New Mexico Office of African American Affairs

Staff Directory

Yvette Kaufman-Bell Executive Director Office: 505-222-9447 Cell: 505-690-4990 [email protected]

Vacant Deputy Director Office: 505-222-9443 Office staff members from (l-r), Tanya Montoya-Ramirez, Cell: 505-221-9015 Beverly Jordan, Yvette Kaufman-Bell, Nicole Byrd, and Cecilia Webb Beverly Jordan Executive Assistant Office: 505-222-9476 Cell: 505-221-2863 [email protected] Contact us: Tanya Montoya-Ramirez New Mexico Office of Budget Analyst African American Affairs Office: 505-222-9441 [email protected]

Nicole Byrd 1015 Tijeras NW Suite 102 Community Outreach Specialist Office: 505-222-9497 Albuquerque, NM 87102 Cell: 505-221-9171 1-866-747-6935 Toll-Free [email protected] (505) 222-9405 Cecilia Webb (505) 222-9489 Fax Community Outreach Specialist Office: 505-222-9442 website: www.oaaa.state.nm.us Cell: 505-221-9016 [email protected]

Vacant Community Outreach Specialist Office: 505-222-9405

www.oaaa.state.nm.us 2 Table of Contents

• Director’s Message •••4 • James B. Lewis Retires •••5 • National Association of Auditors, Comptrollers and State Treasurers •••6 Publication Staff • City of Albuquerque and Zambian Officials Sister Cities Signing Ceremony •••7 Publish Layout & Design • Office of African American Affairs Ron Wallace Outstanding Awards Luncheon •••8 • Chantale Riddle A Model of Fortitude •••11 Editor OAAA Staff • Taking the Journey and Discovering a Dream •••12 Cecilia Webb • Doing Business in New Mexico: Jambo Success •••14 • Local NAACP Celebrates 100 Years •••16 Contributors of Articles and • The New Mexico Martin Luther King Jr. Photos for this issue State Commission Ambassadors •••16 • The New Mexico Black Expo •••17-21 Carolyn Peeler - Alamogordo, NM • Celebration Coordinator Shares Passion for King •••22 Leman Taylor - Alamogordo, NM • MLK March in Hobbs, NM •••23 Patrick Mapalo - Albuquerque, NM • Albuquerque Marching Because We Believe In Dr. King •••24 David Hicks (photos) - Albuquerque, NM • Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration at the Kimberley Greene - Albuquerque, NM NM State Capitol Roundhouse •••25 Sunshine Muse - Albuquerque, NM • Dr. Brian Gibbs Joins the University of New Mexico’s Marilyn L. Hill - Albuquerque, NM Health Sciences Center as its First African American Alisa Boswell - Managing Editor, Vice Chancellor for Diversity •••26 Clovis News Journal - Clovis, NM • Dr. Robert Jefferson Named Director of Africana Studies •••27 Joyce Pollard - Clovis, NM • Legacy of Great Athletes Paying Forward •••28 Robert Graham - Portales, NM • Alamogordo Awards and Events •••29 George Geder - Santa Fe, NM • Introducing Dr. Keith Wilks •••30 Dr. Wanda Ross Padilla - Santa Fe, NM • Friends Of Many Cultures Harvest Ball •••31 • Afreeka Santa Fe •••32 College of Santa Fe Special Reunion 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.

3 Statewide Focus Magazine ◊ Partnered, for the first time, to offer a County Black Expo in Lea and Santa Fe counties. Each County Black Expo had Director’s Message 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 Yvette Kaufman-Bell, Executive Director SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013 Albuquerque Public New Mexico Office of African American Affairs Schools Board Meeting; National Black Child Institute; UNM Health Disparity Institute; State of NM Alternative Dispute Brief Highlights of OAAA Activity During Resolution Training July 1, 2013 — June 30, 2014 NOVEMBER 2013 Hobbs NAACP Event; State NAACP Conference; ADR Conference; Black SPACES; Training Safe ◊ Governor Susana Martinez dedicates New Mexico’s Schools Summit by Attorney General Gary King; Partnerships that Improve Outcomes for Children and Families; Community 14th CYFD Heart Gallery housed at the NM Office Networking; AACNM; Governor and 1st Gentleman Reception; of African American Affairs, as the agency joins Sister City: Zambia Meeting CYFD to assist with finding forever families for foster PROGRAM SPONSORSHIP NAACP State Conference; children Grant Chapel AME Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast; ◊ Five Town Hall Meetings conducted in 5 counties (Curry, Southern Christian Leadership Council Dr. Martin Luther King Chaves, Lea, Santa Fe, Bernalillo) to discuss ways leaders Jr. Luncheon; New Mexico Black History Month Committee; in each county can join efforts to decrease disparities in the eREAD SAT/ACT On-Line Prep Courses; Tuskegee Airmen African American community Aviation Youth Summer Camp; Big Red Express Track ◊ Total of 79 New Mexico teachers received lesson plans Club; New Mexico Black History Month Festival Education; on a more in-depth look at US African American history Research Evaluation & Design, Inc.; Hobbs Black History to implement in classrooms, in partnership with PBS. The Month Celebration; University of New Mexico Voices of lesson plans meet state core curriculum standards Inspiration Choir; Santa Fe NAACP; Freedom Work; Folk ◊ A Black Expo Steering Committee was formed to Forms and Variations; National Organization of Black Law plan and implement a two-day statewide showcase of Enforcement Executives (N.O.B.L.E.); Home Circle Club New Mexico’s rich African American culture and provide 100 Year Anniversary; 50th Commemorative Celebration of resources for economics, health care and education the March on Washington ◊ Published 8 county statistical data reports, emphasizing DECEMBER 2013 Links Gala; Faculty of Color disproportionate disparity in the areas of economics, Networking Reception; Community Memorial Honoring the education and health (Dona Ana, Lea, Curry, Chaves, Life of Nelson Mandela; Healthy People—Healthy Places Bernalillo, Santa Fe, Otero, Eddy) Forum ◊ Partnered in 6 community career fairs and economic JANUARY 2014 Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce empowerment sessions to increase employment opportunities Susana Martinez Luncheon; Grant Chapel Martin Luther in minority communities in Lea, Bernalillo and Curry King Jr. Breakfast; Southern Christian Leadership Conference counties Martin Luther King Jr. Luncheon; NM Martin Luther King Jr. ◊ Increased Summer Literacy Enrichment Program sites March; Governor’s Prayer Breakfast; Children’s Law Institute to be held at 3 community centers Conference www.oaaa.state.nm.us 4 FEBRUARY 2014 Church of God In Christ Leadership MAY 2014 SBCC John Lewis Celebration; Native Summit Facilitator, New Covenant Worship Center Leadership American Economic Summit; APS Cultural Proficiency Summit Facilitator, Silver Horizons Senior Assistance Fair; Meeting Team Child Brain Alliance; Mohammed Ali Documentary JUNE 2014 Freedom Summer Documentary Facilitation Facilitated Panel Discussion of Panel Discussion; NM Attorney General 2nd Annual Summit APRIL 2014 Suicide Prevention Training; NM Economic on Community Violence; Cultural Proficiency and Equity Summit; UNM Reception for Dr. Gibbs; Working in Indian “Listening Campaign”; Governor Susana Martinez Unveiling Country Training of Digital Heart Gallery For a more in-depth Executive Year End Report visit the agency’s website @ www.oaaa.state.nm.us James B. Lewis Retires An Industrious Career of Service December 31, Director in charge of leading initiatives that impacted 2014, James B. Minority Small Disadvantaged Businesses and Women Lewis retired as the owned Businesses. Treasurer of the State After an unsuccessful bid to become Mayor of of New Mexico, Albuquerque, Lewis was appointed by Mayor Martin politics, and public Chavez as the City’s Chief Operations Officer in service, where he has 2001; he was later elevated to the position of the Chief dedicated over 38 Administrative Officer in 2003. Lewis retired from the years on local, state City of Albuquerque in 2005. and federal levels. Lewis successfully ran again for the office of State He leaves office Treasurer in 2006. His triumphant run landed him in as one of the most the wake of corruption scandals that landed two former effective treasurers to treasurers in prison. He turned the Treasurer’s Office have served the state around and was re-elected again in 2010. of New Mexico. Lewis will be remembered for his honesty and for restoring trust to the Treasurer’s Office. His legacy also James B. Lewis, a veteran of political races, began documents him as the most effective African American his career when he became a candidate for the Bernalillo politician to have lived in New Mexico. Congratulations County Treasurer in 1980, winning election in 1982, and and thank you for your service, James B. Lewis! 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 OAAA staff member Beverly Jordan presents to the Office of Economic Impact and Diversity of the appreciation for service award to Treasurer United States Department of Energy in 1999, as the James B. Lewis during retirement ceremony 5 Statewide Focus Magazine National Association of Auditors, Comptrollers and State Treasurers

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 Treasurer Lewis with staff members commented that this was the best conference they had during the conference attended. Treasurer Lewis stated “As the 2014 President The National Association of State Auditors, of NASACT, it was a unique opportunity to bring Comptrollers, and Treasurers (NASACT) is an organization this national conference to the Land of Enchantment. of state officials tasked with the financial management of NASACT has been in existence for 99 years and this state government. NASACT’s members are officials who is the first time New Mexico was host to this national have been elected or appointed to the office of state auditor, conference. I feel so fortunate that NASACT members state comptroller or state treasurer in the 50 states, the were able to experience the beauty, culture and New District of Columbia and the U.S. territories. NASACT Mexican hospitality.” has a headquarters office in Lexington, Kentucky and a New Mexico State Treasurer James B. Lewis is second office in Washington, D.C. one of only three African American state treasurers in In 2014, 99th NASACT Conference was held in the United States. He is accompanied by Denise Lynn Santa Fe, New Mexico, and hosted by New Mexico Nappier, who serves as the current Connecticut State State Treasurer James B. Lewis, who in August of 2013, Treasurer and Chip Flowers, who serves as the Delaware had the distinction of being installed as the President of State Treasurer. 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 Denise Lynn Chip Flowers examine issues affecting state auditors, state comptrollers Nappier Delaware State and state treasurers. Connecticut Treasurer Over 400 attendees and their guests attended the State Treasurer conference to listen to such dynamic speakers as Dr. Lowell Catlett, Dean of the Agriculture, Consumer and www.oaaa.state.nm.us 6 City of Albuquerque and Zambian Officials Sister Cities Signing Ceremony

Albuquerque Mayor Richard J. Berry met with from various community organizations including the Zambian officials in New Mexico to establish a “Sister New Mexico Office of African American Affairs and the City” relationship under the guidelines of Sister Cities Albuquerque Sister Cities Foundation. International. According to Patrick Mapalo, newly appointed The Zambian delegation that met with Mayor Berry Lusaka Co-Chair for the Albuquerque Sister Cities consisted of City of Lusaka Deputy Mayor: Worship Foundation, “A Sister City relationship between Potipher Tembo, Councilor: Mr. McBride Sekeleti, Albuquerque and Lusaka should have happened earlier, Lusaka City Lawyer: Mr. Michael Mwape Moono, but it was due to the changing of Mayors in Lusaka that Zambia Ambassador to the USA: His Excellency Palan delayed the process. There are already two Sister Cities Mulonda, and Press Secretary Zambia Embassy DC: in New Mexico, one in Clovis, and the other in Santa Fe. Ms. Patricia Littiya. The City of Santa Fe is a Sister City with Livingstone, The Zambian delegation arrived in New Mexico, and Clovis is a Sister City with Kasama.” the 26th of September, and the visit extended through the Mapalo went on to share, “The Zambian delegation 9th of October, to focus on the Sister Cities relationship went on to visit a couple places in New Mexico, before between Albuquerque and Lusaka, signed that the City of the official ceremony in Albuquerque. One of the highlight Albuquerque will be moving forward with a new Sister visits was to Clovis, New Mexico, where the community City relationship with the capital city of the African nation had solicited and raised enough funds to buy an ambulance of Zambia. The official signing was open to the public to be donated to their Sister City in Kasama. The and took place in City Council Chambers on October ambulance will be driven to Houston and taken on a 2nd, followed by a reception on the patio of the newly boat the rest of the way; and the City of Albuquerque, renovated Albuquerque Convention Center. has already donated 45 firefighter uniforms to Lusaka, The signing of Memo of Understanding (MOU) and they are also in the process of trying to have an established a “Sister City” relationship under the ambulance donated as well.” guidelines of Sister Cities International. “Lusaka According to Mapalo, the response to the Sister becomes Albuquerque’s 10th Sister City, and our very City program has been overwhelmingly positive and first on the African continent,” said Mayor Berry. “I am there is already excitement surrounding the fact that the excited about the multitude of cultural, educational and University of Zambia is signed up for an MOU to have economic opportunities that will be made possible as a Exchange Students study in New Mexico, and New result of this new relationship.” Mexico students study in Zambia. Discussions around the development of a new sisterhood between Lusaka and Albuquerque, began in 2012, and have included several visits by Zambian Continued on page 34 officials. The initiative has received strong support www.oaaa.state.nm.us 7 Office of African American Affairs Outstanding Awards Luncheon

Award Recipients

Standing with award recipients are from left Dr. Sandra Taylor-Sawyer, Lt. Governor John Sanchez and Executive Director Yvette Kaufman-Bell

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

Ahmed Obo, Owner Jambo Café The theme for this year’s Outstanding Santa Fe 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 Arthur Cooper for Bishop David C. Cooper, Community Activist/Albuquerque 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 Evangelism New Hope Church/Albuquerque www.oaaa.state.nm.us 8 Award Recipients

Dorothy Pouges, Retired Educator New Mexico Kenneth Carson Jr., Owner Public Schools/Milan Nexus Brewery/Albuquerque

Lungile Sinandile, Immigrant and Refugee Marcus and Miriam Ray, Retired Elementary Resource Village/Albuquerque Education, Civil Engineer/Albuquerque

Chuck Crawley, Community Activist George Geder for Daran Moon, Albuquerque Community Activist/Santa Fe

Network of Intel African Americans/Rio Rancho Students for Dr. Mark Worthy, Professor at Brown Mackie College, UNM/Albuquerque

9 Statewide Focus Magazine Nominees Nominees standing with Executive Director Yvette Kaufman-Bell

Cedric Page, Executive Director UNM Campus/Los Alamos Julia Brown, City Manager /Las Cruces Executive Director Honorees Honorees standing with Dr. Wanda Padilla (left), Kimberly Greene and Executive Director Yvette Kaufman-Bell

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

John Hill, Executive Director, Con Alma Health Foundation Albuquerque Rescue Mission New Mexico www.oaaa.state.nm.us 10 Chantale Riddle A Model of Fortitude

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 Chantale Riddle, was going into the final year of a parlay an undiagnosed learning disability into a college volleyball career for the University of New Mexico, as degree from the University of New Mexico in December a two-time All-American. Even before the season began 2014. For the challenges that awaited her senior year of she was selected the 2014 Mountain West Conference volleyball competition as a University New Mexico Lobo, Preseason Player of the Year. A year that should have Chantale raised herself above many of the standards that been a fun challenging race into the history books of the had been set as measures of greatness for the University’s University of New Mexico’s volleyball program, suddenly volleyball program. Chantale’s career at UNM really has turned out to be filled with unexpected challenges beyond no equals because when it comes to the Lobo career lists her control. for points, kills and attacks - all other Lobos are now When you think of a student-athlete’s health, one below her on that list. is inclined to think primarily of the athlete’s physical/ As for the 2014 season, with all her mom was medical condition and what effect an injury could have going through, Chantale competed at high levels of on their performance. A student-athlete’s “mental health” competitiveness, game in and game out that would might be viewed as secondary to physical health; however, lead teammates, competitors and fans in praise of her it is every bit as important. It is impossible to separate production. The end of season honors says a lot about who the “mind” and “body.” One affects the other. she was on the court. She was named to All-Mountain What the University nation didn’t know was how West First Team, All-Pacific South Region honorable much grieving Chantale was experiencing. Add to that mention, and AVCA Honorable Mention All-America. the challenges of her being a student athlete maintaining She became the first Lobo volleyball player to be named grades while at the same time chasing a dream. A dream three times to an all-region team and three times in the to rewrite the record books at the University of New All-American category. 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 Continued on page 34

11 Statewide Focus Magazine Taking the Journey and Discovering a Dream

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 Donovan and Casey Smith are new business to our eventual demise into homelessness by not asking owners who have travelled an amazing journey to family members or friends for help, but that was not in ascend from the bonds of homelessness to become two my nature to not try to do things on my own. I always felt of Albuquerque’s most noteworthy celebrities. recovery was just around the corner,” says Casey. These new entrepreneurs, 11-year-old Donovan Casey says the only assistance they were receiving and his mom, Casey, have reconstructed their lives was food stamps. When she was unable to financially from a time of dependency and uncertainty of being maintain a home to live in for her children, as even the homeless, to a restored family structure, becoming avid funds she had raised from selling her car had run out, supporters of other homeless families who have fallen homelessness became the realization she had feared. on hard times. Casey was the family’s main provider Although her two older children were working, jobs they before finding herself in a situation of struggling to be were able to find were not paying much. Their combined able to provide for herself and her three children. incomes were not enough to make ends meet; and because Through unexpected changes in her life, Casey the two oldest children were over the age of 18, finding a had become a single parent struggling to find a job and shelter where they could all be together presented itself provide structure for her family. Casey had done all the as an insurmountable hurdle, and her two oldest children right things to position herself to be successful. She went to stay with friends while Casey and Donovan looked had served her country as a Navy cryptologist and was for a shelter. now living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) All the other shelters were prioritizing their caseloads and a leg injury after nearly four years of service in the by accepting homeless people with an addiction or victims www.oaaa.state.nm.us 12 of domestic violence first, while other situations were I was trying to do was help my mom.” Donovan said designated on a waiting list. Casey fell into a category watching his mother suffer was hard. “When I would of homeless, looking for a job and just down on her luck, see mom cry, I would feel worried and sad.” A very not considered priority. In fact, she was finding the same perceptive young man, he was conscious of the fact that situation throughout the country, as she was seeking his mother was doing the best she could and he didn’t shelter anywhere at this time, only to find similar results want to be or add additional burdens. throughout all of the states they inquired. Finally, she In 2011, after staying in the Henderson House located a shelter online in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for only six months they moved out of the shelter with named the Henderson House, a transitional residence for assistance from Housing Coalition of New Mexico. The homeless female veterans and their children, which had Housing Coalition had a program that was designed for only been open for about six months. Although Casey had veterans who had medical issues and Casey had been in never been to Albuquerque, she was making the journey the hospital for four days because of stress issues which out of necessity. Finances were low so Casey went qualified her for the program. Casey and Donovan moved on Facebook to ask friends to donate into an apartment and have been moving money for her and Donovan to make forward ever since. the trip. She had a couple of friends The first positive change in the lives of who were in the service with her who Casey and Donovan came about in a change donated and in total they received about of military policy. For the years in which $500 for the trip which was enough Casey had spent in the Navy, they qualified money for her and Donovan to travel the her for a medical discharge for only 10% three-day journey by bus from Augusta, for a leg injury, which didn’t qualify her for Georgia, to Albuquerque, New Mexico, any financial benefits. A recent change in in 2010. the military process that has since qualified Donovan, who was 7 then, says her for a disability of 30% for the leg injury that the hardest part for him was to leave allowed her to be compensated for 20 years behind his teddy bear collection and a of back pay for the time she was in the huge book collection which he had service and all the time that she was not to give away because in the shelters Casey while in the service correctly qualified. there was only room for each family to for her country Because of the back pay Casey have two bags of personal items. Donovan was an avid received, she felt she now had an obligation as well as reader and according to Casey, used to go to the library the resources to make a difference in what her son’s everyday. She says he had read over 150 books and it was childhood should look like. Casey says,” It was important hard for him to give away his treasure but he felt better for me to have Donovan have a better outlook for his about the parting in that they were going to a cousin who childhood and an uplifted feeling about life. He stood teaches school. It was also hard having to leave his older with me through everything, all the moves, the different siblings, but he felt they were doing okay. schools and the unpleasantness of being homeless, and he It’s important to note that although, the Obama rarely complained.” Because of the many moves, Casey Administration has prioritized Veteran homelessness, had begun to home school Donovan so his education and the rate of homelessness among vets has dropped could continue as they chose to travel and have him 33 percent between 2010 and 2014; returning men and view the world in a different light. Casey felt the timing women in uniform are still disproportionately affected was right, so their prescription for recovery took them by the issue. A positive twist to Casey’s and Donovan’s to Puerto Rico for seven months and then to Ecuador for situation of homelessness is that it happened on the brim six months before returning to Albuquerque, the place of a major impetus to assist homeless veterans. With this they now call home. 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 Continued on page 33 to get used to Albuquerque’s new places. The main thing

13 Statewide Focus Magazine Doing Business in New Mexico: Jambo Success

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 Chef Ahmed Obo with tomato-mint chutney; all Jambo-brand stickered on bottles Dr. Wanda Ross Padilla 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 Chef Ahmed Obo! which he learned from his mother and generations of Owner & Founder of Jambo Café, master cooks in Lamu). I am sure many folks and chefs Jambo Imports & Spices, and JamboKids Foundation alike would like to know what it was leading to the Top Award in Santa Fe’s SOUPER BOWL charitable event By Reverend Dr. Wanda Ross Padilla Author, Holistic Life Coach & Professional Speaker competition for four consecutive years in each category www.santafesoulsister.com for Best Soup. How did this newcomer in such an extremely Ahmed Obo, owner and founder of Jambo Café, competitive restaurant business accomplish this? Ahmed Jambo Imports and JamboKids Foundation, at age 42, replied “hard work and patience.” His work ethic came has accomplished a lot since arriving in New Mexico. from his father who urged him to always work hard. As One of the first questions I asked was “Why Santa Fe”? oldest child, when his father left, Ahmed felt a duty to Friends from San Francisco first connected him to this help his mother and siblings. At age 12, he left school, “land of enchantment”. to work and earn money for his family, first carrying bags Ahmed was born in Lamu, Kenya, a small island just for tourists and later giving boat tours. Leaving school off the coast of Kenya, East Africa; known as the “spice has caused him some grief, but no regrets. He seems to islands”; also considered “the oldest and best preserved realize that all of his life experiences have contributed Swahili settlement in East Africa”. I knew then the to his success today. secret of his delicious cuisine and enormous success as Having come up in poverty and deprivation really a chef and restaurant owner - mainly spices! Enter into opened his heart to the struggles of others. Among the this exotic and very tastefully decorated restaurant called charitable organizations he has devoted his time, energy Jambo, and you know you are in for a treat. and resources to include the Food Depot, Angels Night www.oaaa.state.nm.us 14 Jambo Café on the left, and Jambo Imports & Spices are popular in Santa Fe and their popularity is expanding

Out, Cooking With Kids, Hungry Mouth, Girard’s intricate basket weaving, all a sight to behold! House and Big Brothers Big Sisters. It is because Lastly, the Jambo Kids Foundation and why he of his generosity and community service that he was started it, Ahmed said “I come from the Lamu Island, off recognized by the New Mexico Office of African the coast of Kenya. The people of the Lamu archipelago American Affairs (OAAA) to receive one of the 2014 face serious healthcare and educational challenges. I outstanding service awards, nominated by the Santa Fe grew up poor, had to leave school when I was 12, and Branch of the National Association for the Advancement watched family and friends suffer, even die, because of Colored People (NAACP). Ahmed and his beautiful of a lack of medical care. In the 20 years I have been wife journeyed back to Kenya, for the graduation of his in the U.S., I have been able to help my family achieve youngest sibling where he was recognized as Guest of a better quality of life. Now I would like to give back Honor. He inspired and motivated others in Lamu, to to the community that nurtured me. I enjoy helping follow their dreams. people especially the children. In the population of Located a few doors from the restaurant is Jambo 100,000, 50% are children. It gives me great joy to Imports. Upon walking into this shop, I was literally see the changes I have made in people’s lives. I hope blown away by how the shop is laid out and the wide you will join me in this endeavor.” Thus, exists a health variety of artifacts, jewelry, clothing and FRESH clinic now which serves the people of Lamu. SPICES! I really was overwhelmed by Motherland This statement says it all about this extraordinary Africa’s great beauty and style via the extraordinary, man and the reasons for his success. Please, visit Jambo creative craftsmanship of every item in that shop. Café and Jambo Import Shop, you will not regret it. All of the artifacts speak of the values and beliefs, of To help the foundation, a 501(c)(3) registered in achievement and status of Mother Africa, the roles they New Mexico, please contact JamboKidsFoundation@ play in ritual and ceremony, from safeguards against evil gmail.com; www.JamboKids.org . and disease to offering goodwill, fertility and prosperity. Jambo is located at 2010 Cerillos Road in Santa I received a real education just strolling through and Fe, 505-473-1269, www.Jambocafe.net 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

15 Statewide Focus Magazine The highlights of the day’s activities included Local NAACP Celebrates 100 Years 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 ABQ NAACP Presidents from left, (current) keynote speaker for the event, Carol K.O. Lee, Special Harold Bailey, (former) Jesse Dompreh, E. Lena Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Albuquerque Division. Brown, Josef Powdrell and Joseph Frank Dabney Lee and Bailey share an extended relationship that dates A crowd of 80 people gathered at the Veterans’ back to his days as the Executive Director of the Office Memorial Saturday, January 11th, to celebrate a century of of African American Affairs. dedicated service from an Organization whose importance Awards were also presented to each local chapter for the African American community is immeasurable. board member. The original charter of the Albuquerque The Albuquerque Branch of the NAACP is now 100 years old and counting. Continued on page 34 The New Mexico Martin Luther King Jr. State Commission Ambassadors 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 From the Desk of Kimberly Greene, Executive Director helping in every way they can. They are looking of New Mexico Martin Luther King Jr. forward to participating in next year’s events. State Commission The Ambassadors have also been invited back to The King Center in Atlanta, Georgia to help in Our Ambassadors have been busy these past their NOW Camp that is held yearly. How excited weeks, they have been meeting every other weekend they are about that! here at The MLK State Commission office. In these Putting a cap on all of their activities and meetings they discuss different topics on what’s events was their participation in the Annual MLK going on here in New Mexico and other places. March in January, which also kicks off The 100 They have been writing essays on current Days of Nonviolence. www.oaaa.state.nm.us 16 The New Mexico Black Expo

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 Pictured above are members of the Corley family who received special Black-owned businesses were recognition during the Black Expo luncheon for being one of the state of represented at the corporate New Mexico's most successful business owners. Seated in front holding luncheon honoring Ed Corley award are Eddie Corley Sr. and his wife Gladys, who started their family Sr. for being an outstanding, business in 1982 legendary, Black-business owner in New Mexico. Plenary The 2014 New Mexico Black Expo (NMBE) took workshop and economic empowerment sessions were great measures to expand its outreach, resources and facilitated by leading African American professionals, services to New Mexico businesses and communities. with over 768 participants in attendance for the Economic NMBE operates with a mission that fosters business Empowerment Day. growth and development, educate and expose youth to the The NMBE included national entertainment world of entrepreneurship, and provide events designed such as gospel artists, the Jones Sisters IV, and award to inform, economically empower, celebrate talent and winning gospel artist Kim Burrell; Coy Poitier, award spotlight cultural diversity across all races, nationalities, winning filmmaker; Cleveland Robertson, international generations and socioeconomic levels. empowerment speaker and filmmaker; and Sir Earl Toon, Organized in 2014, for the first time, since 2003, by Kool and The Gang Charter Member. Previous Black an NMBE Steering Committee, the event has grown to Expos drew gospel rap artist, Da’T.R.U.T.H., and gospel become the largest African-American tradeshow in the recording artist, Earnest Pugh. state, attracting over: 100 exhibitors, 2,600 attendees, According to organizers of the event, the focus is not 80-person volunteer base; numerous attractions over the solely on delivering an annual tradeshow opportunity, but course of the two-day empowerment weekend. The NMBE rather on delivering year-round community development events are supported by state businesses, comprised of events, connecting businesses to the communities they healthcare providers, economic development institutions, serve, and providing unique opportunities for all cultures community organizations, educational institutions, to experience the unique African American history and children and youth programming, small business owners, legacy in New Mexico, to pull the talent of the community African immigrant and refugee community and performers. to the forefront on an annual basis and develop the next The 2014 NMBE attracted participants from Arizona, generation of entrepreneurs. Texas, Illinois, Mississippi, Colorado, and Louisiana. “The New Mexico Black Expo is much more than New Mexicans also traveled from cities including Gallup, a yearly event. The expo is a state-wide community Belen, Farmington, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Corrales, engagement, dedicated to building better lives while Roswell, Clovis, Hobbs, Los Lunas, Rio Rancho, bringing together a broad base of volunteers who spend Bernalillo, Jemez Springs, Vequita and Albuquerque countless hours preparing to provide a wide range

17 Statewide Focus Magazine of resources that build healthy communities.” Yvette Six of eight Advisory Committee members and Kaufman-Bell, Executive Director, New Mexico Office Volunteers who played an all-important role in of African American Affairs. assisting with the production of the Black Expo Thank you, to our 2014 NMBE Major Sponsors, for assisting us to empower our state-wide community!

Jonathan Johnson Sonya Singletary accepting Sponsorship for her husband Andre Food Court Chair

Yvette Kaufman- Bell, Executive Director of the Office of African American Affairs, with Albuquerque Mayor, Richard J. Berry Ralph Mims Gionne Jones-Ralph Economic Chair Steering Committee Chair

Bahati Ansari Khadijah Bottom Yvette Kaufman-Bell, and former Deputy Education Chair Career Fair Chair Director Darren Johnson, with special guest speaker Dr. Farrah Gray (center) www.oaaa.state.nm.us 18 NMBE Economic Empowerment Day Workshops

(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 Business Other Workshops Buck Buckner: Developing a Successful Multi-Site Business Shawna Brown: Online & Digital Marketing Aubrey Johnson: Professional Business Ethics Dr. Sean Rogers (Las Cruces): Personal Career Development and Management Chad Cooper: Youth Entrepreneurship Tracy Maddox: Discover Pros and Cons of Running Your Own Business Rita Powdrell: The History of Black Owned Businesses in New Mexico Career Fair Vendors Interacting With Participants

19 Statewide Focus Magazine BLACK EXPO

www.oaaa.state.nm.us 20 BLACK EXPO

21 Statewide Focus Magazine Celebration Coordinator Shares Passion for King

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 By Robert Graham since then, I have tried my best to personalize what Dr. — Compiled by managing editor King means to me. Alisa Boswell of the Clovis News Journal 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 Robert Graham, one of the coordinators for the and to make a better path for the people walking a few Martin Luther King Jr. celebration held at Eastern New steps after me. He was my introduction to Gandhi, and in Mexico University on Monday, has a deep passion for that regard, I was very refreshed to learn how important the leader of the civil rights movement and the message international collaboration was to him. he tried to teach. Like me, Dr. King was a huge fan of Star Trek, and Graham, who attended Morehouse College in it actually made complete sense to me. He was actually Atlanta, the same college King attended, said having the reason Lt. Uhura remained on Star Trek. In a 2011 MLK knowledge and resources so close by during his interview, she said she ran into Dr. King. Her first passion college years had a big impact on who he is today. was musical theater, and she was going to leave the What impact did attending the same college as show to go pursue that, and he said, “No, no, no, you Martin Luther King Jr. have on you as a young adult? can’t leave.” He said Gene Rodenberry (was) presenting Part of our freshman seminar takes place in King individuals as they should be, as equals. In many ways, I Chapel, which is named after Dr. King, and Dean Carter feel there are a lot of parallels between me and Dr. King runs the King Chapel, and I heard him speak at the first in terms of our thought process and our affinity to and freshman orientation activity, and I said I want to learn appreciation for diversity and our global awareness. from this individual, so I became a chapel assistant my During your college years, did you ever meet anyone freshman year. What I learned from Dean Carter, that was who had personally met King? my first tangible introduction to Dr. King’s philosophy I did. Andrew Young, who was an ambassador to and non-violence, and Dean Carter emphasized the the United Nations at some point; I believe it was in the internationality of King’s legacy, and he connected it to 1970s. I heard Andrew Young speak at Ebenezer Baptist Gandhi. Getting to know King’s philosophy probably Church in 2007. set a positive tone for my tenure as an undergraduate at Did he have any interesting stories to share about Morehouse. It encouraged me to explore as many nuances MLK? as I could about Dr. King. I would say that I had a very spiritual connection by attending Morehouse, because I

www.oaaa.state.nm.us 22 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 MLK March in Hobbs, NM 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.

23 Statewide Focus Magazine Albuquerque Marching Because We Believe In Dr. King

www.oaaa.state.nm.us 24 Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration at the NM State Capitol Roundhouse

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”.

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

By George Geder

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. Award presented to Mrs. Tikia Fame Hudson 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. Santa Fe Mayor Javier Gonzales with Hudson is also the director of the upcoming (February Dr. Cathy Powers 2015) student production of the Obie Award-winning ‘for

25 Statewide Focus Magazine Albuquerque, New Mexico

Dr. Brian Gibbs Joins 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 contributions to HSC and the Office of Diversity promise to be much greater than his position. Dr. Brian Gibbs is a public health and diversity Dr. Gibbs comes to UNM’s Health Sciences Center practitioner who brings a practical and well-documented after having worked at two esteemed institutions: Johns combination of skills to partnership building, coalition Hopkins and Harvard University. His love for his work is development and sustainable programing. With experience evident and the vast information he’s amassed through the in reducing health disparities; encouraging cultural years will undoubtedly be extremely valuable. Dr. Gibbs competency, diversity and inclusion; and promoting looks forward to meeting with all community members strategies to successfully tackle a wide range of health and to ensure positive outcomes, collective engagement and health care needs, Gibbs is looking forward to learning creative opportunities for collaboration. To schedule an about New Mexico and the unique ethnic composition of appointment, please contact his administrator, Crystal our state. Dr. Gibbs, an individual who expresses himself Davis, at 505-272-0218, or reach him directly via email in a deeply spiritual way, has also committed much of his at [email protected]. career to preparing minority students for academic success We warmly welcome Dr. Brian Gibbs to the in college and university classrooms. Resilient enough to University of New Mexico’s Health Sciences Center as its survive and thrive as a member of the Ivory Tower, his first African American Vice Chancellor for Diversity.

www.oaaa.state.nm.us 26 Albuquerque, New Mexico

ideas for transforming the Africana Studies Program. He Dr. Robert Jefferson has already established contacts on campus and in the Albuquerque community,” Peceny said. Named Director of Jefferson earned his Doctorate in African American History from the University of Michigan in 1995. He Africana Studies at UNM 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 Outgoing director of Africana Studies, Alfred Study of African-American Life and History, the National Mathewson (left) welcomes the new director of Council for Black Studies, the American Historical Africana Studies, Robert Jefferson Association, the Organization of American Historians, Social Science History Association, the Australian and By Sunshine Muse New Zealand American Studies Association and the Society of Military History. College of Arts & Sciences Dean Mark “Let me also take this moment to thank Alfred Peceny announces the appointment of Robert Jefferson Mathewson, who will step down as director of the as director of Africana Studies. He assumed the role program this summer after five years of extraordinary July 1. Jefferson comes to UNM from the University of service. Under Professor Mathewson’s leadership, the Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where he was director of program dramatically increased the size and strength of the African American Studies Program and an associate its faculty, significantly increased the number of students professor in the history department. Prior to that, he was it served, and deepened ties with the local community. an associate professor in the history department at Xavier I have appreciated his dedication to the program; a University and an assistant professor in the African dedication exemplified by his service as Director as an American World Studies Program at the University of overload to his full time responsibilities as a faculty Iowa in Iowa City. member in the School of Law,” Peceny said. “An accomplished scholar, Dr. Jefferson brings a wealth of experience, tremendous energy and innovative

27 Statewide Focus Magazine Alamogordo, New Mexico

Legacy of Great Athletes Paying Forward 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 An Alamogordo nonprofit organization continues to in the arena of football. honor two of its great sports heroes while at the same time While at Alamogordo, Ray McDonald was supporting the future of youth in the state of New Mexico. a multisport athlete excelling in track and football. The Ray McDonald/Fred Henry, Jr., Scholarship Fund, McDonald enrolled at the University of Idaho in 1963. As a local 501(c)(3), non-profit organization, sponsored its a senior in 1966, he led the nation in rushing with 1,329 10th Annual Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament. yards. Standing, in at an imposing 6 ft 4 and 248 lbs, The tournament was held at the Desert Greens Public he was the dominant player in the Big Sky Conference, Golf Course on Albuquerque’s West Side. Proceeds and was the leading rusher for Idaho in all three years of benefit college scholarships for New Mexico high school eligibility (1964–66), averaging over 100 yards rushing seniors. So far, the fund has raised over $56,000 to help per game for his collegiate career. He rushed for 36 send 45 students to 14 colleges and universities. touchdowns and 2,916 yards in 27 games played as a According to Leman Taylor a former baseball player member of the Idaho Vandal football team, averaging for the Alamogordo Tigers, “Several of the athletes 108 yards per game. would return to Alamogordo and get together for the 4th McDonald was timed in the 100-yard dash at 9.9 July holiday to celebrate an incredible union that was seconds and was a first-team All-American. He threw the developed while they were athletes in the Alamogordo shot put and discus and was a national-class hurdler on school system. The decision to create the scholarship fund the Vandal track team. McDonald played both offense was introduced by Jerome Holly a former athlete from and defense in at the East–West Shrine Game, and saw Alamogordo, who suggested the use of a golf tournament significant playing time at fullback in the Senior Bowl to raise money for students who were planning to further the following week. He was selected in the first round their education at a college or university. The Scholarship of the 1967 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins, the Fund is open to all students regardless of race, color, 13th overall pick. religion, sex, age, or disability. And it was the work of Fred Henry Jr. was a three sport athlete who didn’t a local lawyer in Alamogordo who was familiar with just participate in football basketball and baseball, he both honorees, John Wheeler who set up the 501(c)(3) excelled in all three sports. Fred received a baseball and nonprofit status for the organization. football scholarship offer to attend the University of New Fred Henry and Ray McDonald are two of the most Mexico but turned down the baseball scholarship to play www.oaaa.state.nm.us 28 Alamogordo, New Mexico football. After his football career Fred continued to live in New Mexico and went to work Santa Fe Railroad. He Awards and Events maintained a love for football and coached as an assistant Holloman Air football coach at Cibola high school, while maintaining Force Base, NM his job at the railroad. held its inaugural Henry became the first halfback in University of Diversity Fair on New Mexico history to run for more than 1,000 yards in October 17, 2014. a season. Henry was a three-year starter for New Mexico The Buffalo Soldier’s from 1970-1972 and had a brilliant career in which he Society was among finished with 2,935 yards rushing, at the time a school many presenters record. That total has since been eclipsed, but Henry still who participated ranks as one of the top rusher in school history. In 1970, in the event. The Henry made first team All-Western Athletic Conference fair featured booths and honorable mention All-America, rushing for 829 representing the yards the most ever by a sophomore in the WAC at many cultures within that time. The next season, Henry ran for 1,129 yards, our society. It was becoming the first player in Lobos football history to rush patronized by more than 4,000 people. Pictured above is for more than 1,000 yards in a season. Henry still holds Mr. Fred Hampton from the Buffalo Soldiers Society and Lobos records for yards by a junior (1,129) and average Mr. Anthony Harmon, from the Diversity Fair Committee yards per carry in a career, averaging 6.5 yards a carry. who reenacted the Buffalo Soldier’s charge. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 1972 and spent 3 seasons in the National Football League Pastor Warren Robinson, President of the Otero before returning to Albuquerque and going to work with County NAACP, presented Mr. Charles Cromer, on the Santa Fe Railroad for 18 years. the right, with The golf tournament resides in Albuquerque as a the NAACP Silva means of advancing the opportunity to maximize the Life Award. Mr. funds that can be raised for the scholarships. “Although Cromer has been a we wanted to keep it in Alamogordo it just made sense for long time member us to move it to Albuquerque where there would be you of the NAACP and opportunity to have more golfers participate and giving decided to seal his us the opportunity to increase the levels of funds for commitment to scholarships that can be distributed,” shared Taylor. the organization Two members of the Ray McDonald family, Charles by becoming a and Edward McDonald and Fred Henry’s wife Janice, lifetime member. along with his two daughters, Robin and Roxanne, In return, Mr. and his grandsons have remained very active with the Charles Cromer received the privilege to return the fundraiser and the golf tournament. Each year the number honor, and presented President Warren Robinson with of volunteers and participants have increased which has his NAACP Silva Life Award. President Robinson also resulted in the extended success . Leman Taylor is the sealed his commitment to the NAACP. 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.

29 Statewide Focus Magazine Portales, New Mexico Introducing Dr. Keith Wilks 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 Reverend Dr. Keith Wilks is the son of Al and Joan their concept of God, self and others. Wilks. He was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Dr. Wilks is a pastor who is dedicated to making Keith was ordained an Elder in the Christian Methodist change in New Mexico, through the education of Episcopal Church in 1988. He is currently the proud communities in a variety of areas related to pastoral care. pastor of First United Methodist Church in Portales, New He shared these thoughts about making a difference Mexico. Dr. Wilks has pastored churches in Arizona, here in New Mexico. “My goal in New Mexico, is to California, New Mexico, Georgia and South Carolina. provide the best pastoral care to First United Methodist Dr. Wilks’ history with the state of New Mexico, Church in Portales and the community at large. I believe dates back 1991 to 1994, where he was the pastor of there is a need for uplifting people through practical Patterson Chapel in Clovis, New Mexico; and 1999 to theology. By that I mean, providing a pastoral presence 2004, he was the pastor at Thompson Chapel in Artesia, in areas of life that can be the most challenging such New Mexico. Dr. Wilks says he was elated for the as end of life, substance abuse, emotional difficulties opportunity to return to New Mexico: “I was excited and other pressing issues people find themselves. The when I learned that I had opportunity to return to New method I am using is preaching relevant and spirit-filled Mexico, because after going to school and living in the sermons, and also continue to write educational pieces South for 10 years, there is deathly something to say for publications on Hospice and end of life care. I think for the quality of southern hospitality. However, New it’s important to share the three step process of recovery: Mexico hospitality is second to none. The hospitality Reflection, Revealing, and Reframing, from my book that I have experienced during my time in New Mexico, ‘Addiction and the Pulpit: Living a Double Life’. I will deftly supports the rationale for the identification of New remain available for pastoral care sessions to families Mexico, as the Land of Enchantment. What makes it and individuals. I am committed to helping all people enchanting for me, the people of New Mexico, are very expand their concept of God, Self and Others.” welcoming and the communities always make you feel embraced. This time around I’m looking forward to a longer stay in New Mexico.” www.oaaa.state.nm.us 30 Rio Rancho, New Mexico Friends Of Many Cultures Harvest Ball 2014 Scholarship Recipients 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 Members of the Friends of Many Cultures moved to Colorado. Each of the student scholarship recipients was awarded $1000 this The Friends of Many Cultures is an organization year. Standing in to receive the awards for the students that has chosen its focus on directing services and was the principal of Independent High School, Mrs. Myra resources to “Non-Traditional Schools” because that is Roosevelt. The students recipients were: Mr. Jake Joseph where they believe they can make significant differences of Independence High School and Ms. Ryan Berlier. Jake for the most needed population of students. The is a hardworking and dedicated student, who strives to do membership of the Friends of Many Cultures feel there his best. He is focused on his goals, is a team player and are many needs and fewer opportunities for these young has excelled as a student leader. He worked part time, people, and their organization is committed to provide attended school full time and is an active father of a baby opportunities for youth to excel. girl. He wrote “ If I had to choose to be incredibly rich, Each year they sponsor a community ball as an or incredibly smart, there is no doubt in my mind that I annual fundraiser for the organization that is coupled would choose brains. Knowledge is what makes a person with other organizational fundraising activities to benefit succeed and progress in life.” He spent the summer in the scholarship fund. South America working on ideas to formulate a web-based Each student has to write an essay of 500 words or business. Since returning in November, his plans are to less and the Scholarship Committee selects the Student attend CNM. Ms. Ryan Berlier has overcome challenges and the amount they will receive. Once the student is in her life and has worked hard to learn from them and enrolled at the school of their choice, a check is sent move forward. She is a hard-working student who strives to that school. This year’s successful students were to do her best. She has excelled as a young writer and presented at the Friends Annual Harvest Ball at the poet. Her dream is to become a published writer. During Chamisa Hills Country Club. the summer, she moved to Colorado, and will work toward Greg Hull, the newly elected Mayor of Rio Rancho, continuing her education. was the special guest speaker for the event. Felicie Truscio, the President of the Friends of Many Cultures, Continued on page 33 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

31 Statewide Focus Magazine Santa Fe, New Mexico

presented him with the gift of a carved authentic African Afreeka Santa Fe walking stick symbolizing leadership and wisdom. The proclamation further acknowledged the ‘Sister By George Geder Cities’ relationship between Santa Fe, New Mexico and The day started Livingstone, Zambia, Africa. with the Afreeka The NM Office of African American Affairs Santa Fe organizing and the Santa Fe Branch NAACP, among other committee, executive socially conscious organizations, understood and board, and volunteers supported this major movement with support and braving the cold advocacy. This day was also recognized by the morning air under extended community of New Mexico Social Justice grey skies as they set advocates from Santa Fe, Albuquerque and beyond. up banners, tables, Representatives from the continent of Africa were and tents for the 4th in attendance. This author was overwhelmed by the Annual Fiesta Fela. outcome. Frowns turned to Some of the artists who performed included smiles as the clouds Matthew Andrea, Santa Fe, singer/songwriter; Ceci parted and we saw Tadfor, Culinary persona from Cameroon; Rujeko patches of blue, felt Dumbutshena, Dancer and choreographer from the promised warmth, Zimbabwe; Wamba, Drum/dance ensemble from and were greeted by Ghana and Dean Howell, Santa Fe artist. Among returning artists were Agalu from the excited crowd of Kamajou Tadfor Artistic anxious fans of African Director of Afreeka Santa Nigeria, with master drummer Akeem Ayanniyi; Moria, music, culture, and art. Fe (left) and George Geder the West African drum and dance ensemble; Mosaic Fiesta Fela takes Dance Company with dances from Morocco and North place on the weekend Africa; the Swank Brothers and Jaka, the Santa Fe of Fela Kuti’s, also known as Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Afro Pop Funk dance band. Visual artist Laura Tarnoff birthday, (October 15, 1938). Fela was a Nigerian painted live at the event and Gasali Adeyemo displayed multi-instrumentalist; musician and composer; pioneer his batik and indigo art. of the Afrobeat music genre; human rights activist; and Please allow the images, herein, to sway and inform political maverick. you of the spirit of what took place on Saturday, October Kamajou Tadfor delivered what is to officially 11th at the Rail Yard Park; Fiesta Fela 2014. Be with us become the standard for cross-cultural African-ancestored next year! 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 www.oaaa.state.nm.us 32 Taking the Journey and Discovering their soap to the organization to help other homeless families. Because of their generosity and the creativeness a Dream of the soaps Donovan made, he has been featured on Continued from page 13 the Huffington Post, The Black Youth Project, Black Enterprise, WTKR News Channel 3, NewsOne, and he From the time they moved into their apartment and his mom made a guest appearance on the Queen and the time they spent in travel, Donovan began to Latifah show. make soap as part of his science and math home school It was as guests of the Queen Latifah show that projects. Casey used her skills in soap making to teach Donovan and Casey were treated to a special gift from Donovan a craft that taught applications that applied Queen Latifah of a trip to London to visit the museums, to his school work. The uniqueness of a line of soaps as that is a favorite pastime of Donovan’s. Donovan said that Donovan creates is that they smell and resemble going on the Queen Latifah show was quite an experience edible delights such as doughnuts, ice cream, and one of and he identifies that as the most outstanding thing that Donovan’s favorites, hamburgers. These are just a few has happened to him. 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. Donovan and Casey on the set of Queen Latifah

Friends Of Many Cultures Harvest Ball

Continued from page 31 Donovan off to work with his little red wagon 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 “The only day that he would miss would be because greatly missed as she was the heart of the organization’s of me, he never complained about going to work; he was drive to be successful. Forever pleasant and willing to always ready,” said Casey. serve the needs of the organization, she was a beautiful Because Donovan is a young man with an incredibly person whose spirit will forever live on in the hearts of big heart, he and his mom chose to set up a fundraising the members as well as many students who have benefited initiative for the Supportive Housing Coalition, the from her dedication. organization that gave them the support they needed We love you Venus and you can never be to turn their lives around. They donate a significant replaced. percentage of the profit that they get for the sale of The Friends of Many Cultures

33 Statewide Focus Magazine City of Albuquerque Chantale Riddle and Zambian Officials A Model of Fortitude Sister Cities Signing Ceremony Continued from page 11 Now, as Lobo Nation fans say goodbye to the Continued from page 7 most accomplished volleyball players in the history of Mapalo said that the MOU also included access to the University New Mexico, a tribute to the legacy of library’s online which provides the opportunity for an Chantale Riddle’s greatness has a permanent place in exchange of incredible amounts of cultural information. the rafters at Johnson Center. Her name will be listed During the signing ceremony, Zambia Ambassador on a “Lobo All-Americans” banner along with other to the USA: His Excellency Palan Mulonda referred to former Lobo stars. Her statistics also will appear among the state of New Mexico as the hidden gem in the United the elite in UNM’s career record book, and she’ll States. “Zambia is one of Africa’s most important tourism soon become one of several ex-Lobos to embark on a destinations and is rich with culture and history,” added professional volleyball career abroad. Patrick Mapalo, “We have so much in common, yet Chantale’s mother, Laura, was hospitalized during there is still much opportunity to learn from one another her graduation ceremony in December, but her loving because Lusaka and Albuquerque, they are both leaders spirit has always kept her close by even when physically in technology; they are perfectly matched for the Sister they were apart. Laura, 44, had endured numerous City program.” hospital stays and surgical procedures. Chantale was Plans are for the Sister City relationship between with her mother at a Lubbock, Texas, hospital when New Mexico and Zambia, to take steps to achieve she learned of her latest All-America honors, however, goals and move beyond theory putting into action the nothing compared to happiness she felt in receiving concepts of business and resource exchange. The Mayor the news from doctors that her mother’s procedure to of Albuquerque will be joining Mapalo in June in a visit to treat a brain tumor went well. Then another emotional Zambia to reciprocate the visit of the Zambia government ride came when she received the phone call while in to New Mexico. Finland that her mother had passed away; and this According to Albuquerque Sister Cities Foundation, news, just two weeks into this year after she had left President Richard Buckler said, “Since its inception under for Finland to play for a professional volleyball team. President Eisenhower in 1956, the Sister Cities movement Over 5,000 miles away, her new teammates rallied to has successfully joined approximately 600 U.S. cities get her back home and help with the funeral expenses with 1,900 international cities. Its benefits can be seen by setting up a gofundme account. Chantale plans to not only in greater cultural understanding, but also in return to Albuquerque in the near future and make this creating the atmosphere that promotes investment and her place of residence. She is grateful to the community economic development.” and the Lobo Nation family! Albuquerque has participated in the Sister Cities International program for over 50 years.

Local NAACP Celebrates 100 Years Continued 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 Chantale and her sister, Deja January 5, 1915. www.oaaa.state.nm.us 34 New Mexico Office of African American Affairs

Executive Order The 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.

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

Vision To 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.

EXECUTIVE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Sandra Taylor-Sawyer, Chairperson, Clovis, NM Ralph Mims, Village of Los Lunas, NM Director, Small Business Development Center Economic Development Manager City Commissioner, District 2 Jonathan Johnson, Rio Rancho, NM Crystal Mullins, Hobbs, NM Business Analyst, Intel Corp. Global Operations Support City Commissioner, District 3 Bobbie Green, Las Cruces, NM JoElla Redmon, Albuquerque, NM MBA Director at NMSU and College Associate Professor Retired Director New Mexico MLK State Commission ------Doris Jackson, Albuquerque, NM Retired APS Educator Anyone interested in serving on the Office of African American Pastor Neil Johnson, Farmington, NM Affairs Executive Advisory Committee Community Liaison/Advocate to the Mayor may submit their information to Yvette Kaufman-Bell at [email protected] Wanda Padilla, Santa Fe, NM Co-Owner Padilla Industries, Inc.

Curtis Rosemond, Las Cruces, NM Business Owner Legendary Nutritions

35 Statewide Focus Magazine NM Office of African American Affairs Copyright © 2015 1015 Tijeras NW Suite 102 Pre Sorted Standard Mail Albuquerque, NM 87102 U.S. Postage Paid Albuquerque, NM Permit No. 1888

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.