Check out a few local groups and individuals who are contributing to Black History in New Mexico today!
1. Earth Seed Black Arts Alliance has created a curriculum, “Black Story/Black Song: History through the African American Lens” designed for middle and high school students. This project, featuring eight brilliant Black educators and presenters in a 40-minute video, includes a teacher packet with eight lesson plans and follow up links along with resources on topics from literature, histories of Hip Hop, science, civil rights, New Mexico history, and more! Check out this amazing free resource. Share it with your networks, and contribute to their work!
2. Led by the NM Black Central Organizing Committee (NMBCOC), Albuquerque made Black history this year by passing the CROWN Act ordinance, protecting people from acts of race-based hair discrimination. In an effort also led by NMBCOC, New Mexico has the opportunity to make history this legislative session by becoming the 8th state in the nation to adopt the CROWN Act, and take a stand against race-based hair discrimination in school and work settings.
3. Three state leaders are making NM history in 2020-2021 as the first Black individuals appointed to their roles in our state government. Dr. Tracie Collins, named NM Health Secretary, is charged with leading New Mexico’s public health and pandemic response efforts. Sonya Smith is the first Black woman Secretary for the NM Department of Veteran Affairs, and Herald Pope Jr. was elected as New Mexico’s first Black State Senator in 2020!