UpLift Chronicles June 2024 v3i4

FREE AT LAST?

JOIN HANDS ACROSS BURQUE FOR JUNETEENTH

By Shannon Yvonne Moreau

For Juneteenth last year, I checked out the celebration at Albuquerque’s Civic Plaza, then headed to the movie theater with my homies for The Blackening. The movie, co-written by Tracy Oliver (Girls Trip, Harlem), opened on June 16, 2023, nearly two years to the day after President Biden established Juneteenth as a US national holiday on June 17, 2021.

■ Misogynoir

■ Pressure to adhere to a rigid, artificial definition of one’s race instead of expression of one’s individuality

■ Overreliance on junk food and the resulting health maladies

The Blackening is a horror comedy about a group of Black college friends who face deadly consequences when they reunite on Juneteenth for the weekend. The holiday that’s often greeted with “What’s Juneteenth?” officially went mainstream, y’all. Or, at least, more mainstream than it’s ever been. Juneteenth as a holiday is utilized in this movie the same way previous mainstream entertainment sets plot events around 4th of July or summer vacation.

It’s fitting that The Blackening is a blend of horror and comedy. Horror’s appropriate because the arrival of African Americans in what was then the British colony of Virginia and the flourishing of what would become the United States of America is based on the horrific and inhumane transatlantic slave trade. The Declaration of Independence extols the idea that humans have the right to life and liberty but, at the time of its writing, the brutal enslavement of human beings thrived.

Juneteenth itself originated on a tragic error. It commemorates June 19, 1865, when the last of the enslaved people in Galveston, Texas were informed by Union troops that slavery had been abolished via the Emancipation Proclamation, two years earlier Ain’t that some ish?

Why is the comedy aspect of The Blackening so fitting? Peep this list of ills the movie comments on:

■ The legacy of Jim Crow oppression

■ Police brutality

■ Social isolation

■ Homophobia in the Black community

As humans and especially as Black Americans, we balance horror with humor, and create joy and spiritual sustenance wherever and whenever we can. If not for the laughter, we’d be crying all the time. Keep the American tradition of honoring Juneteenth going at one of these upcoming local celebrations. Check our events calendar as more 2024 Juneteenth celebrations get added.

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION WESTSIDE

When: Saturday, June 8, 2024, 9am - 8pm

Where: Open Space Visitor Center, 6500 Coors Blvd NW, Albuquerque, 87120

What else:

• Presentations by Dr. Timothy Nelson on Blackdom and poetry by Hakim Bellamy

Face painting, entertainment, and food trucks

• FREE. More info: t.ly/wEYHm

COMMUNITY JUNETEENTH 2024

When: Saturday, June 15, 2024, 11am - 11pm

Where: Civic Plaza, Albuquerque, 87102

What else: bccofnm.org/juneteenth

NEW MEXICO 2024 BLACK BUSINESS SUMMIT

When: Saturday, June 15, 2024, 9am - 5pm

Where: Albuquerque Convention Center, 401 2nd Street Northwest, Albuquerque, 87102

What else:

• Business incubation, contracting with big business, the film and TV industry, and the Juneteenth opening ceremony

• FREE. Sign up here: t.ly/gH382

JUNETEENTH FREEDOM DAY RIO RANCHO

When: Saturday, June 22, 2024, 10am - 2pm

Where: Haynes Community Center and Park, 2006 Grande Blvd SE, Rio Rancho, 87124

What else:

• Food trucks, health screenings, and music

• FREE

Previous NMBLC Juneteenth coverage: “Juneteenth Represents the Progress of Our Nation”

NMBLC Events Calendar

The Blackening Trailer

By Kristin Satterlee

Roots Summer Leadership Academy (RSLA) is New Mexico Black Leadership Council’s marquee kids’ program, a free three-week artsbased summer camp. This year’s theme is Nafsi Kujali Swahili for “soul care” and the curriculum will keep that in mind for every subject: theater, music, dance, art, STEM, and social-emotional learning.

Andreana Thomas, Roots Conservatory manager this year, has big ideas for the subject in the camp’s title: Leadership. “To me, anyone can be a leader,” Thomas says. Camp attendees will “identify their leadership skills and understand what it takes to be a leader. Knowing when to step up and knowing when to follow.” What’s that? When to follow? Isn’t this about leadership? “Exactly,” says Thomas: A good leader knows when to help other leaders realize their vision. “Leaders also follow. But they’ve got to know who to follow.”

Thomas learned how to lead when she entered Hofstra University after a youth spent in inner-city schools in West Haven, Connecticut. “I was

THESE ROOTS RUN DEEP: ACADEMY NOURISHES YOUTH LEADERSHIP

able to see the difference in what communities had to offer” and the gap in college preparation for students from different areas. While she didn’t study to be an educator then, she grew fascinated with history and started teaching. When Thomas “shifted the numbers for Success Academy and wound up having the most growth in the state of New York for test scores,” her confidence lifted. She took off running on a journey of growing educational leadership that brought her to New Mexico, NMBLC, and Roots. “I knew I wanted to be in New Mexico; I knew New Mexico had need. And I love positive youth development.”

Now Thomas brings those skills to RSLA. She’s most excited about the social-emotional learning curriculum built by King Bradley, NMBLC

Well-Being Coordinator. “I want kids to know: You’re human. We all are human.” In a world still emerging from COVID, where many people feel lost and depressed, Thomas wants kids to know that it’s okay to feel exactly how they feel: “It’s a moment. It’s okay to embrace that moment, and it’s okay to understand how we get out of it. We’re not stuck here.”

Each year, RSLA ends with a Harambee (“all pull together” in Swahili), a celebration and performance that brings all the arts together. Even this final celebration is a chance to learn. “You don’t always have to be the performer,” Thomas points out. “There are jobs behind the scenes: the production, the lights, the visuals.”

The Harambee—hard work, stage fright, and all—is an opportunity

for students to see how far they’ve come in three short weeks, and to realize that “You can overcome anything. And we are stronger together than we are individually.” For Thomas, that extends beyond RSLA to the whole community, and the resources that NMBLC makes available to build that community. “Go to our website,” Thomas says. “So many free events happen, but we don’t know where to go to look for them. Our website will tell you not just what NMBLC is doing, but what everyone in the community is doing. … If you want to stop by, stop by!” And however you visit, don’t forget to register the kids in your life for RSLA! Registration is open until June 14. Sign up or learn more at bit.ly/rsla2024.

Oriana Lee

LOCAL VOTE

FOR THE WIN: IN 2024 ROCK THE

By Shannon Yvonne Moreau

The 2024 New Mexico primary election is coming up. Early voting runs through Saturday, June 1 and Election Day is June 4. First on the ballot will be your party’s candidates for President of the United States. The Associated Press has called the Democratic and Republican party nominees to be Joe Biden and Donald Trump, respectively, due to the number of delegates won from primaries already held around the country.

You might be wondering, then, why you should bother to vote in the New Mexico primary at all. Here’s why: The New Mexico primary ballot also contains important local and state races. Your local elected officials can have much more of an impact on your life than who’s in office at the national level. Depending on your district (see the “Download Your Sample Ballot” QR code below), you’ll be voting for your party’s candidates for US senator, US representative, state senator, state representative, county commissioner, county treasurer, district attorney, and more.

Not registered to vote? No worries! You can register to vote and cast your ballot on the same day with Same Day Voter Registration (SDR). You’ll have to choose one of the major qualified parties to vote in the primary. Major parties recognized in New Mexico are Democrat, Republican, and Libertarian. Additionally, if you’re

Download Your Sample Ballot

currently registered as Independent or declineto-state, you use SDR to update your party affiliation to a major party in order to vote in the primary. If you’re registered with a major party yet want to switch, however, you can’t use SDR for party switching during the primary.

Make your voice heard and vote for your nominees in the New Mexico primary election!

Take advantage of early voting through Saturday, June 1. Find your voting spot at the “Find Your Polling Location” QR code. If you don’t make it to early voting, you still have Election Day on June 4.

Show up primed with information and ready to make your voice heard by downloading a sample ballot ahead of time. That way you’ll know exactly what to expect and will have had time to

research and pick the candidate who best represents your concerns and values when you go to vote. Download your sample ballot at the QR code below.

You might have heard something about the “uncommitted” movement. On the 2024 New Mexico primary ballot for the Democratic party, there will be two other options besides Biden: Marianne Williamson and Uncommitted Delegate. The national “uncommitted” movement is encouraging Democratic voters to select Uncommitted Delegate as a stance against the Israeli government’s ongoing military assault on Palestinians in Gaza. This strategy aims to send a message to President Biden to call for a ceasefire. Organizers believe this movement has fired up citizens who didn’t plan to vote but now will because they feel so strongly about the U.S.’s position in the war. Because President Biden is pretty much a shoo-in for the Democratic ticket at this point, selecting “uncommitted” in the primary could demonstrate a desire for change in America’s current stance on and role in the Israeli / Palestinian war.

The bottom line is to make your voice heard and vote for your nominees in the New Mexico primary election. It will directly impact who represents you come November’s general election.

UPLIFTING WELLNESS: ON COVID VARIANTS, “TRANQ,” AVIAN FLU IN CATTLE AND PUBLIC HEALTH FUNDING

By Samantha Anne Carrillo

FLIRT VARIANT TO DOMINATE SUMMER

During the winter months, COVID-19’s JN.1 variant was prevalent but the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced on May 10 that there’s a new variant in town. According to that CDC data, the KP.2 variant now represents 28 percent of all new COVID infections in the United States, up from only 6 percent in April. Some scientists describe KP.2 and less prevalent variant KP.1.1 as “FLiRT” variants in reference to their amino acid changes. Both variants descend from JN.1 and the omicron lineage, as do all coronavirus variants that have dominated over the past two years. Research into the effectiveness of current COVID-19 vaccines on the KP.2 variant is ongoing and health experts predict a mild summer uptick in KP.2 and overall COVID infections. Staying current on COVID-19 vaccinations and exercising common-sense precautions—like washing hands frequently and masking up in crowded public spaces—remains the best defense against COVID-19 this summer. Learn more about and schedule your next COVID vaccine or booster shot at vaccine.doh.nm.gov

NM DOH FINDS “TRANQ” IN STATE FENTANYL SUPPLY

At the end of April, the New Mexico Department of Health confirmed the presence of xylazine in fentanyl samples tested through the state’s Adulterant Checking Program. Xylazine a.k.a. “tranq” is a non-opioid CNS depressant that is commonplace in veterinary medicine and which has not been approved for use in humans. According to the state health department, Xylazine has been frequently identified as an ingredient in heroin and illicitly manufactured fentanyl within the eastern half of the United States, but this is the first time it has been officially detected in New Mexico. Xylazine causes disorientation, drowsiness, sedation, and slurred speech in humans. It can also cause flesh wounds at or away from injection sites or via inhalation. Management of Xylazine wounds—which can become life-threatening—is possible by cleansing wounds with soap and water and keeping them safely bandaged. The state health department is working to make Xylazine testing strips available at harm reduction sites, including Public Health Offices and community led programs statewide. Learn more about harm reduction in New Mexico at nmharmreduction.org.

AVIAN INFLUENZA IDED IN NEW MEXICO CATTLE

In early May, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in dairy cattle here in New Mexico, as well as in Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, North Carolina, South Dakota, and Texas. According to the New Mexico Department of Agriculture, detection of avian influenza in birds is common in the United States during spring and fall because of the seasonal migration of wild birds. Avian influenza is uncommon in dairy cows but USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has tracked HPAI in mammals for a number of years, which has prepared American dairy farmers and veterinarians to be on the lookout for the illness’ eventual emergence. As a precaution, the New Mexico Department of Health Public Information

Office David Morgan said, “Raw milk that has not been pasteurized may present a higher risk of HPAI and other virus/bacteria transmission. People should avoid consuming raw milk or raw cheeses.” Learn more about HPAI in dairy cattle at bit.ly/dairyhpainm.

PUBLIC HEALTH SCHOOL PROJECT LOSES MILLIONS IN FUNDING

In late April, Source New Mexico reported that the UNM Health Sciences Center has missed two deadlines to request state funding to establish an accredited school of public health to deal with infectious disease pandemics. In “Missed deadlines lead to $11.5M veto, upending plans for UNM public health school,” reporter Austin Fisher writes: “The lapse means the UNM Health Sciences Center will not receive $11.5 million for the school, placing in limbo any recent progress to establish the program. This includes potentially losing some of the 21 people hired as faculty since 2022, state Sen. Martin Hickey (D-Albuquerque) said Thursday during a tense exchange with the state’s top higher education official. … While there is a College of Population Health at the University of New Mexico, it is not an accredited school of public health, according to the agency responsible for evaluating schools of public health in the U.S.” To learn more, read the Source NM article in its entirety at bit.ly/snmpublichealth.

By Samantha Anne Carrillo

For outgoing Bernalillo County Manager Julie Morgas Baca, public service has always been a calling. That call rang out louder than ever in 2015, when she came out of retirement to be appointed county manager by the Bernalillo County Commission. After serving as county manager for nearly a decade, Morgas Baca retires from the position on June 28, at the close of this fiscal year.

UpLift Chronicles spoke with Morgas Baca to learn more about local governance and specifically her own work in Bernalillo County. Morgas Baca describes the role of Bernalillo County Manager as resembling that of a large company’s CEO: “If you think of the county as a corporation with 2600 employees and 5 board members, the county manager is like the chief executive officer of the organization who is appointed and reports to the board of County Commissioners. I particularly manage the day-to-day operations of Bernalillo County.”

Managing county operations involves ensuring that relevant services are provided while complying with all federal, state and local laws and regulations, ordinances, policies, and procedures. It’s a complex supervisory job with a lot of responsibility and Morgas Baca hit the ground running in 2015. Morgas Baca explains that Bernalillo County was then roughly 17 million dollars in the red and she had to make the tough decision to furlough staff.

Morgas Baca said, “We never cut our services but we just found different ways to serve the county, realizing that there was a reduction in revenue. We were able to overcome it because of the support we have from the commission and then equally because the staff cooperated. Staffers understood what they needed to do, they did it, and we got through it together.”

HONORABLE DISCHARGE: JULIE MORGAS BACA RETIRES FROM BERNCO

When Morgas Baca discusses her decision to resume retirement, admiration and respect for her own team, all county staff and the communities she serves is readily apparent. “I love the culture and the weather here. We’re very unique and have a very diverse community. In Bernalillo County, there are five different districts and

“I love working with the community, learning from them and experiencing that diversity and culture.”

each community is very unique in its own way. I love working with the community, learning from them and experiencing that diversity and culture,” said Morgas Baca.

As in any exit interview, UpLift Chronicles asked Morgas Baca about accomplishments during her tenure. Morgas Baca describes a number of achievements, including establishing the Bernalillo County CARE Campus, which partners with nonprofits to provide behavioral health programs and services for county residents, including youth; the Resource Reentry Center, which provides resources and services to assist recently incarcerated residents with successful reintegrating into the community; the Tiny Home Village, an 18-to-24month program to help residents transition out of homelessness; creating an accessible and welcoming one-stop shop environment for Bernalillo

County at its Alvarado Square headquarters; the upcoming opening of the CARE Campus’ Crisis Stabilization Unit; a waiting room area for law enforcement and Metropolitan Detention Center staff within UNM Hospitals’ new Critical Care Tower; bringing all county salaries up to market rates; and completely rebranding Bernalillo County as “BernCo Count on Us.”

These significant accomplishments notwithstanding, Morgas Baca recognizes that there is always more work to be done so we asked her for a wish list for the incoming county manager to prioritize. Morgas Baca is hopeful that her successor and their staff will work on: successfully addressing court-ordered reforms related to overcrowding and inmate conditions at Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) to resolve the longstanding McClendon settlement; a second phase of revitalization efforts at Fairview Historic Cemetery and Memorial Park; establishing more Crisis Stabilization Units, including a regional facility; and investing in a mobile building to provide additional medical services, ranging from substance use treatment to orthopedic medicine, for MDC inmates.

For more information on the search for the next Bernalillo County Manager, visit t.ly/1EYQh.

LOVE LETTER TO A FRIEND

Cathryn McGill, Founder/Director

JOIN UPLIFT

She looks like she stepped out of a magazine every time I see her—I mean every time. As beautiful as she is on the outside, her inner beauty and strength shine even brighter. Julie Morgas Baca is someone I am proud to call a friend. I started this love letter with a nod to Julie’s inner and outer beauty because it’s significant, but there’s so much more to her and to our more than 30-year collegial relationship. I’ve seen Julie wield her power with grace and authority—not with a heavy hand or from a bully pulpit but from a place of authenticity and integrity. These qualities are a rare find in public service, unfortunately, as they often go unnoticed and uncelebrated. What I can say about Julie is that she’s one of the best, a true exemplar of a public servant. I will miss you, Julie. I don’t know what size shoes you wear but I know they will be tough to find and even harder to fill. Thank you so much for everything you’ve done for me, both personally and professionally. I’m sure I didn’t say it enough but know that I hold you in the highest regard. I know I’m not alone. I’ll be waiting to hear about your next steps after BernCo, I’m sure there’s more to come. Vaya con dios, my friend.

CHRONICLES’ EDITORIAL BOARD

PIT CREW: THE BEST BLACK-OWNED ’QUE IN ABQ

By Kristin Satterlee

June is here, the true start of summer. Time to celebrate! And what food shouts “summertime celebration” more than messy, delicious, long-smoked barbecue with all the fixin’s? Relax and let someone else tend the barbecue pit: We’ve rounded up four of the best Black-owned barbecue spots in Albuquerque to feed those summertime cravings.

MR. POWDRELL’S BARBEQUE

The granddaddy of Black-owned BBQ in ABQ, Powdrell’s started the scene in the 1950s with their Louisiana-style smoked meats. While the Powdrell’s empire is down to just one location—the big old place on Fourth Street— the good news is the building is big enough for a private party room! Powdrell’s also caters, if you’ve got a backyard full of hungry mouths to feed. The absolutely drinkable sauce at Powdrell’s sets it apart, so don’t feel bad about smothering that sandwich. 5209 Fourth Street NW • (505) 345-4086 bbqandsoulfoodabq.com

NEXUS BLUE SMOKEHOUSE

You may or may not agree with the gleeful take-out patron who hollered “World’s best BBQ!” to me in the parking lot, but I’m not arguing. Nexus’s pit turns out some kickin’ meats: deep-barked brisket, delectable ribs and more, including spice-rubbed smoked chicken good enough to sway red-meat lovers. If you’re feeling really hungry, check out the Enterprise sandwich, loaded with pulled pork, brisket, hot links, green chile, and coleslaw. With its red chile-spiked sauce that cries out New Mexico, Nexus may be the center of the Albuquerque barbecue scene. 1511 Broadway Blvd SE • (505) 445-1545 smokehouse.nexusbrewery.com

HOT MESS BBQ & SOUL FOOD

Walking in the front door of Hot Mess’s unassuming strip-mall location, the first thing you’ll see is a pile of wood for smoking. You can taste that smoke in their fall-apart-tender brisket and pulled pork. Don’t miss the gorgeous pork ribs either! Hot Mess’s sweet, smoky, spicy sauce is excellent—good enough that it’s sold by the bottle—but the meats taste so good you may find you don’t need much. Hot Mess also boasts cheerful, efficient counter service and great sides, including tangy collards and crisp, fresh-tasting fried okra. 1301 Eubank Blvd NE • (505) 298-4012 instagram.com/hotmessbbq2021

NOMAD’S BBQ

Did someone say smoked turkey legs? The barbecue from Nomad’s black smoker (one of five built by the original purveyor of smoked turkey legs at the New Mexico State Fair!) is worth seeking out. Nomad’s is usually parked at 98th Street and Avalon Road, but when I wasn’t sure of the schedule, I picked up the phone—and I recommend you do the same. The personable owner Theo will let you know what’s on the smoker and find a way to get you some meat! We met in the parking lot of Shamrock Restaurant Supply. Theo gave me some great pointers on Black-owned BBQ in ABQ, then handed me three Styrofoam boxes of astoundingly smoky brisket, ribs, and chicken and turkey legs. I found a nearby park and ate all I could hold, licking my fingers to get every bit of smoky flavor. Ah, summer! (505) 206-7654 facebook.com/nomadsbbq

PROTECT YOURSELF THIS SUMMER

Staying up to date on vaccinations for COVID-19, the flu, Mpox, and RSV is the best way to protect yourself this summer. Vaccines are safe and effective and staying up to date lowers your risk of infection, hospitalization, and death. Scan the below QR code to access the New Mexico Department of Health’s interactive map to schedule vaccine appointments

THE UPLIFT INITIATIVE IS ALL ABOUT CONNECTING YOU WITH RESOURCES.

Using collective strategies, we are here to connect you to more resources like affordable internet, housing assistance, legal aid, and healthcare equity. Find out more at nmblc.org/ uplift or scan the QR code below.

Holla at us at uplift@nmblc.org or call (505) 407-6784.

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS!

Promote your Black-owned local business by submitting company info to New Mexico Black Leadership Council’s BLACK OWNED BUSINESS DIRECTORY. Scan the below QR code (or email info@nmblc.org) to share relevant details about your enterprise, including phone number, email address, website, location, specialty and social media accounts, for inclusion in our digital directory.

UPLIFT CONTRIBUTORS

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

PUBLISHER

CATHRYN MCGILL

MANAGING EDITOR

SAMANTHA ANNE CARRILLO

DESIGN & LAYOUT

KEITH GILBERT

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

SAMANTHA ANNE CARRILLO

SHANNON YVONNE MOREAU

KRISTIN SATTERLEE

Subscribe to Uplift Chronicles

New Mexico Black Leadership Council 1314 Madeira Drive SE Albuquerque, New Mexico 87108 (505) 407-6784 nmblc.org, info@nmblc.org facebook.com/nmblc instagram.com/newmexicoblack