summertime”
Pat Brown – Featured Soloist, New Mexico
Pat Brown is a gifted songstress who has performed throughout the United States. She is a member of the Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church in Albuquerque and is a wife and mother of two. In 1993, Pat was part of the choir that sang “The City on the Hill” as the inaugural anthem for President Bill Clinton’s inauguration. She’s shared the stage with Grammy Award-winning artists Wynton Marsalis, Herbie Hancock, Judy Collins, and Michael Bolton. She’s performed numerous times at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Pat’s vocal abilities landed her the lead role of Effie White in the local production of the hit musical Dreamgirls, performed at the African American Performing Arts Center. She has also sung at the New Mexico State Fair, the Gildan New Mexico Bowl, and the Albuquerque Isotopes’ home games.
Aleena Sedillo – Featured Soloist, New Mexico
Aleena Sedillo has been singing on stage and in church for 16 years. She serves on the Legacy Church worship team with her husband. Aleena was the winner of the first annual Omega Psi Phi Fraternity talent competition and went on to win third place when she competed regionally.
Aretha Harden – Special Guest, Soloist, Las Vegas, Nevada
Aretha Harden started her gospel career at six years old at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church when no one else volunteered to lead a song. She began touring with the gospel group Futrell, opening for the likes of Yolanda Adams and Commissioned. Later, she opened concerts for Brian Duncan, Darryl Coley, and the DynamicTwins. Born in 1971 in Las Vegas, Nevada, Aretha has had the pleasure of opening several shows back in her hometown at Mandalay Bay’s House of Blues Gospel Brunch.
Aretha Hardin performs “I Love You Lord”
Joseph C. Pigee – Special Guest, Musical Director, Keyboards
Joseph C. Pigee began his musical journey in Grenada, Mississippi at the age of four, when he began playing drums. By the age of 13 he had taken up the keyboard. He strengthened his musical training as the church musician for his father’s churches in Mississippi. He is a well-regarded pianist, organist, keyboardist, director, producer, and writer. He has played with renowned gospel artists such as Dorinda Clark-Cole, Kim Burrell, and Marvin Sapp.
Dr. Stevie DeJuan Springer & the One New Mexico Gospel Concert Band
Choral Director Dr. Stevie DeJuan Springer is a native of New York City by way of Texas and now resides in New Mexico. He is president/CEO of a nonprofit scholarship program and former chef/owner of Chez Axel French restaurant. Dr. Springer earned a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts from Huston-Tillotson University, a Masters in Music from the University of New Mexico, a PhD in Business, and Medical PhD in science from the University of the Southwest with a focus in chronic pain and occupational therapy. He currently hosts “Wise and Well with Dr. Stevie DeJuan Springer” on KRQE/Fox’s New Mexico Living. Dr. Springer has served as an educator in New Mexico since 2000. He continues to serve his Albuquerque community by creating opportunities for youth and adults to expose their musical talent. He has a private music academy, teaching voice and piano to learners of all levels. Dr. Springer is a music professor at the University of New Mexico and former APS music educator and has adjudicated many festivals and competitions around the state and the nation. He’s taught in New York at the Harlem School of Music, has appeared on Broadway, and performed at Carnegie Hall.
One New Mexico Gospel Concert Band
Stephen Williams
GuitarCharles Reinke
PianoLemuel D. Williams
DrumsArtha Meadors
Bass“Gospel is a universal language and Black music is how African Americans got through the most difficult times in our history. It’s what brought us over trial and tribulation, and it’s how we give thanks in all things.”
— Cathryn McGill, Founder/Director, NMBLCRegister to Attend the FREE One New Mexico Gospel Concert
The One New Mexico Gospel Concert is free! All you need to do is register and then show up.
- One New Mexico Gospel Concert
- Sunday, May 15th, 2022
- Doors open: 2:30 PM
- Concert: 3:00 – 5:00 PM
- First Unitarian Church, 3701 Carlisle Blvd NE, Albuquerque 87114
Space is limited, so register now: https://www.cognitoforms.com/NewMexicoBlackLeadershipCouncil/_2022onenewmexicogospelconcert
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Well-Read Black Girl Virtual Festival Featuring Black Writers
An online festival with Black writers, authors, poets, journalists, and more.
Well Read Black Girl, a book club for Black women, is going virtual this year with their festival of Black writers. The keynote speaker is legendary Black poet Nikki Giovanni.
When
November 6-8, 2020
Where
Online. Register at Well-Read Black Girl Festival Registration.
Description
This year’s festival theme is Black Political Power: Past & Present. From your favorite poets and journalists to frontline activists and everyone in between. We will gather virtually on November 6th – 8th to read/celebrate/mourn/study and plan our way forward, in only a way that we can. The best work happens when it is fortified by the written word, a sharp pen, and you: Black women & Black people at large.
We cannot think of a better way to mold our collective fears, anger, and anxieties than to take up every literary tool we have and build something new, beautiful, and enriching.
See the full schedule and register here: https://www.wellreadblackgirl.org/
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“Selma” Virtual Screening – African American Movies
Albuquerque Museum presents a virtual screening of the historical drama Selma directed by Ava DuVernay. This is part of their African American movies series in celebration of the “30 Americans” art exhibit.
When
Nov 07, 2020
12:00 AM-11:45 PMWhere
ONLINE at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virtual-screening-selma-registration-126824508519
Description
In conjunction with the exhibition, 30 Americans, join us for a series featuring four vintage and contemporary films by African American directors.
Today’s featured film will be Selma directed by Ava DuVernay (2014). The film chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition.
PG-13 | 2h 8min
The movie is available for 24 hours on the date listed. Register at Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virtual-screening-selma-registration-126824508519
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NMBLC’s Halloween Movies and TV Picks for 2020
Which Halloween movies spoke to the NMBLC staff in this turbulent time of 2020?
The mood around Halloween 2020 could be unsettling like no Halloween before. COVID continues to spread and endanger people’s lives. Many beloved Halloween traditions will be altered or eliminated this year. CDC guidelines strongly advise against trick-or-treating, large Halloween parties, and inviting all your friends over for in-house Halloween movie night. New Mexico public health order restrictions apply to all these Halloween activities.
In addition to the pandemic anxiety, police brutality and killings of unarmed African Americans brought the reality of racial tension in America to the forefront of the nation’s consciousness. Wide-spread protests, violent armed reactions, and painful conversations with friends and family have shaken people’s sense of safety and surety about their place in the world.
Then, of course, there’s the upcoming election stress.
All this real life fear and dread will most likely affect our entertainment choices this Halloween. So instead of the usual favorite Halloween movies list, we put together a different list of staff picks for Halloween movies in 2020. We asked the NMBLC gang the following question:
Given the surreal and devastating events of this year, which Halloween movies speak to you in 2020?
See below for the answers!
Cathryn McGill, Founder/CEO
Movie still from The Birds. Not pictured: Cathy.
Cathy’s Pick
The Birds, 1963
Synopsis: In Alfred Hitchcock’s thriller based on the short story by Daphne du Maurier, a family is terrorized by violent bird attacks in Bodega Bay, California.
In Cathy’s words: The Birds are beautiful, right?
When I was a child I saw The Birds. This Alfred Hitchcock film has fueled my lifelong, unhealthy fear of birds. To be clear, Hitchcock’s movie is why I could never choose ornithology as a profession. The surrealness of the feeling in the air with those birds sitting on the wire reminds me of all of my chilling feels recently with dual global pandemics – COVID-19 and racism. My apocalyptic anticipation of impending doom and physical harm is so reminiscent of my childhood angst waiting for those birds to swoop in and peck me to pieces. It was just a movie, right? And this is just one really bad year in a long history of good ones, right? The best is yet to come, right? And BIRDS are beautiful, right? R-I-G-H-T! That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. Happy Halloween, y’all.
Where you can watch it:
Amazon Prime: https://www.amazon.com/Birds-Tippi-Hedren/dp/B000I8H7RI
Kindra Hill, Senior Project Coordinator
Kindra at the NMBLC office, taking a break for the requested headshot.
Kindra’s Pick
Night of the Living Dead, 1968
Synopsis: In this indie horror cult classic, seven people trapped in a rural farmhouse try to survive an attack by cannibalistic corpses.
In Kindra’s Words: Night of the Living Dead is a classic zombie movie
This zombie movie is a classic, yet not everybody knows about it. I didn’t really hear about it until I was in college, and I’ve watched it multiple times since. Coming out during a time of civil unrest in America, it featured a Black actor and that was a big deal. This group of people are trying to survive an apocalypse, and are stuck together in a house. It’s very similar to what we’re going through now, quarantining during these ever-changing times, not sure what dangers lie within our supposedly safe spaces, or just outside the door.
Where you can watch it:
Amazon Prime: https://www.amazon.com/Night-Living-Dead-Duane-Jones/dp/B018TGKYIO
Megan Bott, Marketing and Communications Manager
Megan did not want to be a princess for Halloween!
Megan’s Pick
The Twilight Zone (original series), 1959 to 1964
Synopsis: This anthology television series, created by Rod Serling, blended science fiction, horror, and fantasy. Every episode was introduced by Serling, and featured a new main character who found themselves in a bizarre or frightening situation that was described as “the Twilight Zone.”
In Megan’s Words: The Twilight Zone is a nice place to watch, but . . .
I am a huge fan of the Twilight Zone (old school episodes from the ’60s) but not a fan of living in it! I often feel like we’ve slipped into the Twilight Zone.
Check out this article on the 13 scariest episodes of The Twilight Zone https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/13-scariest-twilight-zone-episodes-ranked/2900-2600/
Where you can watch it:
Hulu – https://www.hulu.com/series/the-twilight-zone-7103ca33-722b-4915-b4e7-b469fd4e0ccb
CBS All Access – https://www.cbs.com/shows/the-twilight-zone-classic/
Netflix – https://www.netflix.com/title/70172488
Shawna Brown, Deputy Director
Jack Skellington is Shawna’s fave.
Shawna’s Pick
Lovecraft Country, 2020
Synopsis: A Korean war veteran enlists his uncle and childhood friend on a road trip to find his missing father in the 1950s. The journey leads them across Jim Crow America, a minefield fraught with the horrors of racism and the monstrous creatures that could have been ripped out of a Lovecraft novel.
In Shawna’s Words: Lovecraft County is the time-piece for 2020
Though it is not a Halloween movie, Lovecraft Country is it for me. Between the sci-fi, action, horror, AND timeliness of THIS time-piece, it is my favorite thing in October 2020.
Where you can watch it:
HBO – https://www.hbo.com/lovecraft-country
Stephanie McIver, Founder/Director, New Mexico Black Mental Health Coalition
Stephanie is the Queen B.
Stephanie’s Pick
The Witch, 2016
Synopsis: In 1600s New England, a farmer is banished from the church, forcing him to move his family to a remote plot of land on the outskirts of civilization. Strange and unsettling things begin to happen, testing each family member’s faith in terrible ways.
In Stephanie’s Words: The Witch touches on women’s rights and freedoms
Though I tend to avoid scary movies at all costs, I was encouraged to watch this by my film critic daughter and my cinephile close friend. Loved it. It tapped into my childhood obsession with Salem witches and clearly touched on the contemporary issue of women’s oppression and rights and freedoms. Just the right amount of scare with a powerful dash of women’s empowerment.
Where you can watch it:
Showtime: https://www.sho.com/titles/3481988/the-witch
Showtime via Amazon Prime: https://www.amazon.com/Witch-Anya-Taylor-Joy/dp/B01BT3SCUG
Shannon Moreau, Operations
Shannon in 60s Go-Go style.
Shannon’s Pick
Room on the Broom, 2012
Synopsis: A gentle witch offers a ride on her broom to a motley assortment of woodland creatures, much to the chagrin of her grumpy cat.
In Shannon’s Words: Room on the Broom is a sweet antidote to 2020
When I happened upon this animated gem of a movie last year, I was instantly smitten. It’s got everything! A witch. A dragon. Whimsy. Magical shenanigans. A cat being very, very catlike—that is, just not having it. It’s funny and fun and cute as can be. All these lost, outcast creatures are looking for a family and the witch is all too happy to adopt them, even though her cat does not want anything to do with these interlopers. It’ll make you laugh, it’ll make you cry, it’ll pull your heartstrings. Exactly the antidote needed for 2020.
Where you can watch it:
Netflix – https://www.netflix.com/title/80005738
Amazon Prime – https://www.amazon.com/Room-Broom-Simon-Pegg/dp/B00ISH4WCO#ace-g9766277718
Your Turn
What Halloween movie or TV show resonates with you in 2020? Let us know at info@nmblc.org and we’ll share your answer on social media!
COVID Safe Halloween Activities
Click here for the CDC-approved list of safe Halloween activities: https://cv.nmhealth.org/2020/10/06/state-launches-covid-safe-family-friendly-halloween-events/
Click here for New Mexico sponsored safe Halloween events, including a virtual statewide costume contest: https://www.togethernm.org/halloween/
Click here to see how the Albuquerque Target on Coors is hosting a drive-thru trick-or-treating on Halloween: https://www.bizjournals.com/albuquerque/news/2020/10/23/target-hosting-drive-thru-trick-or-treating.html?fbclid=IwAR2IGcvW4hQwKMte_xK-QqOOwTz0WqoD01oq65WR25AS7RojzfrTsdw7KIk