THANK YOU FOR SHOWING US OURSELVES

The Asante Awards have been a part of the New Mexico Black History Festival for years. Asante means “thank you” in Swahili. With this award, we thank those making great contributions to the community in New Mexico. This year, we’re honoring Black photographers, and spotlighting two dedicated photojournalists: Ronnie Wallace and Adolphe Pierre-Louis. With their talent, cameras, and love, they document the people, places and things that would otherwise be lost to time and indifference.

Ronnie Wallace, editor of Perspectives magazine, is called “Mr. Albuquerque” by those who know him. Like photography giant Gordon Parks, Ronnie has made it his mission to document the lives and culture of Black people. If something’s happening in the Black community, Ronnie’s there, camera in hand. He’s produced and preserved documents and content for over 40 primarily volunteer-led Black organizations in New Mexico. He’s also written for The Statewide Focus on the state of Black New Mexico.

Albuquerque Journal photographer Adolphe Pierre-Louis routinely wins regional and state journalism contests. One first-place photo captured the aftermath of the shooting during the Oñate statue protest, and another showed the heartbreaking toll of the COVID-19 pandemic through the face of a woman celebrating her 100th birthday behind a window. Adolphe’s commitment to justice is illustrated by his agreement with the state after a frightening incident with a police officer. As part of his settlement, he speaks to cadets at the police academy on unconscious bias.

Join us for the 2023 Asante Awards. Keep an eye on www.NMBLC.org for more details!