Celebrating Juneteenth 2024 @Northern

Northern New Mexico College celebrates our rich diversity through educational initiatives and events honoring our Hispanic, Native American and Black communities. At the annual Juneteenth Celebration, organized by Willie Williams, New Mexico State Director of the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation and the President of Juneteenth New Mexico, Inc., approximately 100 students, staff, faculty and local community members and dignitaries come together to commemorate this important historical event and holiday, which included great barbeque, music from DJ Dave and a lowrider show in our parking lot.

Looking out over the crowd of Black, Anglo, Hispanic and Native American people gathered that day, Willie Williams said, “This is what America looks like. This is us.”

Willie told the story of June 19, 1865, when Union troups freed 250,000 people still held in bondage in Galveston, Texas, more than two and a half years after Abraham Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation. She stressed that Anglo, Hispanic and Native American people had joined the troupes as they posted General Order No. 3 on the doors of Black churches, proclaiming that African Americans enslaved in Texas were free.

“That day, in 1865, we all marched together for freedom,” Williams said. “As we spread the message, we spread the message of unity. That’s the message that I want to relay. We are all in this together.”

Representatives from the offices of Senator Ben Ray Lujan and Congresswoman Teresa Ledger Fernandez shared their thoughts on Juneteenth, and Senator Martin Heinrich pre-recorded a message. All urged the assembly to continue the fight.

Eric Chavez, Field Representative for Sen. Lujan, conveyed the Senator’s message.

“It is every American’s sacred responsibility to recognize, learn and share the stories of this time. The fight for equality did not end on that June day in 1865. The deep roots of systemic oppression continue to spread in the world, and the hateful sting of slavery is still with us 150 years later…True equality cannot exist until everyone enjoys the right to vote and make their voice heard is a fundamental part of our sacred democracy. You have the power to make a difference by making sure everyone in your community has the chance to make their voice heard. I hope you will join me in working to make New Mexico a more equitable place for every New Mexican.”

The message Rep. Ledger Fernandez sent through Field Representative Victoria Martinez set a similar tone.

“We remember the sacrifices of those who fought for human rights and equality and strive to continue their legacy here at Northern New Mexico College. Through the efforts of Juneteenth New Mexico, you are fostering an environment of equity and diversity and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. This collaboration signifies the strength we find in unity and the progress to be made when we stand together. As we honor Juneteenth, we look forward with hope that a new generation of leaders will inherit the courage and wisdom to continue on this path. Thank you for your dedication, your passion and your unwavering commitment to honor the legacy of Juneteenth.”

Sen. Heinrich said, “We recognize that emancipation was not the end of America’s work to rid our country of racial discrimination, hate and injustice. It was just the beginning. Each and every day we must be relentless in our work to achieve our nation’s highest ideals and equality and justice for all.”

NNMC President Hector Balderas introduced Keynote Speaker Hakim Bellamy, extolling his long list of accomplishments, including serving as inaugural Poet Laureate for the City of Albuquerque from 2012 to 2014, a four-year term as Deputy Director for Arts and Culture for the City of Albuquerque, a W.K. Kellogg Foundation Community Leader Network Fellow and a Kennedy Center Citizens Art Fellow. Bellamy read two pieces of his remarkable poetry and gave a sneak preview of a moving essay he wrote on Juneteenth.

“Growing up, I never imagined that a) any national holiday would every happen in my lifetime and b) that that national holiday would be about me and my ancestry in this country,” Bellamy said. “It took everybody to get us to this, but to be acknowledged among peers, family members and fellow Americans as being a part of the fabric of this country is huge, and it never gets old, even when you’re a middle-aged dad like me. It still feels kind of magical. For me, it gives me hope in the promise of America. We are a work in progress.”

Northern New Mexico College also holds yearly events honoring Native American Heritage Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, Black History Month, Women’s History Month and Pride Month.