UpLift Chronicles_InternationalDistrictEdition_September2023_V2.I8

THE NEW INEQUALITY

THE DIGITAL DIVIDE FOR THOSE WITHOUT INTERNET ACCESS

The New Mexico Black Leadership Council (NMBLC) focuses on 5 areas of impact, like spokes on a wheel. They are: advocacy & civic engagement; mental, physical & financial health; leadership & workforce development; cultural vibrancy; and positive youth development. The hub of the wheel utilizes collective impact organizing strategies and a communications network infrastructure in order to effect change in the 5 areas.

Well, if people don’t even have access to the means to connect or communicate, then how are they supposed to advocate for themselves in the first place?

We’re reminding you once again that the digital divide is real. The United Nations called it the “new face of inequality” two years back. And it represents the gap between those with internet access and those without it. Later in this issue, we tell you all about the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). It provides discounts on internet service and devices for those who qualify.

Now, let’s get to the nitty gritty about the divide and its impacts. Two barriers blocking so many residents

from adequate access to the internet are cost and insufficient infrastructure. The FCC estimates 19 million people in the US lack high-speed access. The highest percentage of people without access in the Southwest are right here in New Mexico.

The negative consequences of the digital divide are wide-ranging, especially when it comes to healthcare. During the pandemic, telehealth became bigger than ever. But those without adequate internet access were left out, leading to delays in receiving care and negatively impacting overall health and well-being. Getting and keeping a good job is also tough without access because the remote workforce continues to grow. And students who can’t connect to resources for research and assignments are more challenged in the classroom

On August 18, the NMBLC collaborated with UNM for a Digital Equity Summit to brainstorm ways to combat the divide. The group spent the day discussing strategies to close the gap for good. And we’re prepping for Digital Inclusion Week from October 2–6. So, this will not be the last time you hear about our collective effort to assess the digital needs of residents in the International District and beyond. We’re already connected—and in time, we’re hoping we can all be online. Lastly, be sure to voice your opinion about this concern or any troubles you’re having via our readers’ survey below. We wanna hear from you!

OG JEWEL OF THE ID

The San Pedro Public Library opened in 1967 as an award-winning jewel in Albuquerque’s growing library system. While it may have lost its youthful sparkle over the last 56 years, the OG library of the International District remains a beloved community resource. “On the daily, we get anywhere from 150 to 250 people,” says clerk Crystal Williams. “Tons of our patrons are walkers, bikers. It’s in their neighborhood.”

Librarian Indigo Webb continues, “You’ll see people connecting here all the time. People come here for family service visits [as in] they don’t have custody of their child but they’re doing a visit here.”

The staff stresses that they’re not competing with the new library. “The International District Library is awesome. It’s more of a community center, though,” says Webb. “As a place to look for books or sit down and study in a little corner somewhere, I think we’re pretty great.”

And for a small space, there’s still plenty of programming. Williams rattles off a partial list: “We’ve got baby-toddler storytime, LEGO club and building club, and [we’ve] added tech classes. Adult storytime, a beading club, a New Mexico stories club, a book club called Magical Mystery Tour.”

Also, September is Library Card Sign-Up Month, so if you renew your old card or get a new one at San Pedro, you’ll get a free kid’s book.

Webb and Williams point to a small box of fruit on the counter. “We get to talk to [patrons] about what they’re reading or their dogs or whatever—or somebody brings us little plums from their tree,” Webb says. “It’s a really good sense of community at this branch.”

A NEW FACE IN THE PLACE NMBLC HAS A NEW LEGAL ADVOCATE FOR RENTERS’ RIGHTS

The ongoing drama between landlords and tenants across the state continues and there are very few signs of tensions easing. Albuquerque neighborhoods, including the ID, continue to see historic rent increases. In March, we told you many renters believe landlords are engaging in “unprincipled price gouging,” with rental rates rising more than 30% in two years. The average cost for a two-bedroom apartment in the Duke City can be $1,700 per month.

The housing crisis has only worsened since the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) stopped accepting applications earlier this year.

The NMBLC is committed to making sure renters are protected and well-informed of their rights. In light of that, we’re delighted to welcome the

newest member of our team, a staff attorney who will engage the housing crisis head-on.

Jordan Velasquez is a recent University of New Mexico Law School grad who comes equipped with diverse legal experience including advocating for renters. Velasquez most recently worked as a navigator for the New Mexico Eviction Prevention and Diversion Program, where he served as a liaison between tenants and landlords. Velasquez also provided guidance to renters, assisted with rental assistance applications, and ensured landlords received payments.

We are thrilled to have yet another asset on our NMBLC staff to uplift and advocate for the community we care for. Regarding the mission of our

organization, Velasquez notes he’s a great fit, adding “I firmly believe that my legal expertise and passion for social justice will enable me to make a meaningful contribution to the Council’s endeavors.”

Jordan Velasquez

1967 NM Architect magazine story

San Pedro Library event calendar

MAKING MOODS & VIBES

WE TALK HIP-HOP’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY WITH UNRIVALED LOCAL DJ FLO FADER

Hip-hop was born from the unique turntable stylings of a young DJ named Kool Herc in the Bronx on August 11, 1973. And you’ve probably heard about all the anniversary celebrations going on, countrywide. Shoot, The Pharcyde hit up the Santa Fe Railyards and Souls of Mischief played Meow Wolf just last month. DJs everywhere are getting their propers, but Burque has its fair share of artists on the 1s and 2s now, too. So, what better way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of our expansive hip-hop culture than by talking to one of our own local DJs?

Flo Fader (aka Roscoe Floyd) is one of the first names to come to mind when hiring a DJ in Albuquerque. He’s known for his bumping tracks and seamless transitions. Ever been at a dance party where you’re feeling the jam, getting into the groove, finding your chill space, and then BAM—the DJ stops the track dead to start up a new one? This will not happen with a Flo Fader set.

The man is Jersey and New York-raised and learned how to spin in that venerable chocolate city, Atlanta. As a tour DJ for the likes of Masta Ace, he performed in faraway places like Australia, Japan, UAE, Croatia, France, Holland, and Iceland. We kicked back recently and had a chat with the world-traveling turntablist.

HOW DID YOU FIRST FALL IN LOVE WITH HIP-HOP?

I fell in love with hip-hop when I saw the [1984] movie Beat Street. It’s a hip-hop movie based out of the Bronx, New York. It had all the elements of hiphop in it: DJing, rapping, graffiti, and break dancing.

WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE HIP-HOP ARTISTS, OLD SCHOOL AND CURRENT?

I love artists like Big Daddy Kane, Eric B. & Rakim, Salt-N-Pepa, LL Cool J, Queen Latifah, De La Soul, Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Jay-Z.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE BUSINESS?

I started in the DJ business in ’93 but didn’t start traveling the world to DJ until ’99. I was a college radio promoter for an indie label called Seven Heads. While working, I was approached by one of the artists on the label to [be the] tour DJ for him. He goes by the name of J-Live.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR WORK?

I enjoy making moods or vibes that will motivate a crowd to dance all night long. I get to make people forget about their troubles for 4 or more hours. It’s the best feeling ever.

DO YOU HAVE ANY UPCOMING GIGS YOU’D LIKE TO SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT?

Every third Thursday I’m in Plaza Don Luis from 4-8pm, and every first Friday at Tractor Brewing in Nob Hill from 8-11pm.

ARE THERE ANY OTHER LOCAL HIP-HOP ARTISTS YOU THINK WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT?

Def-i, The Soothsayerz, and PH8 with the Bees and Locusts.

WHERE CAN PEOPLE FIND THE HIP-HOP SCENE IN ALBUQUERQUE?

I think the best place to go for great hip-hop would be Canvas Artistry or any venue that I’m spinning at—hahaha!

FIND DJ FLO FADER instagram.com/flofader facebook.com/djflofader soundcloud.com/dj-flo-fader

NAME-CHECKED LOCAL ARTISTS & SPOTS

Def-i The Soothsayerz

PH8 with the Bees and Locusts Canvas Artistry

HIP-HOP HITS & THANGS

Beat Street trailer

De La Soul

“Me Myself and I”

Eric B. & Rakim “Don’t Sweat The Technique”

Kendrick Lamar “Alright”

Salt-N-Pepa “Shoop”

JAY-Z

“The Story of O.J.”

LEAVES ARE FALLING, JAZZ IS CALLING

Jazz is as American as Juneteenth, Maya Angelou, and soul food. And for seventeen years, the New Mexico Jazz Festival has hosted the music and its musicians at various venues throughout Albuquerque and Santa Fe. It runs September 7–30, so get ready to chill, bebop, and swing because there’s something for everybody this year. Festival co-organizer Tom Guralnick says when it comes to selecting acts for the festival, variety is key. That’s reflected in the lineup, with musical styles ranging from blues revival and early jazz to hard bop, contemporary, and experimental. There are solo artists, quartets, and full orchestras. Some of the concerts require tickets and some are FREE, so keep reading to get hip to the facts.

WHO MADE IT HAPPEN

The Outpost Performance Space is a nonprofit, member- and community-supported performing arts center down the street from UNM. Started by executive director Tom Guralnick 35 years ago, it’s an intimate, listening-focused space for major touring jazz artists. “Every town should have this as an alternative. I call it informally respectful.” Tom collaborates with Lensic Performing Arts Center head Joel Aalberts to make the NM Jazz Festival happen.

HOW IT ALL WENT DOWN

Inspiration for founding the festival in 2006 was “to keep jazz going,” says Guralnik. The goal is to have a mix of long-time, revered musicians as well as up-and-comers. It’s “really important to be presenting African American artists [and] women artists.” The festival is held at a variety of venues, from the intimate Outpost in Burque to Santa Fe’s 800+ seat Lensic Theatre; and there are outdoor performances at the Albuquerque Museum Amphitheater and Civic Plaza.

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

The Outpost is thrilled about all the acts coming to this year’s festival. Below is a sampling of the incredible talent; and you can use the QR code below for the full schedule.

Regina Carter, Thursday, September 14, 2023, 7:30pm, Lensic in Santa Fe. Grammy-nominated violinist and National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Jazz Master explores jazz, R&B, Latin, classical, blues, country, pop, and African music.

“There Ain’t But a Few of Us,” A Conversation with Willard Jenkins and A.B. Spellman, Friday, September 15, 2023, 5:30pm, Collected Works Bookstore in Santa Fe. Talking about the recently released book, Ain’t But a Few of Us: Black Music Writers Tell Their Story

Christian McBride, Saturday, September 16, 2023, 7:30pm, Lensic in Santa Fe. Eight-time Grammy Award-winning bassist, composer, and bandleader.

Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Sunday, September 17, 2023, 7:30pm, Lensic in Santa Fe AND Monday, September 18, 2023, 7:00pm, Albuquerque Museum. Sponsored by local jazz enthusiasts Marcus and Miriam Ray.

Blues Night featuring GA-20, Toni Morgan & Soulful Sounds, and Charlie Musselwhite, Sunday, September 24, 2023, 6:00pm, Civic Plaza in Albuquerque. FREE.

Lakecia Benjamin, Monday, September 25, 2023, 7:30pm, Outpost in Albuquerque. One of the most sought-after and revered saxophonists in the world.

Cindy Blackman Santana Band, Tuesday, September 26, 2023, 7:30pm, Outpost in Albuquerque. Made famous by 10+ years providing the grooves behind Lenny Kravitz.

SPECIAL DEAL FROM THE OUTPOST PERFORMANCE SPACE: BUY TICKETS FOR FOUR CONCERTS AT THE OUTPOST, GET THE FIFTH OUTPOST CONCERT FREE.

NM Jazz Fest schedule

The Outpost

The Lensic

Mornings”

Lakecia Benjamin and Phoenix “New

Cindy Blackman Santana on PBS NewsHour Regina Carter NPR Tiny Desk Concert video Christian McBride “Being a Boss”

Christian McBride

Cindy Blackman Santana

Spanish Harlem Orchestra

Courtesy Latin Music Cafe

Courtesy of The Outpost

Larry Hilton

NEW TO TOWN: DR. LAURI ANDRESS, UNM

Dr. Lauri Andress joined UNM this summer as Associate Dean for the College of Population Health, relocating from Birmingham, Alabama. Welcome to Albuquerque, Dr. Andress!

Newcomer Spotlight

Below is our Q&A. Note: Answers have been edited for length.

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO ALBUQUERQUE?

The opportunity to work in a collaborative manner to support Dean Tracie Collins as she builds the UNM College of Population Health. It is a positive, natural step of progression in my career.

WHAT ARE YOU EXCITED TO BRING TO YOUR NEW POSITION?

A unique background in politics and community organizing that helped me to establish a set of tools that train health practitioners to understand that health starts with taking care of oppressed populations before they enter the healthcare system. This means we work on the non-medical determinants of health: [things like] voting rights, jobs, housing, wealth, the right to high-quality, affordable food sources, and early childhood education policies to support brain development and a high-quality life as an adult, or even higher levels of education, free from debt.

THE PANDEMIC’S OVER, RIGHT? HOW DO WE CONTINUE TO INCREASE VACCINE CONFIDENCE?

The pandemic is not over, and we should continue to be vigilant. Lack of confidence in the vaccine may be only one reason that groups did not get immunized. But we need to understand their lived experiences. Research demonstrated that inequities in our systems and institutions contributed to reasons that underrepresented groups did not get the vaccine. These inequities are related to…no transportation, inconvenient clinic locations and hours, language barriers, fear of loss of wages or employment to support the household.

WHAT ARE SOME WAYS TO INCREASE ACCESS TO CARE?

This is not the answer you want or perhaps expect. Increasing access to healthcare means we have failed, and people are sick or dying. It is more ethical and effective to work on those non-medical determinants of health so that people do not need [healthcare]…Both the law and healthcare are not positive services or practices and, in fact, the law and healthcare appear on the scene when society has sunk to a low point. Therefore, the law and healthcare are products and services that are to be consumed infrequently, for short periods of time, and in small quantities. To be subjected to poor health and illness and the need for healthcare because a group has suffered from the historical denial of resources and opportunities is one of the biggest injustices in our society. We should address societal inequities up front before poor health occurs, and this is where I choose to spend my time—focusing on non-medical determinants of health.

“To be subjected to poor health and the need for healthcare because a group has suffered from the historical denial of resources and opportunities is one of the biggest injustices in our society.”

Lauri Andress next to statue of Rosa Parks in downtown Montgomery, Alabama

NOTHING BUT NET [THE INTERNET THAT IS]

In basketball, “nothing but net” represents a stellar shot, ending with a “swish!” The NMBLC works to ensure everyone in the International District gets their best shot at success. Internet access is a critical tool, becoming even more important in our post-pandemic world. But, the cost of internet service remains a roadblock for many.

The good news? There’s help available to make connectivity more affordable— or even free. The NMBLC is spreading the word about the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and closing the digital divide, especially because in the ID, the US Census tract data reveals nearly 30% of residents here do not have internet at home.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) calls digital access a super-determinant of health. That means that lacking digital access creates obstacles to healthcare, education, and employment. Internet access has become a necessity.

Anyone who meets eligibility requirements for the ACP will receive a $30/month discount off their internet bill. If anyone in your household uses SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, Lifeline (“Obama-phone”) or other qualifying federal programs, you’d be eligible. Another “greenlight” for ACP eligibility is if a child living at home receives free or reduced-price lunch in school.

Raising awareness and assisting residents in the ACP application process is part of NMBLC’s goal to increase community resilience. A resilient community can identify problems, establish priorities, and make changes to improve life for individuals and the entire community.

In future issues, our website, and social media, we’ll keep reminding you

to apply to the ACP and other means to bridge the digital divide. We’re also preparing for Digital Inclusion Week from October 2-6. So, stay tuned for details on special events we’re planning to ensure everyone has the digital tools they need to succeed.

CUTTING THRU THE RED TAPE

JUSTICE40 IS DESIGNED TO BETTER ENGAGE COMMUNITY CONCERNS

For years, the International District has been underserved and overlooked. It’s Albuquerque’s most populous and diverse neighborhood. But anyone on their community activist game knows that getting the ID’s needs heard in city hall is like swimming upstream. The Albuquerque Justice40 Initiative, however, attempts to address community needs to tackle legacy environmental, economic, and social justice matters.

Roger Valdez, strategic advisor in the city’s Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI), explained that Albuquerque is the first city in the country to prioritize how federal grants get funneled to oft-ignored communities like the ID by utilizing the Biden administration’s federal Justice40 Initiative. “It’s not new money, but it’s taking existing efforts and resources” and better utilizing them. Through Mayor Keller’s executive order last February, Albuquerque is streamlining grant applications and committing to community engagement.

The Justice40 program helps remedy issues identified in eight categories on an online GIS (geographic information system), an interactive map of Burque, which the public can access. It’s like the one NMBLC’s Larry Heard built for the ID in early 2022. The “burdens” are climate change, energy, health, housing, legacy pollution, transportation, water and wastewater, and workforce development. Valdez affirms the map isn’t just about bad news. “There are challenges and

burdens there, but also assets and opportunities,” like community centers and parks. And the idea is to utilize those resources while tackling a problem.

The mapping is so activists, community members, and civic leaders alike can focus on a neighborhood, like the ID, determine what its biggest challenges are, and then funnel funds through targeted action. Nonprofits like the Health Equity Council and United South Broadway Corporation have already been working with the city, with eighty organizations also interested.

At the urging of community advocates and grassroots organizers, neighborhood projects can be shaped by the community, who can rely on the city for support. Valdez states, “It really is about facilitating that collaboration” between the city and the people.

Four ways the Albuquerque Justice40 Initiative works:

1. The City and community work together from the start and tackle an issue

2. The City tries to resolve an identified problem, then engages the community, which helps shape a proposal

3. A community group identifies a problem federal funds can address, then partners with the City

4. A community group pursues action solo but utilizes the City for resources and/or data to successfully file a grant proposal

LIKE ANYTHING WORTHWHILE

Sunflowers where there once was a bank drive-through. Raised beds providing herbs for the All Nations Wellness Center kitchen. A sizable greenhouse packed with seedlings. Places for schoolkids to get their hands in the soil. An oasis for unhoused people to get away from the streets.

All these are faces of community gardens, also called urban agriculture, in the International District. Cathy Sanchez, Bernalillo County Public Health Specialist in the ID, has watched these gardens grow. “Every community garden is like a person,” she says with a laugh. “It’s so unique, it has its own personality, its own weaknesses and strengths.”

That diversity makes it hard to define exactly what makes a garden a community garden. But Sanchez comes up with an answer. “I think [it’s] when you have community members, neighbors, pitching in and doing the growing and reaping the harvest however they want.”

Community gardens have been around for a while, but they took off during the pandemic. “Public health was front and center around the pandemic. Open space and gardens are a part of a healthy environment and really offer mental health benefits, whether it’s grass that children play on, or food, or wildflowers.”

It’s not all fun and romps in the flowers, though. Arguably like anything worthwhile, community gardens require investment.

“It’s not like there’s a [county] budget to buy soil, compost, fertilizer, seeds…all of that.” Urban agriculture in the ID is funded largely through grants and donations. During the pandemic, Sanchez was awarded a $20,000 grant for raised beds at First Nations and

THE ID’S GRATIFYING URBAN AGRICULTURE PROJECTS NEED MORE PEEPS TO PARTICIPATE

IRRVA (Immigrant-Refugee Resource Village of Albuquerque). Gardening was one thing the community could do together, even when masked in those early pandemic days.

Fortunately, the city and county are investing more. Albuquerque has pledged an acre of the redeveloped Phil Chacon Park for community gardens, along with the necessary water. And Bernalillo County is hiring a full-time employee for its BCC Urban Ag Project in the ID.

The question now is, will the community turn out to make the gardens happen?

You can help! If you have any space of your own— even a patio you can put containers on—you can add to the network of pocket gardens in the ID. (Not sure what a “pocket garden” is? Check out the one outside the San Pedro Library, or use the QR code to the right for resources to start your own.) With your initiative, your school or apartment complex could start a pocket garden or full-size one.

“There’s places where you can find free seeds,” Sanchez points out. “It’s amazing.” Your library card can get you 30 seed packets a year. Free seeds are distributed at the San Pedro branch, as library clerk Crystal Williams explains, “They regularly update the list [of available seeds]. They have a bee feed mix right now, sunflower seeds, and they focus on veggies.”

Or pitch in with a garden near you: Contact Cathy Sanchez at cathysanchez@bernco.gov or Mari Simbana, county open space supervisor, at mbsimbana@bernco.gov for more information.