New Mexico Black Leadership Council

Tag: New Mexico Black History Festival

  • One New Mexico Gospel Concert Spotlights Black Musical Tradition

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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 Pigee

    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

    Stevie Dejuan Springer

    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 WilliamsCharles ReinkeLemuel WilliamsArtha Meadors
    Stephen Williams
    Guitar    		Charles Reinke
    Piano    		Lemuel D. Williams
    Drums    		Artha 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, NMBLC

    Register 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

    One New Mexico Gospel Concert Flyer
  • Afrofuturism Lecture Series by NMBLC is Now Available Online

    Afrofuturism Lecture Series by NMBLC is Now Available Online

    All three Afrofuturism lectures, centered around Lovecraft County, HBO’s Watchmen, and Janelle Monae’s “Dirty Computer” video, can be viewed on YouTube. 

    One of the most highly anticipated events of the 2021 New Mexico Black History Festival was the lecture series “Afrofuturism: From Our Screens to Reality.” The New Mexico Black Leadership Council produced a three-part lecture series exploring aspects of Afrofuturism through the prism of current pop culture. Our esteemed presenters utilized Afrofuturism to spotlight a new generation of Black women superheroes.

    Afrofuturism: “An open-ended genre combining science fiction, fantasy, and history, to imagine a liberated future through a Black lens.”

    — NPR’s Throughline

    Now you can rewatch, or watch for the first time, all three of these popular videos from NMBLC’s YouTube channel. Keep scrolling for more info on the Afrofuturism Lecture Series videos.

    Seeing Africa in Afrofuturism: Hippolyta, Naming, and Lovecraft Country

    Presented by Dr. Belinda Deenen Wallace, University of New Mexico

    Explore the role of Hippolyta as an anti-racist/anti-imperialist/anti-colonialist superhero who, through the process of naming, unleashes her superpower and contests institutional racism that seeks to define Black bodies as threatening and unbelonging.

    “What happens when Black women use their superpowers to save themselves rather than the world?”

    — Dr. Belinda Deenen Wallace

    “I’ve got a nose for white supremacy and he smells like bleach”: Regina King, Subversive Masking, and the Making of Sister Night​

    Presented by Dr. Kimberly Nichele Brown, Virginia Commonwealth University

    Examine how HBO’s Watchmen uses masks to demonstrate the easy slippage between police and vigilante justice and to explore the dynamics of race and power in regards to issues of surveillance and policing.

    “Her superpower is fighting white supremacy.”

    — Dr. Kimberly Nichele Brown

    Unbought and Unbossed: Janelle Monae’s Productive Performances at the Intersections of Black Political Consciousness, Black Materiality, and Afrofuturism

    Presented by Dr. Andrea L. Mays, Ph.D., University of New Mexico

    View Janelle Monáe’s ‘Emotion Picture’ Dirty Computer (2018) with an eye towards situating her cultural and political significance as an artist, activist, and performer enacting Aspirational Futures in the Black Diaspora.

    “Dirty computer referenced within the context of this video . . . those things, those elements of imperfection that humans have outside of what social normativity and political normativity are.”

    — Dr. Andrea L. Mays

    “All that you touch you change. All that you change changes you. The only lasting truth is change. God is change.”

    —Octavia Butler, Parable of the Sower

    Want to take a deeper dive into Afrofuturism? Here are some recommendations.

    Afropunk . .  the Other Black Experience – https://afropunk.com/

    Janelle Monae: “Dirty Computer [Emotion Picture]” video

    “Octavia Butler: Visionary Fiction‬” podcast episode from NPR’s Throughline via It’s Been a Minute with Sam Sanders – https://www.npr.org/2021/02/22/970148701/octavia-butler-visionary-fiction

    https://www.npr.org/2021/02/16/968498810/how-octavia-butlers-sci-fi-dystopia-became-a-constant-in-a-mans-evolution

    “On Black Panther, Afrofuturism, and Astroblackness: A Conversation with Reynaldo Anderson” via The Black Scholar – https://www.theblackscholar.org/on-black-panther-afrofuturism-and-astroblackness-a-conversation-with-reynaldo-anderson/

    “Afrofuturism takes flight: from Sun Ra to Janelle Monáe” via The Guardian – https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/jul/24/space-is-the-place-flying-lotus-janelle-monae-afrofuturism

    Welcome to the latest New Mexico Black owned businesses to join our online directory.

    The Ladyship’s Bazaar, offering global vintage apparel and accessories. Visit their website at http://www.theladyshipsbazaar.com

    L&M Clean Cans & More, specializing in pressure washing, trash and recycle bin cleaning. Visit their website at https://www.lmcleancans.com

    Are you a New Mexico Black owned business? Join our online directory by filling out the form below: 

  • Black History in New Mexico Is Year Round: Upcoming 2021 Events

    Black History in New Mexico Is Year Round: Upcoming 2021 Events

    Celebrate Black history in New Mexico with events in health and wellness, cultural vibrancy, and positive youth development.

    Here at the New Mexico Black Leadership Council, we believe Black history is not something that happens just once a year in February and then goes away. In New Mexico, we celebrate Black history all year with ongoing events designed to inspire and enlighten. From the Black health and wellness townhall through the visionary Roots Summer Leadership Academy, we build partnerships and band the community. 

    One of the new projects NMBLC is most excited to share this year is the True New Mexico photo exhibit. This is a collaboration with the New Mexico Asian Family Center (NMAFC) and is part of this organization’s ongoing mission to bust the tricultural myth. If you missed the online event, check out the gallery here: https://truenm.com/gallery

    Mark your calendar for the upcoming ABQ Artwalk Pop-up on May 7th. Read on to make your plans for the year round New Mexico Black History Festival.

    Invisibility Syndrome Workshop 

    Invisibility Syndrome Workshop Graphic

    Invisibility Syndrome: A psychological experience where a person feels that their personal identity and ability are undermined by racism

    Tuesday, April 27, 2021

    The New Mexico Black Leadership Council is proud to have hosted the Invisibility Syndrome Workshop, presented by the concept’s creator, Dr. Anderson J. Franklin. “Invisibility Syndrome” is defined by Dr. Franklin as a psychological experience where a person feels that their personal identity and ability are undermined by racism in ways big and small. 

    “This was a very valuable presentation, really appreciated the breakout sessions to hear everyone’s thoughts as well. NM is a multicultural state!”

    — Invisibility Syndrome Workshop Attendee

    Two tracks were offered: one for mental health providers, with CEUs available, and the other for the community.

    The programming was supported by NM Bernalillo County Behavioral Health Initiatives, Behavioral Health Training and Education Services Grant.

    We are excited to bring more innovative workshops centered on mental health in the future.

    “Before determining what that person is like find out first hand who they are.”

    — Invisibility Syndrome Workshop Attendee

    True New Mexico Artwalk Pop-up  

    Friday, May 7, 2021, 5-9PM

    True New Mexico Logo

    A collection of self-portraits from young Black & AAPI New Mexicans

    The True NM collaboration between the New Mexico Black Leadership Council (NMBLC) and the New Mexico Asian Family Center (NMAFC) brings together a collection of self-portraits from young Black & AAPI New Mexicans looking to dismantle the tricultural myth. The tricultural myth is the idea that Hispanics, Indigenous, and LatinX people live together in harmony. This false belief erases the reality of oppression that many New Mexicans still experience, and ignores the existence of Black and Asian American/Pacific Islander people in the state.

    “Combating erasure can feel like an uphill battle, but it starts with teaching our history. It also starts with all marginalized New Mexicans being loudly and unapologetically ourselves. It starts with us learning about our culture, our history, and having conversations like these. We can only teach history if we learn it and care about it ourselves.” 

    — Raine F. (They/Them/Theirs), TRUE NM Artist

    This evocative Photovoice project gives youth from the groups often overlooked as an integral part of the New Mexico citizenry a chance to speak up about their experiences. The digital exhibit was held on April 25th. In case you missed it, you can view photos of the artwork here: https://truenm.com/gallery

    Meet the young artists in person and support their amazing work on May 7th at the pop-up happening as part of ABQ Artwalk. Stop by any time between 5-9PM at the Secret Gallery located at B Ruppe Drugstore on 807 4th Street SW. 

    Racial Reckoning: True Equity in Mental Health

    Wednesday, May 26, 2021, 9AM – Noon

    Take part in an opportunity to build a better and more inclusive mental health system in New Mexico and the United States. The New Mexico Black Leadership Council, with support from the Bernalillo County Behavioral Health Initiative, presents the “Racial Reckoning: True Equity in Mental Health Townhall” virtual event. We’re spearheading this convening about mental health in New Mexico from the Black and Indigenous People of Color perspective. Dr. Jamal Martin of the University of New Mexico will discuss current epidemiology and Dr. Michael Lindsey, NYU and editor of “Ring The Alarm: The Crisis of Black Suicide in America,” will be the Keynote Speaker.  Participants will have the chance to delve deeper into this topic in panel discussions, as well as qualify for Continuing Education Credits (CEUs).

    Keep up with the updates for the Racial Reckoning here: https://nmblackhistory.nmblc.org/

    Roots Summer Leadership Academy

    Sunday, July 11 — Friday, July 30, 2021

    The Roots Summer Leadership Academy (RSLA) is NMBLC’s flagship 3-week summer learning program that uses the performing / visual arts and math integrated curriculum to engage youth during out of school time. In 2020, we created a hybrid online and in-person COVID-19 safe camp experience for 25 young people. We plan to do even bigger and better this year. RSLA recently expanded to an after-school program. In a partnership with Explora, Emerson Elementary students registered with the Boys & Girls Club can take part in the Roots Explorers Project (R.E.P.) for four weeks during the 2021 spring term.

    Roots Summer Leadership Academy Nishati 2021 Banner

    This July, RSLA returns for the summer camp program. Registration begins May 4, 2021. To learn more about RSLA and to register, click here: https://nmblc.org/roots-summer-leadership-academy.

  • New Mexico Black History Festival — A Decade in the Making

    New Mexico Black History Festival — A Decade in the Making

    NMBLC takes a look back at a decade of New Mexico Black History Festival events and previews what’s coming up in 2021

    In the fall of 2011, a group of like-minded community members from all walks of life met to plan the very first New Mexico Black History Festival. The vision was to honor and celebrate the contributions of Black people in New Mexico while building community from the inside out. This group of volunteers formed the New Mexico Black History Organizing Committee (NMBHOC), led by founder Cathryn McGill. NMBHOC curated and managed events to reflect themes of the week: Arts & Culture; Taste of Soul; and Mind, Body & Soul.

    These collaborations created impactful, necessary ongoing programs that have become anticipated traditions in the community. Such events include the Asante Awards, honoring Black leaders and trailblazers in New Mexico, the Roots Summer Leadership Academy, teaching youth self esteem and leadership skills through the arts, and the Young Blacks of Albuquerque Meetup Group, which in turn inspired The Syndicate ABQ, a safe and curated space for Black creatives, Queer folx, and healing.  

    “A people who lack the knowledge of their past history, culture and origin are like a tree without roots.”

    ~ Marcus Garvey

     When the New Mexico Black Leadership Council (NMBLC) formed at the end of 2019, the NMBHOC became one of the many programs administered by the NMBLC. NMBLC serves as a hub that focuses on Cultural Vibrancy, Health, Leadership Development, Civic Engagement and Youth Development. As part of its Cultural Vibrancy mission, NMBLC supports the NMBHOC and the annual New Mexico Black History Festival. The year 2021 marks a major milestone— the Festival enters its 10th year of providing a slate of artistic and cultural celebrations to bring the community together.

    We’re taking a look back at the festival highlights of the past decade. We’re also giving you a preview of what’s planned for the 2021 festival. Most everything will be virtual, or a virtual and socially-distanced hybrid, and it will still be amazing. Mark your calendar for February – July 2021 as we launch DECADES: Past, Present, Future a 10 year Celebration of the New Mexico Black History Festival!

    New Mexico Black History Festival Roots Finale

    Inaugural New Mexico Black History Festival – Roots Revival (2011/2012)

    The theatrical performance of Roots opened with students who are preparing to go on an exciting trip to learn about the past, present, and future of Black history. The Griot (storyteller) uses a backdrop of high-energy music, dance, and spoken word to take these unwitting students, who initially think they “know it all,” on an eye-opening, riveting journey, full of poignant, heart-wrenching, and inspiring stories they didn’t learn in school. 

    New Mexico Black History Festival Roots Revival

    Sold Out Popejoy with Roots Revival (2013)

    Roots: Our Story, Our Struggle, Our Glory and Roots Revival chronicled the history of Blacks in the United States in spoken word, music and dance. Our struggle, our story, our glory was the rallying cry for more than 100 artists, staff and crew members beginning in 2012 at a small 150 seat theater in northwest Albuquerque. Roots became the first locally Black-produced event to sell out Popejoy Hall, the state’s largest theatrical venue. The show lives on in the hearts of the participants and patrons who remember it as a launching point for children coming of age, romance, and new business ventures. The critically acclaimed production renewed interest in authentic Black history created about us, by us and for all New Mexicans.

    New Mexico Black History Festival Roots Revival 2

     

    The WIZ (2014)

    Throughout the years, the New Mexico Black History Organizing Committee continued expanding its catalogue of performances. The WIZ is a musical written by Charlie Smalls and William F. Brown. The story is a retelling of L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz in the context of African-American culture.  The WIZ stage show was the flagship event of the 3rd Annual New Mexico Black History Festival.

    New Mexico Black History Festival The Wiz Kids

    Kumbuka Celebrations at KiMo and Lensic (2019 & 2020)

    The Kumbuka Celebrations are all about remembering our ancestors. We brought together a stellar ensemble of artists in song, spoken word, and dance to celebrate our ancestors, the ones who are famous in our collective consciousness and the ones who are close to our individual hearts and minds.

    New Mexico Black History Month Festival 2020 Asante

    Many memorable community collaborations have taken place over the ten years of arts and culture events. Highlights include the One New Mexico Gospel concert featuring gospel sensation Kelontae Gavin, and the Omega Psi Phi Talent Hunt Competition, which awards cash prizes to high school students who win the top spot in the areas of song, dance, and spoken word.  Check out  winners from the 2019 talent hunt below:

    A Taste of Soul

    Sweet Potato Pie Contest (2012)

    The New Mexico Black History Festival in year’s past included a cuisine focus. In 2012 we  hosted a sweet potato pie contest where members of the community were asked to put their baking skills to the test in an effort to win a cash prize of $500, $300, or $200.

    Soul Food Cooking Class (2015)

    We partnered with CNM to offer a soul food cooking class to the community. The class was hugely popular, filling to capacity within a week of being announced.

    New Mexico Black History Festival Cooking Class

    Another sold out event was the 2015 Sunday Dinner held at the Navajo Elks Lounge. Several Black-owned restaurants, including Nexus and Powdrell’s Barbecue, brought samples of their menu for attendees to sample. A portion of the ticket proceeds went to the Prince Hall Scholarship Fund.

    New Mexico Black History Festival - Former New Mexico State Treasurer James Lewis and Janet Lynn Taylor at Sweet Potato Pie Contest

    Work It Out Day & The STEM Festival

    The festival often culminated with Mind, Body, and Soul Week. This free, all day community event included health and fitness workshops, dance classes, and interactive game stations where youth learned about all the fun career options available in the STEM fields.

    Honoring Service and Leadership

    The Asante Awards  

    The Asante Awards focus on different categories of recognition from law, to the arts, to hospitality. Through the past 6 years, the Asante Awards has engaged participants to honor those who have made significant contributions to the Black community. Past recipients of the Asante Awards include the Powdrell family (2015), educator Joycelyn Jackson (2016), journalist and photographer Ron Wallace (2017), and artists Linda Piper and Juba Clayton (2020). Retired judges husband and wife team Tommy and Angela Jewell were honored at the 2019 Race and Law Conference, held in collaboration with the New Mexico Black Lawyers Association.

    Cotton Club Gala

    New Mexico Black History Festival Linda Townsend-Johnson with family and Mayor Tim Keller

    The signature Cotton Club Galas, hosted with the Albuquerque Alumnae Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, was not just a chance for New Mexicans to show up and show out. It was another opportunity to recognize excellence with the Frederick Douglass Award. The 2018 honoree was education champion Dr. Linda Townsend-Johnson.

    In 2019, we honored five amazing Black women who received tenure and professorships at the University of New Mexico: Dr. Sonia Gipson Rankin, Dr. Myra Washington, Dr. Claudia Isaac, Dr. Melanie Moses, and Dr. Nancy Lopez.

    In addition, a portion of the proceeds from the Cotton Club Galas benefited the Deltas Judith R. Harris Scholarship Fund.

    New Mexico Black History Festival 2019 Cotton Club Gala Frederick Douglass Award

    Upcoming 2021 New Mexico Black History Festival Events

    DECADES: Past, Present, Future

    NM PBS Screening and Discussion: Mr. SOUL!
    Thursday, Feb.18, 2021

    New Mexico PBS and the Society of Professional Journalists Rio Grande Chapter present a screening and discussion of Mr. Soul!, a film by Melissa Haizlip.

    Mr Soul NMPBS

    From 1968 into 1973, the PBS variety show SOUL! offered an unfiltered, uncompromising celebration of Black literature, poetry, music, and politics—voices that had few other options for national exposure and, as a result, found in the program a place to call home. The series was among the first to provide expanded images of African Americans on television, shifting the gaze from inner-city poverty and violence to the vibrancy of the Black Arts Movement. Through participants’ recollections and illuminating archival clips, Mr. SOUL! captures a critical moment in culture whose impact continues to resonate and celebrates an unsung hero whose voice we need now more than ever, to restore the soul of a nation.

    Following the film, join a panel discussion with filmmaker Melissa Haizlip, moderated by journalists Megan Kamerick and Jerry Redfern.

    Click here for more information Mr. Soul! – https://mr-soul-screening.eventbrite.com

    Asante Awards: Barrier Breakers
    Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021

    Asante means “thank you” in Swahili. NMBLC thanks the following “Firsts” in New Mexico Black history.

    New Mexico Black History Festival Asante Flyer

    Barrier Breakers:
    Join us in thanking New Mexico’s Black History Firsts at the 2021 Asante Awards.

    • Judge Shammara H. Henderson, New Mexico Court of Appeals, First African American female elected to a statewide office in New Mexico
    • Gerald Byers, First African American District Attorney
    • Senator Harold Pope, Jr., New Mexico State Legislature, District 23, First African American to be elected to New Mexico State Senate
    • Dr. Tracie Collins, First African American Cabinet Secretary, State of New Mexico Department of Health
    • Sonya Smith, First African American Cabinet Secretary, State of New Mexico Veteran Affairs
    • Marsha Majors, First African American female Credit Union President in New Mexico

    RSVP for the Asante Awards below:

    RSVP for the Asante Awards

    Kumbuka Celebration:  DECADES DEEP
    Friday, Feb. 26, 2021

    Kumbuka (Swahili): verb. bring to mind. 

    New Mexico Black History Festival Kumbuka Flyer

    Kumbuka asks us to bring to mind, or to remember. At this year’s Kumbuka Celebration: DECADES Deep, we reflect on the past 10 years of the New Mexico Black HIstory Festival and recall the theatrical performances that our community came to know and love. 

    Though we can’t yet gather in our favorite theaters, our Kumbuka Celebration: DECADES Deep brings the theatre to you. Get your tickets today to gain access to a special celebration featuring the past cast and crew members of For Colored Girls, Roots Revival, highlights of The Wiz, and much more. 

    RSVP for the Kumbuka Celebration: Decades Deep below:

    RSVP for Kumbuka: Decades

    Save the Dates: New Mexico Black History Festival Events – Beyond February 

    Afro-Futurism Lecture Series
    March 10, March 17, March 24, 2021

    COMMUNITY EVENT: Why Me? Diabetes and Hypertension in the Black Community
    Tuesday, March 16, 2021

    ONE New Mexico Gospel Concert
    Sunday, March 21, 2021

    Black Health & Wellness Conference 
    Friday, April 16, 2021 and Saturday, April 17, 2021

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