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INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT EDITION: Nov/Dec 2023

HARAMBEE: LET’S ALL PULL TOGETHER

SUPPORTING SMALL BIZ THIS HOLIDAY SEASON Some consider the season we’re entering the “most wonderful time of the year.” We’re talking about the holidays and, more specifically, about Kwanzaa. The annual celebration of African American culture starts the day after Christmas and lasts seven days into the New Year. We’ll tell you more about Kwanzaa and its importance throughout this article, so keep on reading!

But first: We love seeing our communities thrive, right? No matter which holiday you celebrate, one thing is for certain–’tis the season for shopping. So before you hop in the car and head over to the mall, don’t forget to think small. That’s right. Consider supporting those local businesses owned by your neighbors; we have to stick together to keep small businesses booming.

This leads to one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa: Umoja, which is the Swahili word for “unity.” It’s up to us, the community, to strive toward and maintain unity in the community. There’s no better way to do that than supporting the entrepreneurs and businesspeople who took a leap of faith (Imani).

Kwanzaa, which means “first fruits” in Swahili, is the brainchild of activist Maulana Karenga. It’s based on African harvest festival traditions from West and Southeast Africa. It was first celebrated in

1966, a pivotal time in the Civil Rights Movement.

57 years later, millions in the United States and around the world continue to partake in Kwanzaa, which includes feasts, gift-giving, and a nightly candle-lighting ceremony, honoring our ancestors.

But let’s press pause on the history lesson and get back to business: Another Kwanzaa principle is Ujamaa, which means “cooperative economics.” This doubles back to unity, Umoja, as it urges the community to pour into its own pockets, meaning its small businesses.

This special edition of the UpLift Chronicles is putting the spotlight on New Mexico’s Black Business Community. And a few of the other principles are making an appearance, too. Our purpose (Nia) is to showcase all of the creativity (Kuumba) here in the neighborhood. Inside this issue, we’ve got you covered when it comes to great gift ideas, good food, and more.

Before we fix our lips to complain about what we’re lacking, let’s remember it’s our collective responsibility (Ujima) to support the businesses we do have.

NMBLC Black-Owned Biz List

Smithsonian Museum Kwanzaa Link

WHAT’S INSIDE INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT EDITION

LETTER FROM THE EXEC DIRECTOR 2 GOOD IN THE HOOD 2 HOLIDAY THRIFTING 3 NDI’S DR. ELANA ANDERSON 4 MARQUIS MARTINEZ’S BANCO 6 SAFE HARBOR FOR YOUNG ADULTS 7 DR. OKPAREKE’S UNIQUE PHARMACY 8 BLACK BIZ LISTING 9 - 12

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UPLIFT CHRONICLES: INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT EDITION: VOL 2, ISSUE 10, Nov/Dec 2023

© 2023 New Mexico Black Leadership Council

s ta i v a r G Greetings & ngs… easoni R ’s n o s a he Se e From t v o L y a d Holi ’s Desk Director

Cathryn McGill, Founder/Director

Good IN THE

I knew it was coming… I prepared myself for it… I said, “Self, don’t react when you hear Yuletide music in October. Press the mental ignore button.” Sadly, my resolve evaporated at the grocery store amidst the skeletons and pumpkins on Halloween when I heard “Here Comes Santa Claus” blasting over the loudspeaker.

My inner Grinch screamed, “Pump the sleigh brakes. Santa! It’s not the right time.” (I dislike the bum-rush of carols almost as

much as I despise daylight saving time: It’s-not-the-right-time!)

Look, I know all of us will inevitably tap into the commercial aspects of this season; there’s no way around it. We can, however, shift to “conscious consumerism.” As individuals with agency and gravitas, we have the power to make thoughtful purchases, support local businesses, or even gift experiences rather than material goods. Such shifts signal a collective realization and a desire to reclaim the season’s true essence.

Corporate conglomerates gon’ do what they do. So, the antidote is to introspect, understand, and decide how we choose to celebrate. I believe this season’s beauty lies not in the grandeur of celebrations but in the warmth of human connections.

My hope for all of us is that we will give and receive the gifts of deep, meaningful interactions and experiences as we end yet another turbulent year.

Gift yourself some grace, and may the peace that surpasses all understanding surround you and yours in this and every season.

Be well and do good, y’all. And so it is…

PIECES OF A COMMUNITY LONGTIME ID RESIDENT SARAH QUETONE IS RESPECTED BY HER

Hood NEIGHBORS AND ENJOYS GIFTING THEM HER INTRICATE PUZZLES Sarah Quetone has held it down in the International District since 1972 and lives in the same home she and her former husband Buddy bought over 50 years ago, near San Mateo and Kathryn.

As an ID stalwart, Mrs. Quetone has seen decades of neighborhood changes. What’s also changed is her own community profile: The long-time resident is now known as the local “puzzle artist,” earning her a little money and also some peace of mind.

Mrs. Quetone became ID-famous for her creative puzzle-making unexpectedly. She happened upon it the last few years as a hobby. Friends took notice once she started posting on Facebook, and soon her neighbors were requesting their favorite images. It was an added bonus to an already pleasant homelife in Southeast Albuquerque with her son Mark and grandson Asher.

Mrs. Quetone has lived long stretches characterized by consistency and resilience. She’s affable yet soft-spoken and grew up on a farm in Fruitland, New Mexico. She’s Navajo and was educated at Intermountain Indian School in Utah. “This was one of the best things to ever happen to me,” she says. Her great-grandmother insisted she go to the school run by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, especially because she’s a member of the scarce Navajo Bear Clan, and

“the girls are rare in our family.” The school placed her with Sawyer Business College in downtown Los Angeles after graduating. She became adept at computers in the earliest days of the Digital Age and met Buddy there.

They moved from L.A. to Oklahoma with older children Michael and Shawna and then, within months of arriving in Burque, Mrs. Quetone got a job with General Electric which kept her employed thirty-five years.

Though Mrs. Quetone and Buddy divorced in the eighties, they remained friends. After their eldest son Mike passed, Buddy returned to the house they’d bought together and Mrs. Quetone cared for him until he passed from Parkinson’s. Agatha Christie books fill her shelves, and her favorite puzzles include images of Native women, Asian art, and wolves. Finishing a puzzle is “a good feeling.” It helps her keep focus, de-stress, and “get the negativity stuff out of my head.” Her puzzles used to be free but she also charges reasonably.

Soon, she’ll start selling the puzzles in her yard.

Mrs. Quetone is both wistful and optimistic about the ID. There weren’t any trick-or-treaters this Halloween; and she’s had to move her prescriptions twice, from Walmart to Walgreens, which both moved out the hood. “We

don’t have a real food market in our area [anymore]. The closest is Smith’s on Lomas.” She notes Damacio’s and El Mezquite, but the bigger stores leaving “really hurt us.” She also feels the vacancy where Wyomie & Naomi’s Beauty Salon used to be.

Still, it made her feel good and neighborly when people started calling her a puzzle artist. “That was so unique,” she smiles. “So now that I know people are interested, I’ll just put [the puzzles] out there.” And although her daughter Shawna sometimes worries about her residing in the ID still, Mrs. Quetone matter-of-factly notes, “I feel safe.” It’s her kind of cheer and optimism that keeps it good in the hood.

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© 2023 New Mexico Black Leadership Council

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DON’T CALL IT A HANDME-DOWN

GET YOUR STYLE ON AT THRIFT STORES IN THE INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT UPCYCLING is what the environmentally conscious folks call it: finding value ASSISTANCE LEAGUE OF ALBUQUERQUE THRIFT SHOP in an item someone else would have just tossed into the landfill. Here’s another benefit to going thrift instead of big-box chain store: If a shirt lasts long enough to make it to the second-hand rack, it’s better made and will last longer than that brand-new $27.99 shirt that won’t make it past the third wash.

Visiting four thrift stores right here in the International District, we found a wealth of items of value that won’t break the pocketbook. The only caveat is that thrift stores don’t have fitting rooms. So, our intrepid shopper parked in front of a mirror repeatedly and tried items on over a tank top. Trust us, nobody cares. They’re all too focused on their own bargain shopping, so don’t be shy!

All these places take donations. Purge last year’s items before bringing in the new!

GOODWILL

Location: 6001 Lomas Blvd NE, Unit R Northwest corner of Lomas and San Pedro in the old Hastings

Location: 5211 Lomas NE, northwest corner of Lomas and San Mateo, across from Sprouts Hours: Tue-Thu 10am to 2pm, Sat 10am to 2pm Goods sold: women’s and men’s clothes and shoes, vintage clothing, books, CDs, home decor, housewares, and accessories Our take: This place was hoppin’ on a Thursday morning! It’s popular and we can see why. Found a fitted vintage ruffle-front black blazer for $12 and athletic tops ranging from $2 to $4 each. The Thrift Shop and their new Shop on the Corner are the nonprofit’s primary fundraisers. 75% to 80% of proceeds go to support programs for the unhoused, economically disadvantaged youth, children in crisis, and more.

Hours: Mon-Sat 9am to 7pm, Sun 10am to 6pm Closes 3pm Wednesday, Nov 22 and is closed Thursday, Nov 23

SHOP ON THE CORNER

Location: 5211 Lomas NE, next door to the Assistance League Thrift Store

Goods sold: shoes, women’s, men’s, and children’s clothing, furniture, books, DVDs, purses, and housewares

Hours: Tue-Thu 10am to 2pm, Sat 10am to 2pm Goods sold: furniture and high-end designer clothes and accessories such as Coach, Ralph Lauren, BCBG, and White House Black Market

Our take: This latest addition to the shopping center anchored by Smith’s opened in August.

Our take: We love us some WHBM! Found a stellar day-to-evening top, tags still on. From a scan of WHBM’s website, we’re guessing the OG price was $50. We paid $9.

S.A.F.E. HOUSE THRIFTIQUE

Location: 6001 Lomas Blvd NE, Unit Q Right next door to the above-mentioned Goodwill on Lomas and San Pedro Hours: Mon-Fri 10:30am to 5:30pm Goods sold: women’s and children’s clothing, shoes, jewelry, crystal, china, glassware, and books Our take: The store manager told me that being located next to Goodwill has brought them more foot traffic. Proceeds from item sales benefit their domestic violence shelter.

The score at this store were 3 camis for $2 each, a coral textured sleeveless top for $5, and a cozy black sweater for $7.

Goodwill

SAFE House Thriftique

Assistance League of Albuquerque and Shop on the Corner

TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH DANCE 4 © 2023 New Mexico Black Leadership Council

UPLIFT CHRONICLES: INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT EDITION: VOL 2, ISSUE 10, Nov/Dec 2023

DR. ELANA DENISE ANDERSON

NDI HILAND ASSISTANT ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Newcomer Spotlight

You say your life’s work is the “enlightenment of other lives through art.” Would you expand on that?

I am a firm believer that art depicts life. And art can be an avenue, a tool, a resource for the expansion of consciousness and of perspectives and worldviews. My work in dance has reached so many different audiences. Dance in particular has a visceral power to transform the audience members who actually experience it… Art­—whether it is performance

art, the art of education, whether it is writing, acting—it’s very powerful. Our thoughts, our words, and our actions really impact those with whom we come in contact. I like to believe that as an honest art maker and art creator, I have a unique charge… as I quote Nina Simone. It is a charge. It is my life’s work, and I am wholly aligned with it personally, professionally, and spiritually.

NDI’s Winter SOUL-Stice Jam and Bazaar Saturday December 16, 2023 2 to 8pm Hiland Theater 4800 Central Ave SE Albuquerque

What community opportunities do you hope to accomplish with NDI? Definitely hoping to collaborate and partner with other youth arts organizations or with other organizations that have any kind of youth focus. [I’m] also looking to work with other organizations to… create programming that reaches far beyond [our respective constituencies]. Over the summer, the New Mexico Black Leadership Council had [the Roots Summer Leadership Academy]. Dionne Eleby was one of the instructors there, and I know Dionne from the DC area. I got Dionne to come over and teach our students a couple of West African master classes, which was completely new to them. That was something that I was able to make happen through the New Mexico Black Leadership Council and was very excited about that.

Susan Tregoning Photography

When the National Dance Institute of New Mexico (NDI) needed an assistant artistic director for its Hiland location, it was the right opportunity at the right time for Dr. Elana Anderson. She comes to Albuquerque from Washington, D.C., where she’d worked eight years in the public school system. “I wanted something a little bit more community-based.” NDI, a nonprofit that engages and motivates children through dance, was the perfect fit. Since starting her new position in July, she designs and curates NDI’s after-school programming, recruiting guest artists and creating master class opportunities.

Dr. Anderson brings a wealth of experience and passion to her work. She holds an educator’s certificate from the State of Maryland, a Bachelor’s in African American Studies from Chicago State, an MA and PhD in African Studies concentrating in Language, Literature, and the Arts, and a graduate certificate in Women’s Studies from Howard University.

She’s performed and collaborated with choreographers all over the world, and is currently an adjunct professor at UNM’s Department of Theater and Dance.

Welcome, Dr. Anderson! Below is our Q&A. Answers have been condensed for clarity and length.

Any upcoming events you’d like our readership to know about?

Our Community Day holiday bazaar. We’re planning a big to-do with performances, arts, and crafts.

National Dance Institute of New Mexico (NDI)

NDI Hiland Theater

Dr. Anderson’s Bio

NDI Program Book 2023

WIRED DIFFERENTLY UPLIFT CHRONICLES: INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT EDITION: VOL 2, ISSUE 10, Nov/Dec 2023

DR. STEVIE DEJUAN SPRINGER IS UNLEASHING HIS TALENTS INTO THE WORLD

(part 2 of a 2-part interview) Way, way back, a Cherokee great-grandmother was taken from Oklahoma; she had a daughter with a Black man and then fled to raise her daughter with a Black family in tiny Oton, Texas. Her home was more like a shack you’d see in a slavery movie with an outhouse adjacent to a Black church. But there was also a piano.

Her daughter and her daughter’s daughter, Dr. Stevie Dejuan Springer’s mother, all sang and played piano in the house at all times.

And it was gospel, too. Dr. Springer says because of the Native-and-Black women’s close friendships with Black folk all around them, traditional Black music carried down the generations. He learned to play by ear, sneaking on the piano when everyone else was out. His mother was a church musician and he played for local Black churches once he was a teen. “And my brother, my sister, all of us, we all sing.”

In college, it was challenging to switch from the improvisational Baptist church style to classical training and reading music. A teacher told him, “You have to read this music as though the composer is listening to you play it.”

In our last interview, Dr. Springer spoke on his “passion,” being a doctor of osteopathy. His life’s “gift” is music and performing. And finally, his bodybuilding career is what he calls his “hobby.” But by his own account, they all tie together. “My mom, my cousin, my brother—all of them are in the medical field. And I knew at some point I wanted to be a part of [that, but] I didn’t want to work in blood and guts.”

While doing a photo shoot for a music audition, a photographer wanted athletic shots, too. Dr. Springer asked for three weeks to tighten up more. But by the time his gym buddies—who were already in the bodybuilding circuit—trained him up, they offered for him to join their competition. The photo shoot went well and he placed in the bodybuilding show.

Then, “people started asking me for [workout] pointers. That’s when I had a conversation with God and He was like: This is it.” This was Dr. Springer’s segue into the medical field, through health and wellness but without all the blood and guts.

After med school in Hawaii, he differentiated himself as a dietary expert focusing on clients’ personal and medical situations. He has a cookbook coming out for people whose health concerns are critically important, and his bodybuilding flights and supplements are paid for via brand endorsements and ambassadorships.

When asked how he finds balance or rest, Dr. Springer states frankly, “I really think that I’m kind of wired differently.”

The closest thing to downtime for him is the gym, which feels like an oasis. “Being in the gym is the only place that I don’t think about anything. I don’t even know how it happens.” But he’s sustained by two things that give him joy, balance, and solitude. The gym is one, but even more important is helping people with their health. “That calms me the most—through the guidance of God—to have the opportunity to help someone and inspire in them the willingness to want to care. If you give me a gym and an opportunity to help somebody, I can live. That’s all that I need. That’s perfect.”

Website

At UNM

On Facebook

On TV

© 2023 New Mexico Black Leadership Council

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VIBES & STUFF

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© 2023 New Mexico Black Leadership Council

Marquis Martinez is a tall, young entrepreneur who grew up in Westgate, southwest Albuquerque. He schooled all over, admittedly (and jokingly) a “journeyman” who was “always trying to experience something new.”

His Nob Hill shop is called Banco, Spanish for “bank,” and it’s “basically a vault of streetwear, of fashion style.”

The space is filled by a collective of like-minded designers, artists, and entrepreneurs. There’s a graphics shop in the back (for screen printing t-shirts) and the spot sells their own merch like shoes and resells vintage gear.

The space is a pop culture treasure trove with old ’90s magazines lying around, a copy of Eddie Murphy’s Boomerang, manga and anime, and a vintage Richard Pryor comedy album in a glass case. Marquis wanted a comfortable, throwback design and décor, noting with a laugh, “It’s basically like my childhood threw up in this room.” The spot is a collective of other businesses and brands, including Astrl Clothing and Hypeheadss. “We’re trying to do a one-stop shop.” There’s also an old school barber chair for someone to sit in it. “That’s in the works right now,” to have a barber cut heads during the day.

Marquis got the idea for Banco from traveling around. He’d seen a similar-styled shop in Denver and liked the idea of a “barbershop-slash-clothing

NOB HILL’S BANCO IS A BLACK-OWNED VAULT OF NOSTALGIA, A PLACE TO CHILL AND GET CREATIVE

store.” Fashion was always important to him, so he worked the Denver scene for three years, but when things fell through, he returned to Burque to figure out how to do something he loved.

“I just looked in the mirror,” and said, “let’s do fashion.”

Good friend Sam Cordova mentored him and he learned how to resell vintage. When Sam moved on from the business, it gave Marquis an opportunity to become owner. He brought in Astrl with designer and EDM concert planner Adam Rell, and Hypeheadss scouts started going to out-of-town conventions and bringing inventory back. Banco’s been directly across from Slice Parlor for two years but the company’s been extant for four. “We went out on a limb and started during COVID, so [there were] not a lot of customers at first, but we just stuck to the dream and stayed consistent.”

Marquis wants Banco to be a staple in the community, synonymous with Nob Hill and Albuquerque. He said a fatal shooting during a Lobos vs. Aggies basketball game last November hurt the neighborhood “a lot.

My whole thing is, I’ve been trying to uplift the community and rebuild since COVID.” Marquis states they’re bringing DJ sets and small concerts back but right now, he’s focusing on the retail store

part. People can come through, buysell-trade, or use the space for a popup. And about that throwback look, flair, and merch: “I feel like nostalgia is a powerful tool. It brings you back to a time of goodness. We’re trying to bring that back, give you a nostalgic vibe. Other than selling clothes, we’re trying to sell the vibe.”

BANCO 3411 Central Ave. NE Wednesday – Sunday, 2pm to 7pm

Banco IG

Hypeheadss IG

Astrl Clothing

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© 2023 New Mexico Black Leadership Council

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VENDORS WANTED FOR NDI’S WINTER SOUL-STICE COMMUNITY EVENT ARE YOU OR ANYONE YOU KNOW AN ARTISAN WITH WARES TO SELL? Are you or anyone you know an artisan with wares to sell? Are you an organization seeking to attract folks needing the services you provide? Would you like to raise awareness about your organization?

Well, the National Dance Institute of New Mexico’s (NDI) is inviting you to its Winter SOUL-Stice Jam and Bazaar! It’s a community event happening Saturday, December 16 from 2pm to 8pm at Hiland Theater, 4800 Central Ave. SE.

NDI anticipates a great turn-out, knowing that folks will kick off their end-of-year holiday shopping!

Vendors and operators will be provided with a 2’ x 5’ table and can vie for prime sales “real estate” on a first-come, first-served basis. The entire first floor of the Hiland space will have booths stationed throughout and best of all, booth space is free!

The community event coincides with NDI’s SWAT/ Cel open house event for advanced dance team

students, so the place will be packed with artists, dancers, and their families!

If you or anyone you know is interested in this opportunity to connect with the Hiland community, please contact Elana Anderson at eanderson@ndi-nm.org no later than Friday, November 27, 2023. Promotions are well under way and the NDI wants you IN!

GETTING BACK TO SELF

THE DROP PROVIDES A SAFE HARBOR FOR THE ID’S VULNERABLE YOUNG PEOPLE On Truman near the San Mateo Walgreens is a little blue building full of support and community for youth struggling to access housing and wellness services, self-care and educational resources.

“The Drop” Drop-In Center (formerly known as “The Space”) is a program of New Day Youth and Family Services. It’s available for young people from 16 to 22 years of age, Tuesday through Friday from 12pm to 6pm, at 142 Truman Street NE. New Day’s Community Connections Director Marhia Sanchez filled us in on what’s on offer at this International District youth haven.

The Drop “is intended to help people meet their basic needs first and foremost.” That includes food, showers and hygiene products, resources for housing and services, bus passes, and a safe space. A wide variety of classes are taught through New Day’s life skills academy, too, including how to use Narcan to reverse drug overdoses. “[The youth] come back and tell us that they’ve used it and have helped save lives.” Just as important, the center provides a sense of fellowship and

belonging. Teens and young adults share meals and even cook for each other. They have monthly poetry slams and other fun events, and celebrate holidays and birthdays, and each other.

“We don’t give up on the young people,” Sanchez declares. “We celebrate them for their intensities, for what makes them them… We see our young people as wonderful.”

You, too, can help the vulnerable youth served by The Drop. “It’s really cold outside in the winter months and we are completely out of tents.

We’d love tents and warm items like winter coats and sweaters.” Please call 505.260.9912 to arrange a drop-off of clean and undamaged donations.

The resources The Drop provides remind us of the Kwanzaa principle of Kujichagulia, or self-determination, which the National Museum of African American History & Culture explains as being able to “define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves.”

The Drop assists local young people in need, providing them a safe harbor to rebuild their sense of agency and self-confidence.

THE DROP DROP-IN CENTER 505.920.3465 142 Truman NE

Drop-In center

New Day

Donations

8 © 2023 New Mexico Black Leadership Council

BECAUSE I AM,

UPLIFT CHRONICLES: INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT EDITION: VOL 2, ISSUE 10, Nov/Dec 2023

WE ARE

OLIVE TREE IS A SPECIAL KIND OF PHARMACY BUILDING AN IMPORTANT LEGACY Dr. Ndidiamaka (Didi) Okpareke’s Olive Tree Compounding is the only compounding pharmacy in Rio Rancho, and the only Black-owned compounding pharmacy in New Mexico. A compounding pharmacy is different from your corner Walgreens: It is personalized, making medications from scratch, customized for each patient’s needs. Dr. Okpareke explains, “A lot of patients can’t take commercially available products: certain dyes, fillers, soy, gluten, that sort of thing. So we can make customized medication—capsules, creams, troches, suppositories— for patients without ingredients they can’t tolerate.”

Okpareke, who graduated from UNM’s College of Pharmacy in 2008, opened her store in 2017 with lots of help from her friends. Without a background in business, she states, “I had to learn on the job.” So, she established good relationships with a broad range of people in her community. “From my banker to my bookkeeper, my accountant, to lawyers, to other business owners in my community, I made sure to be surrounded by people who were successful and were able to contribute their knowledge and expertise to what I was trying to do.”

Okpareke loves seeing repeat customers and becoming “that staple business, that well-known business in a community. It’s like, ‘I need this. Oh, I know who I’m going to talk to. I’m gonna go to Didi.’ I think people have come to know me in that way, that I’m a resource. And that’s what I love being; I love helping people, I love giving information.”

Olive Tree hosts a popular “Children’s Apothecary” each summer, where kids spend a day as a compounding pharmacist, making creams and gummy bears to take home. The kids learn about the art of this kind of medicinal work. “Every summer it’s amazing how much interest we get in the program.”

And Okpareke’s dreams don’t stop there. Her new building is under construction, with room for renters alongside the pharmacy, and in 2020 she started her own skincare line.

“Olivetree.skin was born out of the need for safe, pharmaceutical-grade skincare for everyone. In the beauty and cosmetics industry, everyone is looking for a niche, to target specific people to use their products. But really, I thought it would be cool to just have a nice skincare line that everyone can use.”

The larger community is on Okpareke’s mind during all these endeavors. “When you look at the whole United States, there aren’t many pharmacists who look like me. There aren’t many independent pharmacy owners who are African American and female. A part of doing all that I do is to extend the legacy to any other young Black female creatives, to just hold space for them to know that it’s definitely possible to have a dream, to act on the dream, and to be an amazing success in accomplishing your dream.”

“We have a saying in my [Nigerian] culture: ‘Because I am, we are. And because we are, therefore I am.’ It’s a testament that you really can’t get very far on your own… The number one thing that we, especially as African Americans, must always remember is there’s no way we can do it with each of us having an individual track. We all need to get on the same track, and we can only do that if we become one community, with one voice.”

Olive Tree pharmacy

Olive Tree profile at WESST

Olivetree.skin

In Rio Rancho Observer

UPLIFT CHRONICLES: INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT EDITION: VOL 2, ISSUE 10, Nov/Dec 2023

Earlier in this issue, we told you why it’s so important to support small businesses. So let’s get into it! Here’s the UpLift Chronicles Black Business listings compiled to help get you through the holiday season and beyond. If you don’t see your business listed here, don’t get mad, just shoot us a note with the important details to info@nmblc.com and we’ll add you to our digital directory. Meantime, dig into our directory starting with catering, kitchens, and comfort food.

FOOD & DRINK Biscuit Boy NM

biscuitboynm.com 505.750.8269 Rail Yards Market 777 First St. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102 On Sundays, May thru October at the Rail Yards Market, come taste spectacular biscuits and biscuit sandwiches made with local ingredients.

Bobbi’s Homestyle Catering bobbishomestylecatering.com 505.385.0963 If you want a homestyle catering experience for your next event, be sure to book early; Bobbi’s slots fill up fast.

Frank’s Famous Chicken & Waffles

franksfamouschickenandwaffles.com 505.261.9458 400 Washington St. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108 It’s hard to find a better combo than fried chicken and waffles, right? Try the delicious food coming from the kitchen of this Albuquerque staple that’s been featured on The Food Network.

© 2023 New Mexico Black Leadership Council

Hollow Spirits Distillery

hollowspirits.com 505.433.2766 1324 First St. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102 Grain-to-glass spirits created with New Mexico red corn, high-quality grain, and a mix of botanicals paired with great food.

Jambo Café

jambocafe.net 505.473.1269 2010 Cerrillos Rd., Santa Fe, NM 87505 Jambo Café is proud to be The Sante Fe Reporter’s pick for Best International Cuisine for 12 years. It serves a variety of African homestyle dishes.

K’Lynn’s Southern & Cajun Fusion

klynnsfusion.com 505.453.3068 4300 Ridgecrest Dr. SE, Suite O, Rio Rancho, NM 87124 Southern and Cajun cuisine crafted here by selftaught Chef Karen Johnson-Bey.

LeeCooks Church

leecookschurch.com 917.834.0452 The Taos-based caterer specializes in global soul food with a twist. LeeCooks offers vegan and vegetarian options.

Nexus Blue Smokehouse

nexusbrewery.com 505.445.1545 1511 Broadway Blvd.

SE, Albuquerque, NM 87102 Get your barbecue fix at the Nexus Blue Smokehouse in the heart of South Broadway!

Nexus Brewery & Restaurant

nexusbrewery.com 505.242.4100 4730 Pan American Fwy. NE, Suite D, Albuquerque, NM 87109 Soul food with a Burque twist…

Powdrell’s BBQ

bbqandsoulfoodabq.com 505.345.8086 5209 Fourth St. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107 Barbecue, Southern sides, and desserts featured at this famous family-run operation.

Ras Rody’s Jamaican Vegan Kitchen

rasrody.com/menu 505.385.3011 1320 Agua Fria St., Santa Fe, NM 87501 The capital city’s authentic, scratch Jamaican vegan food truck. Like no other.

Revolution Bakery

revolutionbakery.com 505.346.2669 418 Cerrillos Rd., #6, Santa Fe, NM 87501 100% gluten-free bread and pastries, smallbatch, at the Design Center Building.

RudeBoy Cookies

rudeboycookies.square.site 505.200.2235 1916 Central Ave. SE, Suite E, Albuquerque, NM 87106 Scratch-made cookies that taste like home… but better!

Turn the page for BEAUTY HEALTH & WELLNESS MERCH ENTERTAINMENT FINANCE and LEGAL SERVICES

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10 © 2023 New Mexico Black Leadership Council

BEAUTY Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but in this case, beauty is in the hands of these business owners. If you’re looking for a new hairdo or stocking up on supplies at home, this list should be able to help out!

UPLIFT CHRONICLES: INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT EDITION: VOL 2, ISSUE 10, Nov/Dec 2023

Hair It Is!

facebook.com/Hairitissalonabq 505.489.1048 525 San Pedro Dr. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108 Hair, nails, braids, massages, and a friendly environment.

Nina Farrow Hair Studio

A Better U Barber + Beauty Academy

505.265.4777 abuacademy.com instagram.com/ abuacademy 5400 Phoenix Ave. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110 A Better U Beauty Barber Academy provides a high level of education and service to ensure its graduates can become industry successes. Walk-ins are welcome at the student salon.

BBeauty Life Makeup

bbeautylife.com Danielle Bridges is a professional makeup artist.

D-Tail Hair Studio

dtailhair.com 505.289.6998 1606 Central Ave. SE, Suite 100A, Albuquerque, NM 87106 D-Tail Hair Studio specializes in ethnic hair and dreadlocks. Other services include cuts, coloring, and highlighting for women’s and men’s hair.

Dreams Barbershop

instagram.com/dreams_barbershop1 505.358.3349 7114 Menaul Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110 Specializing in all your barber, hairstyling, hair coloring, and other professional services.

Dreams Barber Supply

instagram.com/dreamsbarbersupply 505.908.7900 6001 San Mateo Blvd. NE, Suite E2, Albuquerque, NM 87109 Hair care products for the public and supplies for hair care professionals all in one place.

ninafarrow.com 505.710.0251 6300 San Mateo Blvd. NE, Suite F2, Albuquerque, NM 87109 (ABQ Salon Suites #125) The incomparable Ms. Farrow has more than 35 years of experience in the beauty industry.

Trendz Beauty Supply

trendzbeautysupply.com 505.881.4777 4301 Menaul Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110 Lace front and full wigs, eyelashes, hair care products, and much more.

HEALTH & WELLNESS They say “health is wealth,” so here are a few ways to put the phrase into practice.

Whether you’re looking for a new dentist, a pediatrician, or some good ol’ rest and relaxation, the businesses below should be able to assist.

About Face Med Spa

aboutfacemedspa.com 505.944.6333 6800 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Suite D, Albuquerque, NM 87109 Laura Johnson MSN, FNP or “Ms. J” is the owner of About Face Med Spa, serving clients in New Mexico and beyond, and offering restorative treatments and cosmetic injections.

A Nu Feel’n Myofascial Pain Center, LLC.

anufeeln.massagetherapy.com 505.289.6718 5300 Sequoia Rd. NW, Suite 101, Albuquerque, NM 87120 Problem-solving, non-invasive, drug-free solutions for pain.

Concierge Health & Wellness Massage Spa

conciergemassagespa.com 505.305.5615 7804 Pan American Fwy. NE, Suite 2, Albuquerque, NM 87109 Dr. Calvin Ducane Ward, D. Msc. owns this spa aimed to treat everyone “like a patient and a superstar while paying attention to their body in a relaxing, welcoming and private environment.”

Ember Birth & Postpartum Services

emberbirth.com 505.369.2112 The doulas at Ember Birth & Postpartum Services say they’ve been called to serve the families of our community during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

Enchanted Living of New Mexico

enchantedlivingnm.com 505.867.6164 12501 Royal Point Ct. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111 A set of boutique senior homes in New Mexico that strives to provide the highest quality & loving care for residents & their families.

Face to Face Pediatrics

facetofacepediatrics.com 505.226.5543 This board-certified pediatrician offers direct primary care to virtually all of New Mexico. Dr. Dionne Ross has training in integrative medicine and is passionate about providing care for patients with ADHD.

Family & Cosmetic Dental Design

albuquerquedentaldesign.com 505.359.2289 7520 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Bldg. C, Suite A, Albuquerque, NM 87109 505.218.6599 5920 Whiteman Dr. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120 This family dentist practice treats patients of all ages, offering services like checkups, teeth cleaning, crowns, veneers, and more.

UPLIFT CHRONICLES: INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT EDITION: VOL 2, ISSUE 10, Nov/Dec 2023

Innovative Massage Therapy

innovative.massagetherapy.com 505.506.4016 2921 Carlisle Blvd. NE, Suite 215, Albuquerque, NM 87110 Providing general health massage for aches and pains, stress and injury with a specialty in medical massage for the treatment of specific issues.

© 2023 New Mexico Black Leadership Council

We shared a few gift ideas earlier in this special edition of the UpLift Chronicles.

Now, we’re sharing with you some other local businesses waiting on your support. Keep reading on as we highlight several businesses in NM with a focus on cool merch, entertainment, finance, and legal counsel.

MERCH

Moe-Fit

moe-fit.com 215.805.5907 109 Kjersti Ct., Corrales, NM 87048 Morris White is a certified personal trainer with 30 years’ experience. He offers at-home and virtual training, helping clients with a variety of physical needs, abilities, and goals.

New Mexico Birth Equity Collaborative

blackhealthnewmexico.com/ nm-birth-equity-collaborative Nonprofit organization working to address maternal health and reproductive justice.

OMA Body

omabody.com 505.588.4931 5200 Eubank Blvd. NE, Suite B1, Albuquerque, NM 87111 (inside Kendra & Co) A lymph drainage therapist.

Spirited Wellness

spiritedwellnessnm.com 850.603.1806 6739 Academy Rd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109 Massage therapy, lactation counseling, yoga, and meditation.

The Doc Spa

thedocspa.com 505.884.8900 1950-C Highway 333, Edgewood, NM 87015 Offers comprehensive services through a three-pronged health, wellness, and beauty approach.

9 Mile Tees

9miletees.com 505.503.1597 5111 Menaul Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110 Chris Moore, owner of 9 Mile Tees Screen Printing and Embroidery, founded the business in 2013 with the goal of making affordable, customizable t-shirts with a quick turnaround time.

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Gapelii

gapeliibrand.com A premium high-end fashion brand based in Hobbs, NM, created for both men and women. Gapelii offers handcrafted apparel and sneakers.

Mothership Alumni

mothershipalumni.com 505.405.1337 105 4th St. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102 An Albuquerque-based arts initiative focusing on creating economic opportunities for artists.

ENTERTAINMENT 99.9 The Beat

99thebeatfm.com Black-owned local radio station playing old school and today’s hot R&B!

Baskets of Africa

basketsofafrica.com 505.323.2315 1714 Eubank Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112 Shop a large selection of high-quality, fair-trade baskets from varying parts of the continent of Africa. Your purchase helps support the basket weavers of Africa, many of whom are women.

Bert & Jess Clothiers

bertandjessclothiers.com 505.345.9329 2671 Louisiana Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110 Men’s formal and casual clothing to keep it stylin’.

Blackdom Clothing Ltd. Co.

blackdomthesis.com/shop Clothing and merchandise highlighting the history of Blackdom, New Mexico, and the significance of the Afro-Frontier® in American history.

Eastern Oils

easternoilsnow.com/shop If something smells good, why not let it be you?

The family-owned business established in 2001 prides itself on both great oil scents and great customer service. Order online today!

DJ Anjo King

anjoxking@gmail.com Any event needs a little music, right? Contact DJ Anjo King.

DJ Flo Fader

facebook.com/DJFLOFADER/ flofader@gmail.com DJ Flo Fader can make your next event sound even better. He specializes in funk, soul, hiphop, R&B, reggae, rock, ’80s + ’90s, top 40, and reggaeton.

Dreams Event Studio

dreamseventstudio.com 505.908.7900 9577 Osuna Rd. NE, Suite M2, Albuquerque, NM 87111 Searching for a place to host your next event?

This venue offers over 2,300 square feet at its Northeast Heights location.

12 © 2023 New Mexico Black Leadership Council

UPLIFT CHRONICLES: INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT EDITION: VOL 2, ISSUE 10, Nov/Dec 2023

New Mexico Entertainment Magazine nmentertains.com A monthly events and entertainment publication.

The Syndicate ABQ

FINANCE

LEGAL SERVICES

Antavius Greathouse

KWH Law Center for Social Justice and Change

505.839.0224 agreathouse@legacyfg.net Affable, knowledgeable wealth advisor with Legacy Financial Group.

thesyndicateabq.com The Syndicate centers/celebrates/uplifts Black joy, QT Folx, healing, and creativity by curating digital and physical spaces on the Tiwa land known as Albuquerque.

kwhlawcenter.org 505.242.6317 625 Silver Ave. SW, Suite 185, Albuquerque, NM 87102 The KWH Law Center, a nonprofit organization, focuses on strengthening the rights of women, families with children, and communities.

Waters & Company

watersandcompany.cpa 505.260.0616 3311 Candelaria Rd. NE, Suite J, Albuquerque, NM 87107 Full-service accounting firm licensed in the Land of Enchantment.

The Law Offices of M.A. Kendrick

makendricklaw.com 505.549.2560 500 Marquette Ave. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102

A special thank you to the sponsors who made this Black Biz Directory possible! We’d like to thank Shani Harvie, the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Coordinator with the New Mexico Economic Development Department and also the City of Albuquerque.

THE UPLIFT INITIATIVE IS ALL ABOUT YOU AND YOUR COMMUNITY. HAPPY HOLIDAYS! For more information on community and holiday events, food and clothing drives, conscious consumerism, access to healthcare, job opportunities, and much more, go to nmblc.org/uplift-program or scan the QR code.

UPLIFT CONTRIBUTORS For inquiries, comments or ideas: uplift@nmblc.org or 505.407.6784

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CATHRYN MCGILL

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