new mexico office of focus... 4 yvette kaufman-bell, executive director new mexico office of african...

2www.oaaa.state.nm.us

Contact us:New Mexico Office of

African American Affairs

1015 Tijeras NW Suite 102Albuquerque, NM 871021-866-747-6935 Toll-Free

(505) 222-9405(505) 222-9489 Fax

website: www.oaaa.state.nm.us

New Mexico Office of African American Affairs

Office staff members from (l-r), Tanya Montoya-Ramirez,Beverly Jordan, Yvette Kaufman-Bell, Nicole Byrd,

and Cecilia Webb

Staff Directory

Yvette Kaufman-BellExecutive DirectorOffice: 505-222-9447Cell: [email protected]

Vacant Deputy DirectorOffice: 505-222-9443Cell: 505-221-9015

Beverly JordanExecutive AssistantOffice: 505-222-9476Cell: [email protected]

Tanya Montoya-RamirezBudget AnalystOffice: [email protected]

Nicole Byrd Community Outreach Specialist Office: 505-222-9497Cell: [email protected]

Cecilia Webb Community Outreach Specialist Office: 505-222-9442Cell: [email protected]

Vacant Community Outreach SpecialistOffice: 505-222-9405

3 Statewide Focus Magazine

• Director’s Message •••4• James B. Lewis Retires •••5• National Association of Auditors, Comptrollers and State Treasurers •••6• City of Albuquerque and Zambian Officials Sister Cities Signing Ceremony •••7• Office of African American Affairs Outstanding Awards Luncheon •••8• Chantale Riddle A Model of Fortitude •••11• Taking the Journey and Discovering a Dream •••12• Doing Business in New Mexico: Jambo Success •••14• Local NAACP Celebrates 100 Years •••16• The New Mexico Martin Luther King Jr. State Commission Ambassadors •••16• The New Mexico Black Expo •••17-21• Celebration Coordinator Shares Passion for King •••22• MLK March in Hobbs, NM •••23• Albuquerque Marching Because We Believe In Dr. King •••24• Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration at the NM State Capitol Roundhouse •••25• Dr. Brian Gibbs Joins the University of New Mexico’s Health Sciences Center as its First African American Vice Chancellor for Diversity •••26• Dr. Robert Jefferson Named Director of Africana Studies •••27• Legacy of Great Athletes Paying Forward •••28• Alamogordo Awards and Events •••29• Introducing Dr. Keith Wilks •••30• Friends Of Many Cultures Harvest Ball •••31• Afreeka Santa Fe •••32

Publication StaffPublish Layout & Design

Ron WallaceEditor OAAA Staff

Cecilia Webb

Contributors of Articles andPhotos for this issue

Carolyn Peeler - Alamogordo, NMLeman Taylor - Alamogordo, NM

Patrick Mapalo - Albuquerque, NMDavid Hicks (photos) - Albuquerque, NM

Kimberley Greene - Albuquerque, NMSunshine Muse - Albuquerque, NMMarilyn L. Hill - Albuquerque, NMAlisa Boswell - Managing Editor, Clovis News Journal - Clovis, NM

Joyce Pollard - Clovis, NMRobert Graham - Portales, NMGeorge Geder - Santa Fe, NM

Dr. Wanda Ross Padilla - Santa Fe, NM

Table of Contents

Left to right: Clarence Watson (La), Scottie Rosetti (NM), Lou Philps (NY), Patricia Watson (Md), Earl Soal (Tx), Cecilia Webb (NM), Connie Richard (NY), Al Fox (In), Lionel Brown (Ca), Harry Greisser (Pa), and George Cook (Tx); the couple on front right are Mr. and Mrs. Joe Brown (parents of Cecilia Webb; and the adopted parents of CSF Reunion) Included is a trip to Santa Fe with dinner hosted by Mike and Jerri Bowen, and joined with Basketball Coach Sweeney, Dean Yvonne Russell, and other students who have remained in touch. The returning students were at CSF 1968-1972.

College of Santa Fe Special Reunion


Yvette Kaufman-Bell, Executive DirectorNew Mexico Office of African American Affairs

Director’s Message

◊ Governor Susana Martinez dedicates New Mexico’s 14th CYFD Heart Gallery housed at the NM Office of African American Affairs, as the agency joins CYFD to assist with finding forever families for foster children ◊ Five Town Hall Meetings conducted in 5 counties (Curry, Chaves, Lea, Santa Fe, Bernalillo) to discuss ways leaders in each county can join efforts to decrease disparities in the African American community ◊ Total of 79 New Mexico teachers received lesson plans on a more in-depth look at US African American history to implement in classrooms, in partnership with PBS. The lesson plans meet state core curriculum standards ◊ A Black Expo Steering Committee was formed to plan and implement a two-day statewide showcase of New Mexico’s rich African American culture and provide resources for economics, health care and education ◊ Published 8 county statistical data reports, emphasizing disproportionate disparity in the areas of economics, education and health (Dona Ana, Lea, Curry, Chaves, Bernalillo, Santa Fe, Otero, Eddy) ◊ Partnered in 6 community career fairs and economic empowerment sessions to increase employment opportunities in minority communities in Lea, Bernalillo and Curry counties ◊ Increased Summer Literacy Enrichment Program sites to be held at 3 community centers

◊ Partnered, for the first time, to offer a County Black Expo in Lea and Santa Fe counties. Each County Black Expo had 400+ in attendance ◊ SB69: African American Infant Mortality Pilot Program passed ◊ SB313: $50,000 general fund appropriation increase to address African American Infant Mortality and Maternal Health ◊ SB313: General fund appropriation for two additional full time staff positions, Executive Administrative Assistant and Health Community Outreach Specialist

Reports can be viewed on the new and improved agency website: www.oaaa.state.nm.us

Event Participation and Collaboration

JULY 2013 Youth Advocacy Program AUGUST 2013 Affordable Care Act Education Common

Core State Standard: Parent Packet Review w/PED School Home Visiting Workshop

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013 Albuquerque Public Schools Board Meeting; National Black Child Institute; UNM Health Disparity Institute; State of NM Alternative Dispute Resolution Training

NOVEMBER 2013 Hobbs NAACP Event; State NAACP Conference; ADR Conference; Black SPACES; Training Safe Schools Summit by Attorney General Gary King; Partnerships that Improve Outcomes for Children and Families; Community Networking; AACNM; Governor and 1st Gentleman Reception; Sister City: Zambia Meeting

PROGRAM SPONSORSHIP NAACP State Conference; Grant Chapel AME Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast; Southern Christian Leadership Council Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Luncheon; New Mexico Black History Month Committee; eREAD SAT/ACT On-Line Prep Courses; Tuskegee Airmen Aviation Youth Summer Camp; Big Red Express Track Club; New Mexico Black History Month Festival Education; Research Evaluation & Design, Inc.; Hobbs Black History Month Celebration; University of New Mexico Voices of Inspiration Choir; Santa Fe NAACP; Freedom Work; Folk Forms and Variations; National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (N.O.B.L.E.); Home Circle Club 100 Year Anniversary; 50th Commemorative Celebration of the March on Washington

DECEMBER 2013 Links Gala; Faculty of Color Networking Reception; Community Memorial Honoring the Life of Nelson Mandela; Healthy People—Healthy Places Forum

JANUARY 2014 Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce Susana Martinez Luncheon; Grant Chapel Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast; Southern Christian Leadership Conference Martin Luther King Jr. Luncheon; NM Martin Luther King Jr. March; Governor’s Prayer Breakfast; Children’s Law Institute Conference

Brief Highlights of OAAA Activity During July 1, 2013 — June 30, 2014


December 31, 2014, James B. Lewis retired as the Treasurer of the State of New Mexico, politics, and public service, where he has dedicated over 38 years on local, state and federal levels. He leaves office as one of the most effective treasurers to have served the state of New Mexico.

James B. Lewis, a veteran of political races, began his career when he became a candidate for the Bernalillo County Treasurer in 1980, winning election in 1982, and the re-election in 1984. In December 1985, Governor Toney Anaya appointed Lewis as State Treasurer. Lewis finished that appointed term and ran for a full four-year term in 1986, and in winning, he became the first African American elected to a statewide constitutional office. In the 1986 race, Lewis would receive more votes than any statewide-opposed candidate, including Governor Garrey Carruthers.

Lewis lost his first campaign in a close race for the United States Congress in 1990, but was soon called on by Governor Bruce King, who appointed him Chief of Staff in November of 1990. He became the City Administrator for Rio Rancho, and resigned in 1999 after four years.

He was later appointed by President Bill Clinton to the Office of Economic Impact and Diversity of the United States Department of Energy in 1999, as the

James B. Lewis RetiresAn Industrious Career of Service

Director in charge of leading initiatives that impacted Minority Small Disadvantaged Businesses and Women owned Businesses.

After an unsuccessful bid to become Mayor of Albuquerque, Lewis was appointed by Mayor Martin Chavez as the City’s Chief Operations Officer in 2001; he was later elevated to the position of the Chief Administrative Officer in 2003. Lewis retired from the City of Albuquerque in 2005.

Lewis successfully ran again for the office of State Treasurer in 2006. His triumphant run landed him in the wake of corruption scandals that landed two former treasurers in prison. He turned the Treasurer’s Office around and was re-elected again in 2010.

Lewis will be remembered for his honesty and for restoring trust to the Treasurer’s Office. His legacy also documents him as the most effective African American politician to have lived in New Mexico. Congratulations and thank you for your service, James B. Lewis!

FEBRUARY 2014 Church of God In Christ Leadership Summit Facilitator, New Covenant Worship Center Leadership Summit Facilitator, Silver Horizons Senior Assistance Fair; Team Child Brain Alliance; Mohammed Ali Documentary Facilitated Panel Discussion

APRIL 2014 Suicide Prevention Training; NM Economic Summit; UNM Reception for Dr. Gibbs; Working in Indian Country Training

MAY 2014 SBCC John Lewis Celebration; Native American Economic Summit; APS Cultural Proficiency Meeting

JUNE 2014 Freedom Summer Documentary Facilitation of Panel Discussion; NM Attorney General 2nd Annual Summit on Community Violence; Cultural Proficiency and Equity “Listening Campaign”; Governor Susana Martinez Unveiling of Digital Heart Gallery

OAAA staff member Beverly Jordan presents appreciation for service award to Treasurer James B. Lewis during retirement ceremony

For a more in-depth Executive Year End Report visit the agency’s website @ www.oaaa.state.nm.us


The National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers, and Treasurers (NASACT) is an organization of state officials tasked with the financial management of state government. NASACT’s members are officials who have been elected or appointed to the office of state auditor, state comptroller or state treasurer in the 50 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. territories. NASACT has a headquarters office in Lexington, Kentucky and a second office in Washington, D.C.

In 2014, 99th NASACT Conference was held in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and hosted by New Mexico State Treasurer James B. Lewis, who in August of 2013, had the distinction of being installed as the President of the National Association of Auditors, Comptrollers and State Treasurers. Prior to his appointment as President of NASACT, Treasurer Lewis served as President of the National Association of State Treasurers (NAST) from 2010 until 2013. He became only the second African-American to serve as President of NASACT, following former United States Senator from the state of Illinois, Roland Wallace Burris, who served as President of NASACT from 1981 to 1982.

New Mexico State Auditor Hector Balderas and New Mexico State Comptroller Ricky Bejarano also served as co-hosts for the conference. NASACT brings together state financial managers from around the country to examine issues affecting state auditors, state comptrollers and state treasurers.

Over 400 attendees and their guests attended the conference to listen to such dynamic speakers as Dr. Lowell Catlett, Dean of the Agriculture, Consumer and

Environmental Services College of New Mexico State University and Mr. Mark Lautman, Economic Architect, of Lautman Economic Architecture LLC in Albuquerque. Some of the topics included Implementing and Auditing GASB’s (Governmental Accounting Standards Board) new Pension Standards, the World Economy, Use of the Cloud for Government, Credit Card Fraud, Cyber Criminals and the Economic Report for the States.

The New Mexico Host Committee, led by Deputy State Treasurer, Marilyn L. Hill, provided an event that members are sure to remember. Many attendees commented that this was the best conference they had attended. Treasurer Lewis stated “As the 2014 President of NASACT, it was a unique opportunity to bring this national conference to the Land of Enchantment. NASACT has been in existence for 99 years and this is the first time New Mexico was host to this national conference. I feel so fortunate that NASACT members were able to experience the beauty, culture and New Mexican hospitality.”

New Mexico State Treasurer James B. Lewis is one of only three African American state treasurers in the United States. He is accompanied by Denise Lynn Nappier, who serves as the current Connecticut State Treasurer and Chip Flowers, who serves as the Delaware State Treasurer.

National Association of Auditors, Comptrollers and State Treasurers

Denise Lynn Nappier

Connecticut State Treasurer

Chip Flowers Delaware State

Treasurer

Treasurer Lewis with staff members during the conference


Albuquerque Mayor Richard J. Berry met with Zambian officials in New Mexico to establish a “Sister City” relationship under the guidelines of Sister Cities International.

The Zambian delegation that met with Mayor Berry consisted of City of Lusaka Deputy Mayor: Worship Potipher Tembo, Councilor: Mr. McBride Sekeleti, Lusaka City Lawyer: Mr. Michael Mwape Moono, Zambia Ambassador to the USA: His Excellency Palan Mulonda, and Press Secretary Zambia Embassy DC: Ms. Patricia Littiya.

The Zambian delegation arrived in New Mexico, the 26th of September, and the visit extended through the 9th of October, to focus on the Sister Cities relationship between Albuquerque and Lusaka, signed that the City of Albuquerque will be moving forward with a new Sister City relationship with the capital city of the African nation of Zambia. The official signing was open to the public and took place in City Council Chambers on October 2nd, followed by a reception on the patio of the newly renovated Albuquerque Convention Center.

The signing of Memo of Understanding (MOU) established a “Sister City” relationship under the guidelines of Sister Cities International. “Lusaka becomes Albuquerque’s 10th Sister City, and our very first on the African continent,” said Mayor Berry. “I am excited about the multitude of cultural, educational and economic opportunities that will be made possible as a result of this new relationship.”

Discussions around the development of a new sisterhood between Lusaka and Albuquerque, began in 2012, and have included several visits by Zambian officials. The initiative has received strong support

from various community organizations including the New Mexico Office of African American Affairs and the Albuquerque Sister Cities Foundation.

According to Patrick Mapalo, newly appointed Lusaka Co-Chair for the Albuquerque Sister Cities Foundation, “A Sister City relationship between Albuquerque and Lusaka should have happened earlier, but it was due to the changing of Mayors in Lusaka that delayed the process. There are already two Sister Cities in New Mexico, one in Clovis, and the other in Santa Fe. The City of Santa Fe is a Sister City with Livingstone, and Clovis is a Sister City with Kasama.”

Mapalo went on to share, “The Zambian delegation went on to visit a couple places in New Mexico, before the official ceremony in Albuquerque. One of the highlight visits was to Clovis, New Mexico, where the community had solicited and raised enough funds to buy an ambulance to be donated to their Sister City in Kasama. The ambulance will be driven to Houston and taken on a boat the rest of the way; and the City of Albuquerque, has already donated 45 firefighter uniforms to Lusaka, and they are also in the process of trying to have an ambulance donated as well.”

According to Mapalo, the response to the Sister City program has been overwhelmingly positive and there is already excitement surrounding the fact that the University of Zambia is signed up for an MOU to have Exchange Students study in New Mexico, and New Mexico students study in Zambia.

City of Albuquerque and Zambian Officials Sister Cities Signing Ceremony

Continued on page 34


Office of African American Affairs Outstanding Awards Luncheon

Mistress and Master of Ceremony Mercedes Bell and Devont’e Watson

The theme for this year’s Outstanding Service Awards Luncheon was Sankofa, “Always remember the past, for therein lies the future!”

The Office of African American Affairs presented ‘Outstanding Service’ awards to individuals whom have tirelessly worked to improve the quality of life for communities throughout the state of New Mexico. These individuals were recognized for their work in the areas of either community development, education advancement, economic empowerment, or healthcare advocacy. The Office of African American Affairs which provides an array of services to African-Americans in New Mexico, organized the luncheon as part of the strategic plan to recognize prominent African-Americans, programs, and organizations that make positive contributions to their respective communities.

Audrey Carter, Director of EvangelismNew Hope Church/Albuquerque

Arthur Cooper for Bishop David C. Cooper, Community Activist/Albuquerque

Ahmed Obo, Owner Jambo CaféSanta Fe

Award RecipientsStanding with award recipients are from left

Dr. Sandra Taylor-Sawyer, Lt. Governor John Sanchez

and Executive Director Yvette Kaufman-Bell


Kenneth Carson Jr., Owner Nexus Brewery/Albuquerque

Marcus and Miriam Ray, Retired Elementary Education, Civil Engineer/Albuquerque

Lungile Sinandile, Immigrant and Refugee Resource Village/Albuquerque

Chuck Crawley, Community Activist Albuquerque

George Geder for Daran Moon, Community Activist/Santa Fe

Network of Intel African Americans/Rio Rancho

Dorothy Pouges, Retired Educator New Mexico Public Schools/Milan

Award Recipients

Students for Dr. Mark Worthy, Professor at Brown Mackie College, UNM/Albuquerque


Nominees

Executive Director HonoreesJulia Brown, City Manager /Las Cruces

Cedric Page, Executive Director UNM Campus/Los Alamos

Nominees standing with Executive Director Yvette Kaufman-Bell

Honorees standing with Dr. Wanda Padilla (left), Kimberly Greene and Executive Director Yvette Kaufman-Bell

Joseph and Melba Cotton, Foster Parents of over 100 Youth (Hobbs New Mexico)

John Hill, Executive Director,Albuquerque Rescue Mission

Kiki Saavedra, Retired New Mexico Representative

Con Alma Health Foundation New Mexico


Chantale Riddle, was going into the final year of a volleyball career for the University of New Mexico, as a two-time All-American. Even before the season began she was selected the 2014 Mountain West Conference Preseason Player of the Year. A year that should have been a fun challenging race into the history books of the University of New Mexico’s volleyball program, suddenly turned out to be filled with unexpected challenges beyond her control.

When you think of a student-athlete’s health, one is inclined to think primarily of the athlete’s physical/medical condition and what effect an injury could have on their performance. A student-athlete’s “mental health” might be viewed as secondary to physical health; however, it is every bit as important. It is impossible to separate the “mind” and “body.” One affects the other.

What the University nation didn’t know was how much grieving Chantale was experiencing. Add to that the challenges of her being a student athlete maintaining grades while at the same time chasing a dream. A dream to rewrite the record books at the University of New Mexico, that actually began when as a fifth grader in Roswell, New Mexico, she decided to add volleyball to her repertoire of sports that included basketball and track

and field. She was an athlete who excelled in all sports; and in volleyball she eventually led the Roswell High Coyotes to a state volleyball title. Ironically, Chantale first received news of her mother diagnosed with a brain tumor on her birthday; the news of the second tumor came on Chantale’s sister’s birthday.

With her mom’s condition foremost on her mind, Chantale does what many successful athletes are able to do in troubled times. She excelled in what she does best as a way of insulating herself from the pain of her swelling desires for her mom to be well. Each time she received news of her mother’s deteriorating health condition, it would fuel her to push the hardest she has ever played and each time took her to another level of accomplishment.

Chantale has always been an individual who knows how to turn challenges into victories. She was able to parlay an undiagnosed learning disability into a college degree from the University of New Mexico in December 2014. For the challenges that awaited her senior year of volleyball competition as a University New Mexico Lobo, Chantale raised herself above many of the standards that had been set as measures of greatness for the University’s volleyball program. Chantale’s career at UNM really has no equals because when it comes to the Lobo career lists for points, kills and attacks - all other Lobos are now below her on that list.

As for the 2014 season, with all her mom was going through, Chantale competed at high levels of competitiveness, game in and game out that would lead teammates, competitors and fans in praise of her production. The end of season honors says a lot about who she was on the court. She was named to All-Mountain West First Team, All-Pacific South Region honorable mention, and AVCA Honorable Mention All-America. She became the first Lobo volleyball player to be named three times to an all-region team and three times in the All-American category.

Chantale Riddle A Model of Fortitude



Taking the Journey and Discovering a Dream

Donovan and Casey Smith are new business owners who have travelled an amazing journey to ascend from the bonds of homelessness to become two of Albuquerque’s most noteworthy celebrities.

These new entrepreneurs, 11-year-old Donovan and his mom, Casey, have reconstructed their lives from a time of dependency and uncertainty of being homeless, to a restored family structure, becoming avid supporters of other homeless families who have fallen on hard times. Casey was the family’s main provider before finding herself in a situation of struggling to be able to provide for herself and her three children.

Through unexpected changes in her life, Casey had become a single parent struggling to find a job and provide structure for her family. Casey had done all the right things to position herself to be successful. She had served her country as a Navy cryptologist and was now living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and a leg injury after nearly four years of service in the

military. She had received a college degree in Culinary Arts from the Baltimore International Culinary College and a degree in Convention and Meeting Planning from Augusta Technical College. She was a committed and self-reliant parent dedicated to providing a stable environment for her children.

Casey and her family were living in Atlanta, Georgia, when their lives would drastically change due to a recession that would leave a shortage of employment opportunities. Casey found it hard to find employment in the field she was qualified for and when she went to places like McDonald’s or other fast food locations she said they were reluctant to hire her. “Even the fast food places refused to hire me, their reason was they were afraid I would only stay a short time and then move on. But the truth of the matter was I was willing to work anywhere to protect my family had the opportunity been given,” shared Casey.

However, Casey felt that if she kept trying and struggling through it all, things would change. She had always believed in herself even when others didn’t. It was this same determination that Casey believes contributed to her eventual struggles with homelessness. “I know this might sound a little crazy, but I know that I contributed to our eventual demise into homelessness by not asking family members or friends for help, but that was not in my nature to not try to do things on my own. I always felt recovery was just around the corner,” says Casey.

Casey says the only assistance they were receiving was food stamps. When she was unable to financially maintain a home to live in for her children, as even the funds she had raised from selling her car had run out, homelessness became the realization she had feared. Although her two older children were working, jobs they were able to find were not paying much. Their combined incomes were not enough to make ends meet; and because the two oldest children were over the age of 18, finding a shelter where they could all be together presented itself as an insurmountable hurdle, and her two oldest children went to stay with friends while Casey and Donovan looked for a shelter.

All the other shelters were prioritizing their caseloads by accepting homeless people with an addiction or victims


of domestic violence first, while other situations were designated on a waiting list. Casey fell into a category of homeless, looking for a job and just down on her luck, not considered priority. In fact, she was finding the same situation throughout the country, as she was seeking shelter anywhere at this time, only to find similar results throughout all of the states they inquired. Finally, she located a shelter online in Albuquerque, New Mexico, named the Henderson House, a transitional residence for homeless female veterans and their children, which had only been open for about six months. Although Casey had never been to Albuquerque, she was making the journey out of necessity. Finances were low so Casey went on Facebook to ask friends to donate money for her and Donovan to make the trip. She had a couple of friends who were in the service with her who donated and in total they received about $500 for the trip which was enough money for her and Donovan to travel the three-day journey by bus from Augusta, Georgia, to Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 2010.

Donovan, who was 7 then, says that the hardest part for him was to leave behind his teddy bear collection and a huge book collection which he had to give away because in the shelters there was only room for each family to have two bags of personal items. Donovan was an avid reader and according to Casey, used to go to the library everyday. She says he had read over 150 books and it was hard for him to give away his treasure but he felt better about the parting in that they were going to a cousin who teaches school. It was also hard having to leave his older siblings, but he felt they were doing okay.

It’s important to note that although, the Obama Administration has prioritized Veteran homelessness, and the rate of homelessness among vets has dropped 33 percent between 2010 and 2014; returning men and women in uniform are still disproportionately affected by the issue. A positive twist to Casey’s and Donovan’s situation of homelessness is that it happened on the brim of a major impetus to assist homeless veterans. With this being said, Casey and Donovan found a much-needed reprieve from a downward spiral in their acceptance for shelter by the Henderson House.

Donovan’s adjustment was not an easy one and he shared, “The thing that troubled me the most was trying to get used to Albuquerque’s new places. The main thing

I was trying to do was help my mom.” Donovan said watching his mother suffer was hard. “When I would see mom cry, I would feel worried and sad.” A very perceptive young man, he was conscious of the fact that his mother was doing the best she could and he didn’t want to be or add additional burdens.

In 2011, after staying in the Henderson House for only six months they moved out of the shelter with assistance from Housing Coalition of New Mexico. The Housing Coalition had a program that was designed for veterans who had medical issues and Casey had been in the hospital for four days because of stress issues which qualified her for the program. Casey and Donovan moved

into an apartment and have been moving forward ever since.

The first positive change in the lives of Casey and Donovan came about in a change of military policy. For the years in which Casey had spent in the Navy, they qualified her for a medical discharge for only 10% for a leg injury, which didn’t qualify her for any financial benefits. A recent change in the military process that has since qualified her for a disability of 30% for the leg injury allowed her to be compensated for 20 years of back pay for the time she was in the

service and all the time that she was not correctly qualified.

Because of the back pay Casey received, she felt she now had an obligation as well as the resources to make a difference in what her son’s childhood should look like. Casey says,” It was important for me to have Donovan have a better outlook for his childhood and an uplifted feeling about life. He stood with me through everything, all the moves, the different schools and the unpleasantness of being homeless, and he rarely complained.” Because of the many moves, Casey had begun to home school Donovan so his education could continue as they chose to travel and have him view the world in a different light. Casey felt the timing was right, so their prescription for recovery took them to Puerto Rico for seven months and then to Ecuador for six months before returning to Albuquerque, the place they now call home.

Casey while in the servicefor her country



Doing Business in New Mexico: Jambo Success

Chef Ahmed Obo! Owner & Founder of Jambo Café,

Jambo Imports & Spices, and JamboKids Foundation

By Reverend Dr. Wanda Ross PadillaAuthor, Holistic Life Coach & Professional Speaker

www.santafesoulsister.com

Ahmed Obo, owner and founder of Jambo Café, Jambo Imports and JamboKids Foundation, at age 42, has accomplished a lot since arriving in New Mexico. One of the first questions I asked was “Why Santa Fe”? Friends from San Francisco first connected him to this “land of enchantment”.

Ahmed was born in Lamu, Kenya, a small island just off the coast of Kenya, East Africa; known as the “spice islands”; also considered “the oldest and best preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa”. I knew then the secret of his delicious cuisine and enormous success as a chef and restaurant owner - mainly spices! Enter into this exotic and very tastefully decorated restaurant called Jambo, and you know you are in for a treat.

The smells just took me away spiritually to a faraway land which stirred my very soul. Even the soft African/Caribbean music playing in the background added the perfect touch.

This just had to be a combination of my African and Caribbean ancestry; Ahmed’s birth place (Lamu, Kenya).

Jambo means HELLO in Swahili. From inception, Jambo Café has been the talk of Santa Fe, as their only East African restaurant. National level reviews rated Jambo 4.5 on a scale of 5, and 6th among Santa Fe’s 472 restaurants. Another point that stood out includes his wait staff, many of whom have been with him since the opening.

Ahmed, after five years of success, is not slowing down in 2013, Jambo Imports opened; credit to his college student daughter who urged him to keep the name ‘Jambo’, which now is his brand. Included are his special spices for Jambo’s chicken curry, salmon rub, chai, and tomato-mint chutney; all Jambo-brand stickered on bottles and packages. Talk about impressive! He shared that he is writing a cookbook; and opening a demonstration kitchen where he can share his cooking secrets (secrets which he learned from his mother and generations of master cooks in Lamu). I am sure many folks and chefs alike would like to know what it was leading to the Top Award in Santa Fe’s SOUPER BOWL charitable event competition for four consecutive years in each category for Best Soup.

How did this newcomer in such an extremely competitive restaurant business accomplish this? Ahmed replied “hard work and patience.” His work ethic came from his father who urged him to always work hard. As oldest child, when his father left, Ahmed felt a duty to help his mother and siblings. At age 12, he left school, to work and earn money for his family, first carrying bags for tourists and later giving boat tours. Leaving school has caused him some grief, but no regrets. He seems to realize that all of his life experiences have contributed to his success today.

Having come up in poverty and deprivation really opened his heart to the struggles of others. Among the charitable organizations he has devoted his time, energy and resources to include the Food Depot, Angels Night

Chef Ahmed Obo with Dr. Wanda Ross Padilla


Out, Cooking With Kids, Hungry Mouth, Girard’s House and Big Brothers Big Sisters. It is because of his generosity and community service that he was recognized by the New Mexico Office of African American Affairs (OAAA) to receive one of the 2014 outstanding service awards, nominated by the Santa Fe Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Ahmed and his beautiful wife journeyed back to Kenya, for the graduation of his youngest sibling where he was recognized as Guest of Honor. He inspired and motivated others in Lamu, to follow their dreams.

Located a few doors from the restaurant is Jambo Imports. Upon walking into this shop, I was literally blown away by how the shop is laid out and the wide variety of artifacts, jewelry, clothing and FRESH SPICES! I really was overwhelmed by Motherland Africa’s great beauty and style via the extraordinary, creative craftsmanship of every item in that shop. All of the artifacts speak of the values and beliefs, of achievement and status of Mother Africa, the roles they play in ritual and ceremony, from safeguards against evil and disease to offering goodwill, fertility and prosperity. I received a real education just strolling through and reading descriptions from many different tribes each article came from. Speaking of the environment, there were sandals made out of old tires, beautiful jewelry made out of newspaper and magazines, all re-cycled into beautiful crafts. The clothing and attention was amazing - artwork, the wood carvings, the bronzes, the

intricate basket weaving, all a sight to behold!Lastly, the Jambo Kids Foundation and why he

started it, Ahmed said “I come from the Lamu Island, off the coast of Kenya. The people of the Lamu archipelago face serious healthcare and educational challenges. I grew up poor, had to leave school when I was 12, and watched family and friends suffer, even die, because of a lack of medical care. In the 20 years I have been in the U.S., I have been able to help my family achieve a better quality of life. Now I would like to give back to the community that nurtured me. I enjoy helping people especially the children. In the population of 100,000, 50% are children. It gives me great joy to see the changes I have made in people’s lives. I hope you will join me in this endeavor.” Thus, exists a health clinic now which serves the people of Lamu.

This statement says it all about this extraordinary man and the reasons for his success. Please, visit Jambo Café and Jambo Import Shop, you will not regret it.

To help the foundation, a 501(c)(3) registered in New Mexico, please contact [email protected]; www.JamboKids.org .

Jambo is located at 2010 Cerillos Road in Santa Fe, 505-473-1269, www.Jambocafe.net

Jambo Café on the left, and Jambo Imports & Spices are popular in Santa Fe and their popularity is expanding


Our Ambassadors have been busy these past weeks, they have been meeting every other weekend here at The MLK State Commission office. In these meetings they discuss different topics on what’s going on here in New Mexico and other places.

They have been writing essays on current

events that they have read about in the newspapers, evaluating the stories and applying Dr. King’s Six Principles of Nonviolence and how one of the six can be used in that particular story. They are also making plans on where they can participate and help around the city, give a helping hand and spread the teachings of Dr. King and his philosophy.

Recently they have participated in The Kutz 4 Kidz and The Black Expo. In both events they had a great time being around a lot of people and helping in every way they can. They are looking forward to participating in next year’s events.

The Ambassadors have also been invited back to The King Center in Atlanta, Georgia to help in their NOW Camp that is held yearly. How excited they are about that!

Putting a cap on all of their activities and events was their participation in the Annual MLK March in January, which also kicks off The 100 Days of Nonviolence.

The New Mexico Martin Luther King Jr. State Commission Ambassadors

A crowd of 80 people gathered at the Veterans’ Memorial Saturday, January 11th, to celebrate a century of dedicated service from an Organization whose importance for the African American community is immeasurable. The Albuquerque Branch of the NAACP is now 100 years old and counting.

The highlights of the day’s activities included speeches and awards. The roll call included four former NAACP Presidents Jesse Dompreh, E. Lena Brown, Josef Powdrell, Joseph Frank Dabney, and current local chapter President, Dr. Harold Bailey.

The event was presided over by the president of the local chapter, Harold Bailey, who has served two terms previously in the same position. Over the 100 year span there has been 24 local chapter presidents. “It’s a privilege and honor to be a part of this great organization that has meant so much for the nationwide advancement of all people,” said Dr. Bailey. He went on to discuss the importance of partnerships for advancing the work that needs to be done; having said that, he then introduced the keynote speaker for the event, Carol K.O. Lee, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Albuquerque Division. Lee and Bailey share an extended relationship that dates back to his days as the Executive Director of the Office of African American Affairs.

Awards were also presented to each local chapter board member. The original charter of the Albuquerque

Local NAACP Celebrates 100 Years

ABQ NAACP Presidents from left, (current) Harold Bailey, (former) Jesse Dompreh, E. Lena

Brown, Josef Powdrell and Joseph Frank Dabney


From the Desk of Kimberly Greene, Executive Director of New Mexico Martin Luther King Jr.

State Commission


The New Mexico Black Expo

The 2014 New Mexico Black Expo (NMBE) took great measures to expand its outreach, resources and services to New Mexico businesses and communities. NMBE operates with a mission that fosters business growth and development, educate and expose youth to the world of entrepreneurship, and provide events designed to inform, economically empower, celebrate talent and spotlight cultural diversity across all races, nationalities, generations and socioeconomic levels.

Organized in 2014, for the first time, since 2003, by an NMBE Steering Committee, the event has grown to become the largest African-American tradeshow in the state, attracting over: 100 exhibitors, 2,600 attendees, 80-person volunteer base; numerous attractions over the course of the two-day empowerment weekend. The NMBE events are supported by state businesses, comprised of healthcare providers, economic development institutions, community organizations, educational institutions, children and youth programming, small business owners, African immigrant and refugee community and performers. The 2014 NMBE attracted participants from Arizona, Texas, Illinois, Mississippi, Colorado, and Louisiana. New Mexicans also traveled from cities including Gallup, Belen, Farmington, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Corrales, Roswell, Clovis, Hobbs, Los Lunas, Rio Rancho, Bernalillo, Jemez Springs, Vequita and Albuquerque

to attend and participate as volunteers, exhibitors and entertainers.

All offered opportunities for screenings and featured demonstrations, seminars, active learning activities for children and fun for the entire family. Thirty-two employers were present to recruit minority leadership talent. More than 20 statewide Black-owned businesses were represented at the corporate luncheon honoring Ed Corley Sr. for being an outstanding, legendary, Black-business owner in New Mexico. Plenary

workshop and economic empowerment sessions were facilitated by leading African American professionals, with over 768 participants in attendance for the Economic Empowerment Day.

The NMBE included national entertainment such as gospel artists, the Jones Sisters IV, and award winning gospel artist Kim Burrell; Coy Poitier, award winning filmmaker; Cleveland Robertson, international empowerment speaker and filmmaker; and Sir Earl Toon, Kool and The Gang Charter Member. Previous Black Expos drew gospel rap artist, Da’T.R.U.T.H., and gospel recording artist, Earnest Pugh.

According to organizers of the event, the focus is not solely on delivering an annual tradeshow opportunity, but rather on delivering year-round community development events, connecting businesses to the communities they serve, and providing unique opportunities for all cultures to experience the unique African American history and legacy in New Mexico, to pull the talent of the community to the forefront on an annual basis and develop the next generation of entrepreneurs.

“The New Mexico Black Expo is much more than a yearly event. The expo is a state-wide community engagement, dedicated to building better lives while bringing together a broad base of volunteers who spend countless hours preparing to provide a wide range

Pictured above are members of the Corley family who received special recognition during the Black Expo luncheon for being one of the state of New Mexico's most successful business owners. Seated in front holding award are Eddie Corley Sr. and his wife Gladys, who started their family

business in 1982


of resources that build healthy communities.” Yvette Kaufman-Bell, Executive Director, New Mexico Office of African American Affairs.

Thank you, to our 2014 NMBE Major Sponsors, for assisting us to empower our state-wide community!

Six of eight Advisory Committee members and Volunteers who played an all-important role in assisting with the production of the Black Expo

Jonathan JohnsonSponsorship

Sonya Singletary accepting for her husband Andre

Food Court Chair

Ralph MimsEconomic Chair

Gionne Jones-RalphSteering Committee Chair

Bahati AnsariEducation Chair

Khadijah BottomCareer Fair Chair

Yvette Kaufman-Bell, Executive Director of the

Office of African American Affairs, with Albuquerque Mayor, Richard J.

Berry

Yvette Kaufman-Bell, and former Deputy Director Darren Johnson, with special guest

speaker Dr. Farrah Gray (center)


NMBE Economic Empowerment Day Workshops

Career Fair Vendors Interacting With Participants

(Pictured above left) Dr. Sandra Taylor Sawyer training class: Partnering Your Business w/Community & “ Is Your Money Managing You or Are You Managing Your Money”(Pictured above right) Aja Brooks training class: Legal Environment of Your BusinessOther WorkshopsBuck Buckner: Developing a Successful Multi-Site BusinessShawna Brown: Online & Digital MarketingAubrey Johnson: Professional Business Ethics Dr. Sean Rogers (Las Cruces): Personal Career Development and ManagementChad Cooper: Youth EntrepreneurshipTracy Maddox: Discover Pros and Cons of Running Your Own BusinessRita Powdrell: The History of Black Owned Businesses in New Mexico


BLACK EXPO


Robert Graham, one of the coordinators for the Martin Luther King Jr. celebration held at Eastern New Mexico University on Monday, has a deep passion for the leader of the civil rights movement and the message he tried to teach.

Graham, who attended Morehouse College in Atlanta, the same college King attended, said having MLK knowledge and resources so close by during his college years had a big impact on who he is today.

What impact did attending the same college as Martin Luther King Jr. have on you as a young adult?

Part of our freshman seminar takes place in King Chapel, which is named after Dr. King, and Dean Carter runs the King Chapel, and I heard him speak at the first freshman orientation activity, and I said I want to learn from this individual, so I became a chapel assistant my freshman year. What I learned from Dean Carter, that was my first tangible introduction to Dr. King’s philosophy and non-violence, and Dean Carter emphasized the internationality of King’s legacy, and he connected it to Gandhi. Getting to know King’s philosophy probably set a positive tone for my tenure as an undergraduate at Morehouse. It encouraged me to explore as many nuances as I could about Dr. King. I would say that I had a very spiritual connection by attending Morehouse, because I

sought out the resources that were available in terms of learning about Dr. King.

Is there any particular moment or experience during college where you were learning about MLK that stands out most in your mind?

I had a history professor and one of our essays (in his class) was to analyze the legacy of King. My professor challenged us to do our research and to draw our own conclusions on what we thought Dr. King’s legacy was rather than what we have passively heard, seen or experienced. That really opened my mind. What it said to me was I don’t have to just relate to Dr. King in academics; it can be a very personal connection. Probably since then, I have tried my best to personalize what Dr. King means to me.

What does MLK represent for you personally?He’s left-handed like me, and I thought that was cool

knowing he was left-handed like me. He inspires me to live in the present and use the past as a reference point and to make a better path for the people walking a few steps after me. He was my introduction to Gandhi, and in that regard, I was very refreshed to learn how important international collaboration was to him.

Like me, Dr. King was a huge fan of Star Trek, and it actually made complete sense to me. He was actually the reason Lt. Uhura remained on Star Trek. In a 2011 interview, she said she ran into Dr. King. Her first passion was musical theater, and she was going to leave the show to go pursue that, and he said, “No, no, no, you can’t leave.” He said Gene Rodenberry (was) presenting individuals as they should be, as equals. In many ways, I feel there are a lot of parallels between me and Dr. King in terms of our thought process and our affinity to and appreciation for diversity and our global awareness.

During your college years, did you ever meet anyone who had personally met King?

I did. Andrew Young, who was an ambassador to the United Nations at some point; I believe it was in the 1970s. I heard Andrew Young speak at Ebenezer Baptist Church in 2007.

Did he have any interesting stories to share about MLK?

Celebration Coordinator Shares Passion for King

By Robert Graham— Compiled by managing editor

Alisa Boswellof the Clovis News Journal


He talked about him as any friend would talk about his friend. That’s what struck me was his personal conviction and the knowledge, how he was able to give data points that person may not necessarily know about Dr. King.

He (Young) talked very casually about Dr. King, for example, he said Dr. King played basketball. He (King) was left-handed, but back in the 1950s and 1960s, he would shoot with his right hand as well to be versatile, and what that said to me is that Dr. King took this idea of versatility and applied it not only to his philosophy and his actions, but in little things like playing basketball. In basketball, it hasn’t been until recently that using both your hands has come in vogue on a large scale. To know that Dr. King was doing that in the ‘50s and ‘60s, that led me know that he paid attention to details.

What is your favorite quote by MLK?My favorite quote is from his interaction with

Lt. Uhura. Lt. Uhura, her real name is Nichelle Nichols, said she told him, “I feel bad I’m not on the streets marching, and he said “You’re marching for us, because you’re representing what we’re fighting for.” He said, “We don’t need you to march. You’re marching for us in the role that you play on Star Trek.” It’s my favorite because it’s one that doesn’t get a lot of publicity, and I didn’t know about it until I read about and listened to the interview that Nichelle Nichols gave.

The second is I’m a huge fan of the letter he wrote from Birmingham Jail. This was the Birmingham Campaign where King and other civil rights leaders were raising awareness of what was going on in Birmingham, Alabama, and he was in prison for a few days. There were some white clergyman who were expressing some hesitation and concerns about his actions, and this letter is one of the Hallmark documents of the Civil Rights Movement. He was pointing out the flaw in those clergymen’s argument that we need to take a slower path to progress.

MLK March in Hobbs, NM


Albuquerque Marching Because We Believe In Dr. King


A multi-cultural gathering of nearly a hundred kindred spirits were treated to a marvelous program celebrating the life and significance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Santa Fe Branch NAACP President Cedric Page began the proceedings with the singing of the Negro National Anthem; ‘Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing”. The audience was led, in song, by Malcolm Morgan and the Black Student Union from the Santa Fe University of Arts and Design. New Mexico MLK, Jr. State Commission director, Kimberly Greene, couldn’t be prouder as she gave a welcoming speech to the crowd.

Proclamations were stated by Santa Fe Mayor, Javier Gonzales, and Office of African American Affairs Executive Director Yvette Kaufman-Bell who spoke on behalf of Governor Susana Martinez.

Ms. Tikia Fame Hudson, a dynamic student at the Santa Fe University of Arts and Design received the 2015 Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Award. Ms. Hudson is also the director of the upcoming (February 2015) student production of the Obie Award-winning ‘for

Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration at the NM State Capitol Roundhouse

By George Geder

Doris Fields presenting award to Dr. Cathy Powers (in black jacket) keynote address

colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf’.

The highlight came with the keynote address by Dr. Kathy L. Powers, PhD; University of New Mexico Associate Professor. Ms. Powers gave a highly charged and insightful talk on ‘A Dream For Justice’. The audience showed their acknowledgement and appreciation with an arousing standing ovation.

The program ended with Branch treasurer and Santa Fe Living Treasure, Christine Johnson, leading the crowd in a chanting of ‘We Shall Overcome”.

Santa Fe Mayor Javier Gonzales with Dr. Cathy Powers

Award presented to Mrs. Tikia Fame Hudson


Albuquerque, New Mexico

Dr. Brian Gibbs is a public health and diversity practitioner who brings a practical and well-documented combination of skills to partnership building, coalition development and sustainable programing. With experience in reducing health disparities; encouraging cultural competency, diversity and inclusion; and promoting strategies to successfully tackle a wide range of health and health care needs, Gibbs is looking forward to learning about New Mexico and the unique ethnic composition of our state. Dr. Gibbs, an individual who expresses himself in a deeply spiritual way, has also committed much of his career to preparing minority students for academic success in college and university classrooms. Resilient enough to survive and thrive as a member of the Ivory Tower, his

Dr. Brian Gibbs Joins the University of New Mexico’s Health Sciences Center as its First African

American Vice Chancellor for Diversity

contributions to HSC and the Office of Diversity promise to be much greater than his position.

Dr. Gibbs comes to UNM’s Health Sciences Center after having worked at two esteemed institutions: Johns Hopkins and Harvard University. His love for his work is evident and the vast information he’s amassed through the years will undoubtedly be extremely valuable. Dr. Gibbs looks forward to meeting with all community members to ensure positive outcomes, collective engagement and creative opportunities for collaboration. To schedule an appointment, please contact his administrator, Crystal Davis, at 505-272-0218, or reach him directly via email at [email protected].

We warmly welcome Dr. Brian Gibbs to the University of New Mexico’s Health Sciences Center as its first African American Vice Chancellor for Diversity.

Dr. Brian Gibbs and his Lovely Family are now Calling New Mexico Home

By Sunshine Muse


Albuquerque, New Mexico

College of Arts & Sciences Dean Mark Peceny announces the appointment of Robert Jefferson as director of Africana Studies. He assumed the role July 1. Jefferson comes to UNM from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where he was director of the African American Studies Program and an associate professor in the history department. Prior to that, he was an associate professor in the history department at Xavier University and an assistant professor in the African American World Studies Program at the University of Iowa in Iowa City.

“An accomplished scholar, Dr. Jefferson brings a wealth of experience, tremendous energy and innovative

Dr. Robert Jefferson Named Director of

Africana Studies at UNM

ideas for transforming the Africana Studies Program. He has already established contacts on campus and in the Albuquerque community,” Peceny said.

Jefferson earned his Doctorate in African American History from the University of Michigan in 1995. He earned a master’s degree in history at Old Dominion University in 1990 and a bachelor’s degree in political science at Elon University in 1986.

Besides African American history, his research and teaching interests include military, disability studies, 20th century United States history, and international relations. He is the author of Fighting for Hope: African American Troops of the 93d Infantry Division in World War II and Postwar America, which was nominated for the 2009 William Colby Award. He is currently at work on a new book, The Color of Disability: Vasco Hale and Twentieth Century America. He also is the author of numerous journal articles and essays.

While at UAB and Xavier, Jefferson served as a member of Faculty Senate, and at Xavier he served as chairman of the Africana Studies Program from 2005 to 2006, and co-founder of the W. E. B. Du Bois Philosophical Society in 2007.

He has been a member of the Association for the Study of African-American Life and History, the National Council for Black Studies, the American Historical Association, the Organization of American Historians, Social Science History Association, the Australian and New Zealand American Studies Association and the Society of Military History.

“Let me also take this moment to thank Alfred Mathewson, who will step down as director of the program this summer after five years of extraordinary service. Under Professor Mathewson’s leadership, the program dramatically increased the size and strength of its faculty, significantly increased the number of students it served, and deepened ties with the local community. I have appreciated his dedication to the program; a dedication exemplified by his service as Director as an overload to his full time responsibilities as a faculty member in the School of Law,” Peceny said.

Outgoing director of Africana Studies, Alfred Mathewson (left) welcomes the new director of

Africana Studies, Robert Jefferson

By Sunshine Muse


Alamogordo, New Mexico

An Alamogordo nonprofit organization continues to honor two of its great sports heroes while at the same time supporting the future of youth in the state of New Mexico. The Ray McDonald/Fred Henry, Jr., Scholarship Fund, a local 501(c)(3), non-profit organization, sponsored its 10th Annual Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament. The tournament was held at the Desert Greens Public Golf Course on Albuquerque’s West Side. Proceeds benefit college scholarships for New Mexico high school seniors. So far, the fund has raised over $56,000 to help send 45 students to 14 colleges and universities.

According to Leman Taylor a former baseball player for the Alamogordo Tigers, “Several of the athletes would return to Alamogordo and get together for the 4th July holiday to celebrate an incredible union that was developed while they were athletes in the Alamogordo school system. The decision to create the scholarship fund was introduced by Jerome Holly a former athlete from Alamogordo, who suggested the use of a golf tournament to raise money for students who were planning to further their education at a college or university. The Scholarship Fund is open to all students regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, or disability. And it was the work of a local lawyer in Alamogordo who was familiar with both honorees, John Wheeler who set up the 501(c)(3) nonprofit status for the organization.

Fred Henry and Ray McDonald are two of the most

prominent athletes to have participated in athletics in Alamogordo. They were both multi-sports athletes whose careers extended well beyond their high school days. The committee that was established to have a scholarship named in their honor wanted to extend the legacy of their wonderful careers as athletes who excelled in the Alamogordo sports programs.

The ledger for the two Alamogordo legends of which the fundraiser honors, reads, Ray McDonald, who passed away in 1993, and Fred Henry, Jr., who died in 1996, are remembered as kind and generous who both reached high levels of accomplishments

in the arena of football.While at Alamogordo, Ray McDonald was

a multisport athlete excelling in track and football. McDonald enrolled at the University of Idaho in 1963. As a senior in 1966, he led the nation in rushing with 1,329 yards. Standing, in at an imposing 6 ft 4 and 248 lbs, he was the dominant player in the Big Sky Conference, and was the leading rusher for Idaho in all three years of eligibility (1964–66), averaging over 100 yards rushing per game for his collegiate career. He rushed for 36 touchdowns and 2,916 yards in 27 games played as a member of the Idaho Vandal football team, averaging 108 yards per game.

McDonald was timed in the 100-yard dash at 9.9 seconds and was a first-team All-American. He threw the shot put and discus and was a national-class hurdler on the Vandal track team. McDonald played both offense and defense in at the East–West Shrine Game, and saw significant playing time at fullback in the Senior Bowl the following week. He was selected in the first round of the 1967 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins, the 13th overall pick.

Fred Henry Jr. was a three sport athlete who didn’t just participate in football basketball and baseball, he excelled in all three sports. Fred received a baseball and football scholarship offer to attend the University of New Mexico but turned down the baseball scholarship to play

Legacy of Great Athletes Paying Forward


Alamogordo, New Mexicofootball. After his football career Fred continued to live in New Mexico and went to work Santa Fe Railroad. He maintained a love for football and coached as an assistant football coach at Cibola high school, while maintaining his job at the railroad.

Henry became the first halfback in University of New Mexico history to run for more than 1,000 yards in a season. Henry was a three-year starter for New Mexico from 1970-1972 and had a brilliant career in which he finished with 2,935 yards rushing, at the time a school record. That total has since been eclipsed, but Henry still ranks as one of the top rusher in school history. In 1970, Henry made first team All-Western Athletic Conference and honorable mention All-America, rushing for 829 yards the most ever by a sophomore in the WAC at that time. The next season, Henry ran for 1,129 yards, becoming the first player in Lobos football history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in a season. Henry still holds Lobos records for yards by a junior (1,129) and average yards per carry in a career, averaging 6.5 yards a carry.

He was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 1972 and spent 3 seasons in the National Football League before returning to Albuquerque and going to work with the Santa Fe Railroad for 18 years.

The golf tournament resides in Albuquerque as a means of advancing the opportunity to maximize the funds that can be raised for the scholarships. “Although we wanted to keep it in Alamogordo it just made sense for us to move it to Albuquerque where there would be you opportunity to have more golfers participate and giving us the opportunity to increase the levels of funds for scholarships that can be distributed,” shared Taylor.

Two members of the Ray McDonald family, Charles and Edward McDonald and Fred Henry’s wife Janice, along with his two daughters, Robin and Roxanne, and his grandsons have remained very active with the fundraiser and the golf tournament. Each year the number of volunteers and participants have increased which has resulted in the extended success . Leman Taylor is the current president of the Ray McDonald, Fred Henry Junior scholarship fund and for additional information concerning the organization he can be reached at (505) 850-7480.

Holloman Air Force Base, NM held its inaugural Diversity Fair on October 17, 2014. The Buffalo Soldier’s Society was among many presenters who participated in the event. The fair featured booths representing the many cultures within our society. It was

patronized by more than 4,000 people. Pictured above is Mr. Fred Hampton from the Buffalo Soldiers Society and Mr. Anthony Harmon, from the Diversity Fair Committee who reenacted the Buffalo Soldier’s charge.

Pastor Warren Robinson, President of the Otero County NAACP, presented Mr. Charles Cromer, on the right, with the NAACP Silva Life Award. Mr. Cromer has been a long time member of the NAACP and decided to seal his commitment to the organization by becoming a lifetime member. In return, Mr. Charles Cromer received the privilege to return the honor, and presented President Warren Robinson with his NAACP Silva Life Award. President Robinson also sealed his commitment to the NAACP.

Awards and Events


Portales, New Mexico

Reverend Dr. Keith Wilks is the son of Al and Joan Wilks. He was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Keith was ordained an Elder in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in 1988. He is currently the proud pastor of First United Methodist Church in Portales, New Mexico. Dr. Wilks has pastored churches in Arizona, California, New Mexico, Georgia and South Carolina.

Dr. Wilks’ history with the state of New Mexico, dates back 1991 to 1994, where he was the pastor of Patterson Chapel in Clovis, New Mexico; and 1999 to 2004, he was the pastor at Thompson Chapel in Artesia, New Mexico. Dr. Wilks says he was elated for the opportunity to return to New Mexico: “I was excited when I learned that I had opportunity to return to New Mexico, because after going to school and living in the South for 10 years, there is deathly something to say for the quality of southern hospitality. However, New Mexico hospitality is second to none. The hospitality that I have experienced during my time in New Mexico, deftly supports the rationale for the identification of New Mexico, as the Land of Enchantment. What makes it enchanting for me, the people of New Mexico, are very welcoming and the communities always make you feel embraced. This time around I’m looking forward to a longer stay in New Mexico.”

Dr. Wilks becomes the first African American to serve as pastor of the First United Methodist Church in Portales, New Mexico, in the 117-year history of the church. He is also one of a very few number of African American pastors to pastor a predominantly white church in New Mexico. He has earned a Doctor of Ministry, Summa Cum Laude from the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC), Atlanta, Georgia, after earning a Master of Divinity.

He was clinically trained in chaplaincy through a two-year Clinical Pastoral Education Program at the Care and Counseling Center of Georgia. Dr. Wilks has served as a hospice chaplain for 5 years and a hospital chaplain for 2 years. He has written a dissertation “Bridging Hospice and Church”. He also authored the book “Addiction and the Pulpit: Living a Double Life”. Dr. Wilks has given a number of presentations on Hospice and End of Life Care; including presentations to the Doctor of Ministry Conference at the Interdenominational Theological Center, various churches, conferences and community organizations. He is fervent in the ministry of helping people expand their concept of God, self and others.

Dr. Wilks is a pastor who is dedicated to making change in New Mexico, through the education of communities in a variety of areas related to pastoral care. He shared these thoughts about making a difference here in New Mexico. “My goal in New Mexico, is to provide the best pastoral care to First United Methodist Church in Portales and the community at large. I believe there is a need for uplifting people through practical theology. By that I mean, providing a pastoral presence in areas of life that can be the most challenging such as end of life, substance abuse, emotional difficulties and other pressing issues people find themselves. The method I am using is preaching relevant and spirit-filled sermons, and also continue to write educational pieces for publications on Hospice and end of life care. I think it’s important to share the three step process of recovery: Reflection, Revealing, and Reframing, from my book ‘Addiction and the Pulpit: Living a Double Life’. I will remain available for pastoral care sessions to families and individuals. I am committed to helping all people expand their concept of God, Self and Others.”

Introducing Dr. Keith Wilks


Rio Rancho, New Mexico

The Friends of Many Cultures is an organization that has chosen its focus on directing services and resources to “Non-Traditional Schools” because that is where they believe they can make significant differences for the most needed population of students. The membership of the Friends of Many Cultures feel there are many needs and fewer opportunities for these young people, and their organization is committed to provide opportunities for youth to excel.

Each year they sponsor a community ball as an annual fundraiser for the organization that is coupled with other organizational fundraising activities to benefit the scholarship fund.

Each student has to write an essay of 500 words or less and the Scholarship Committee selects the Student and the amount they will receive. Once the student is enrolled at the school of their choice, a check is sent to that school. This year’s successful students were presented at the Friends Annual Harvest Ball at the Chamisa Hills Country Club.

Greg Hull, the newly elected Mayor of Rio Rancho, was the special guest speaker for the event. Felicie Truscio, the President of the Friends of Many Cultures, shared these facts about the organization’s history in celebration of its 24th anniversary, stating “The organization was started by a group of people from the

Caribbean that lived in New York and moved to Rio Rancho. Originally when it was started it was to promote international harmony from people who came to New Mexico from various cultures from different countries.” The community ball is also in its 24th year, mirroring the number of years the organization has been in existence.

The student recipients were not able to be at the event because one was in South America and the other had moved to Colorado. Each of

the student scholarship recipients was awarded $1000 this year. Standing in to receive the awards for the students was the principal of Independent High School, Mrs. Myra Roosevelt. The students recipients were: Mr. Jake Joseph of Independence High School and Ms. Ryan Berlier. Jake is a hardworking and dedicated student, who strives to do his best. He is focused on his goals, is a team player and has excelled as a student leader. He worked part time, attended school full time and is an active father of a baby girl. He wrote “ If I had to choose to be incredibly rich, or incredibly smart, there is no doubt in my mind that I would choose brains. Knowledge is what makes a person succeed and progress in life.” He spent the summer in South America working on ideas to formulate a web-based business. Since returning in November, his plans are to attend CNM. Ms. Ryan Berlier has overcome challenges in her life and has worked hard to learn from them and move forward. She is a hard-working student who strives to do her best. She has excelled as a young writer and poet. Her dream is to become a published writer. During the summer, she moved to Colorado, and will work toward continuing her education.

Friends Of Many Cultures Harvest Ball2014 Scholarship Recipients


Members of the Friends of Many Cultures


Santa Fe, New Mexico

The day started with the Afreeka Santa Fe organizing committee, executive board, and volunteers braving the cold morning air under grey skies as they set up banners, tables, and tents for the 4th Annual Fiesta Fela. Frowns turned to smiles as the clouds parted and we saw patches of blue, felt the promised warmth, and were greeted by the excited crowd of anxious fans of African music, culture, and art.

Fiesta Fela takes place on the weekend of Fela Kuti’s, also known as Fela Anikulapo Kuti, birthday, (October 15, 1938). Fela was a Nigerian multi-instrumentalist; musician and composer; pioneer of the Afrobeat music genre; human rights activist; and political maverick.

Kamajou Tadfor delivered what is to officially become the standard for cross-cultural African-ancestored diasporic expression to the Santa Fe, New Mexico community. The Rail Yard Park has never experienced such a display of compassion, empathy, fellowship and what it takes to make a true global village. Mr. Tadfor’s vision has a resonance that was apparent on Saturday, October 11, 2014.

Santa Fe Mayor, Javier M. Gonzales, made it clear that the day was to be remembered. The proclamation for ‘Fiesta Fela Day’ was presented at the Santa Fe City Council meeting on October 8, 2014. The Mayor was listening. In response to Mr. Gonzales’ largess, Mr. Tadfor

Afreeka Santa Fe presented him with the gift of a carved authentic African walking stick symbolizing leadership and wisdom. The proclamation further acknowledged the ‘Sister Cities’ relationship between Santa Fe, New Mexico and

Livingstone, Zambia, Africa.The NM Office of African American Affairs

and the Santa Fe Branch NAACP, among other socially conscious organizations, understood and supported this major movement with support and advocacy. This day was also recognized by the extended community of New Mexico Social Justice advocates from Santa Fe, Albuquerque and beyond. Representatives from the continent of Africa were in attendance. This author was overwhelmed by the outcome.

Some of the artists who performed included Matthew Andrea, Santa Fe, singer/songwriter; Ceci Tadfor, Culinary persona from Cameroon; Rujeko Dumbutshena, Dancer and choreographer from Zimbabwe; Wamba, Drum/dance ensemble from Ghana and Dean Howell, Santa Fe artist.

Among returning artists were Agalu from Nigeria, with master drummer Akeem Ayanniyi; Moria, the West African drum and dance ensemble; Mosaic Dance Company with dances from Morocco and North Africa; the Swank Brothers and Jaka, the Santa Fe Afro Pop Funk dance band. Visual artist Laura Tarnoff

painted live at the event and Gasali Adeyemo displayed his batik and indigo art.

Please allow the images, herein, to sway and inform you of the spirit of what took place on Saturday, October 11th at the Rail Yard Park; Fiesta Fela 2014. Be with us next year!

Kamajou Tadfor Artistic Director of Afreeka Santa Fe (left) and George Geder

By George Geder


From the time they moved into their apartment and the time they spent in travel, Donovan began to make soap as part of his science and math home school projects. Casey used her skills in soap making to teach Donovan a craft that taught applications that applied to his school work. The uniqueness of a line of soaps that Donovan creates is that they smell and resemble edible delights such as doughnuts, ice cream, and one of Donovan’s favorites, hamburgers. These are just a few of the many soap designs that Donovan has created of a list that continues to grow. At the time they were giving the soap away. With the growth in the soap’s popularity, Donovan’s desire to be more of a helpmate for his mom served as the motivation for him to want to sell the soap. They first set up at Robinson Park near downtown Albuquerque, and a short time later they moved to the Rail Yard Marketplace, Albuquerque’s newest farmers market. January 1, 2014, was the official opening of the business, Toil and Trouble. Donovan, who was the youngest vendor at the Rail Yard, would get up at 6 AM and every Sunday morning transport his delicious looking creations in his little red wagon down to Rail Yards, ready for business.

“The only day that he would miss would be because of me, he never complained about going to work; he was always ready,” said Casey.

Because Donovan is a young man with an incredibly big heart, he and his mom chose to set up a fundraising initiative for the Supportive Housing Coalition, the organization that gave them the support they needed to turn their lives around. They donate a significant percentage of the profit that they get for the sale of

Taking the Journey and Discovering a Dream

their soap to the organization to help other homeless families. Because of their generosity and the creativeness of the soaps Donovan made, he has been featured on the Huffington Post, The Black Youth Project, Black Enterprise, WTKR News Channel 3, NewsOne, and he and his mom made a guest appearance on the Queen Latifah show.

It was as guests of the Queen Latifah show that Donovan and Casey were treated to a special gift from Queen Latifah of a trip to London to visit the museums, as that is a favorite pastime of Donovan’s. Donovan said going on the Queen Latifah show was quite an experience and he identifies that as the most outstanding thing that has happened to him.

Continued from page 13

Donovan off to work with his

little red wagon

Donovan and Casey on the set of Queen Latifah

Not too long following the ball, The Friends of Many Cultures suffered the loss of one of the organization’s founding and most committed members Mrs. Venus Wainright. Venus was a popular member of the organization and was a former President. Venus will be greatly missed as she was the heart of the organization’s drive to be successful. Forever pleasant and willing to serve the needs of the organization, she was a beautiful person whose spirit will forever live on in the hearts of the members as well as many students who have benefited from her dedication.

We love you Venus and you can never be replaced.

The Friends of Many Cultures

Friends Of Many Cultures Harvest BallContinued from page 31


Mapalo said that the MOU also included access to library’s online which provides the opportunity for an exchange of incredible amounts of cultural information.

During the signing ceremony, Zambia Ambassador to the USA: His Excellency Palan Mulonda referred to the state of New Mexico as the hidden gem in the United States. “Zambia is one of Africa’s most important tourism destinations and is rich with culture and history,” added Patrick Mapalo, “We have so much in common, yet there is still much opportunity to learn from one another because Lusaka and Albuquerque, they are both leaders in technology; they are perfectly matched for the Sister City program.”

Plans are for the Sister City relationship between New Mexico and Zambia, to take steps to achieve goals and move beyond theory putting into action the concepts of business and resource exchange. The Mayor of Albuquerque will be joining Mapalo in June in a visit to Zambia to reciprocate the visit of the Zambia government to New Mexico.

According to Albuquerque Sister Cities Foundation, President Richard Buckler said, “Since its inception under President Eisenhower in 1956, the Sister Cities movement has successfully joined approximately 600 U.S. cities with 1,900 international cities. Its benefits can be seen not only in greater cultural understanding, but also in creating the atmosphere that promotes investment and economic development.”

Albuquerque has participated in the Sister Cities International program for over 50 years.


City of Albuquerque and Zambian Officials

Sister Cities Signing CeremonyNow, as Lobo Nation fans say goodbye to the

most accomplished volleyball players in the history of the University New Mexico, a tribute to the legacy of Chantale Riddle’s greatness has a permanent place in the rafters at Johnson Center. Her name will be listed on a “Lobo All-Americans” banner along with other former Lobo stars. Her statistics also will appear among the elite in UNM’s career record book, and she’ll soon become one of several ex-Lobos to embark on a professional volleyball career abroad.

Chantale’s mother, Laura, was hospitalized during her graduation ceremony in December, but her loving spirit has always kept her close by even when physically they were apart. Laura, 44, had endured numerous hospital stays and surgical procedures. Chantale was with her mother at a Lubbock, Texas, hospital when she learned of her latest All-America honors, however, nothing compared to happiness she felt in receiving the news from doctors that her mother’s procedure to treat a brain tumor went well. Then another emotional ride came when she received the phone call while in Finland that her mother had passed away; and this news, just two weeks into this year after she had left for Finland to play for a professional volleyball team. Over 5,000 miles away, her new teammates rallied to get her back home and help with the funeral expenses by setting up a gofundme account. Chantale plans to return to Albuquerque in the near future and make this her place of residence. She is grateful to the community and the Lobo Nation family!

Chantale Riddle A Model of Fortitude


Chantale and her sister, Deja

Local NAACP Celebrates 100 YearsContinued from page 16

Branch of the NAACP was on display during the celebration as well as their new banner.

The NAACP began in 1909 on a national level – three years before New Mexico became the 47th state on January 6, 1912. The local chapter of the NAACP began January 5, 1915.


Executive OrderThe New Mexico State Office of African American Affairs was enacted by the 44th New Mexico State Legislature in 1999 under House Bill 909 and established by Executive Order under the administration of Governor Gary Johnson and continues to serve under the present administration of Governor Susana Martinez.

MissionTo study, identify, and provide solutions to issues of concern relevant to the African American community.

VisionTo be a “Go To” agency in New Mexico on matters relating to methods that improve the quality of life for African Americans. By providing valuable resources to our constituents, our governor, legislators, educators, health care professionals, et al, we will ensure access to resources that provide for the success of all New Mexicans.

Sandra Taylor-Sawyer, Chairperson, Clovis, NMDirector, Small Business Development CenterCity Commissioner, District 2

Crystal Mullins, Hobbs, NMCity Commissioner, District 3

JoElla Redmon, Albuquerque, NMRetired Director New Mexico MLK State Commission

Doris Jackson, Albuquerque, NMRetired APS Educator

Pastor Neil Johnson, Farmington, NM Community Liaison/Advocate to the Mayor

Wanda Padilla, Santa Fe, NMCo-Owner Padilla Industries, Inc.

Curtis Rosemond, Las Cruces, NMBusiness Owner Legendary Nutritions

Ralph Mims, Village of Los Lunas, NMEconomic Development Manager

Jonathan Johnson, Rio Rancho, NMBusiness Analyst, Intel Corp. Global Operations Support

Bobbie Green, Las Cruces, NMMBA Director at NMSU and College Associate Professor

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Anyone interested in serving on the Office of African American Affairs Executive Advisory Committee

may submit their information to Yvette Kaufman-Bell at [email protected]

EXECUTIVE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS

New Mexico Office of African American Affairs

Copyright © 2015 Pre Sorted Standard MailU.S. Postage PaidAlbuquerque, NMPermit No. 1888

NM Office of African American Affairs1015 Tijeras NW Suite 102Albuquerque, NM 87102

The Governor’s Office is located on the 4th floor of the New Mexico State Capitol in Room 400, Santa Fe, New Mexico Phone (505) 476-2200.

new mexico office of focus... 4 yvette kaufman-bell, executive director new mexico office of african...

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