The community commemorated Juneteenth with a celebration on Civic Plaza, organized by the New Mexico Juneteenth Committee, the Black Chamber of Commerce of New Mexico, the City of Albuquerque's Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI), and the Office of Black Community Engagement (OBCE), Councilor Nicole Rogers, and Mayor Tim Keller.
The 2024 Juneteenth Celebration on Civic Plaza began with a Black Cultural Ceremony that honored the community's ancestors. Community members were encouraged to contribute to the community altar that was part of the ceremony. Educational presentations, activities for all ages, music, performances, vendors, and the Black Business Summit will continue throughout the day. The celebration will go on until 11 PM today.
"Juneteenth is an important part of our history, and in Albuquerque, we show up to honor and celebrate it," said Mayor Tim Keller. "The Black community makes our city a better place in countless ways, and we will continue to work together to build a more inclusive and equitable Albuquerque for everyone."
The Office of Equity & Inclusion (OEI) department was established by Mayor Tim Keller in 2018 and continues its mission of making Albuquerque a national role model of racial equity and social justice. OEI's Office of Black Community Engagement (OBCE) and OEI's Culture Change Leader, Tim Green IV, are influencing policy to ensure that the Black community has equitable access to resources they need to thrive.
One of OBCE's goals is to increase homeownership opportunities in the Black community by 5%. OBCE is also working to make business development more equitable by ensuring that Black business owners have access to city contracting, business training, and grant opportunities.
Believing that true equity can only come when there has been systemic change, Green has started a Racial Equity Action Plan cohort to create strategies that will increase equity throughout the city. OBCE and Green have also partnered with the Black Student Union to host conversations aimed at improving treatment for Black students in schools while fostering an environment where they feel safe and valued.
"New Mexico has a rich history with Juneteenth," said Tim Green IV. "New Mexico's tricultural myth has led us to think that the Black community is new to the state but that is not true; Black folk have been here since 1539."
Juneteenth marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865—two-and-a-half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation—to take control of the state and ensure all enslaved people were freed.
"This Juneteenth we embody the spirit of 'Sankofa,' which symbolizes returning to our roots," said Neema Picket, OBCE’s African American Community Liaison. "We don't progress without those who have paved the way. Dr. Opal Lee continues her activism by walking 2.5 miles annually for freedom."
"The community made this date possible," said Sonya Lara, Director of Equity & Inclusion. "This 12-hour event was a collaborative effort by New Mexico Juneteenth Committee members like Councilor Rogers along with The Office of Equity & Inclusion, The Office of Community Engagement, and The Black Chamber of Commerce."
