Beyond the Vote: How to Stay Politically Plugged In All Year Long

by Shannon Yvonne Moreau The 60-day state legislative session’s over. Now what? Legislation’s an ongoing process, so it’s never really over. Making a difference in your community begins small and is built over time. It’s never too early to think about who’s representing your neighborhood,

Advocacy

From the Director’s Desk: The Miseducation of a Generation

In her latest From the Director's Desk column, NMBLC Founder & Director Cathryn McGill remembers Isaiah Taylor and issues a literacy-centered call to action to prevent future tragedies.

International District

The Chancla Brings New Mexico Flavor to Brunch in the ID

Learn more about the newest brunch spot in Albuquerque's International District, The Chancla.

Cultural Vibrancy

The Rose That Grew Through Concrete: My True New Mexico Story

Learn more about annual antiracist youth art program True New Mexico from cohort member and facilitator Kai Warrior.

Wellness

A Place to Start: New Creation Church Hosts Albuquerque’s First Safe Outdoor Space

Learn more about Albuquerque's first, long-awaited Safe Outdoor Space, which calls the International District home.

Juneteenth

Juneteenth 2025 in New Mexico: Freedom, Festivities & Forward Movement

Revisit the history of the Juneteenth holiday and learn more about Juneteenth celebrations happening around New Mexico in 2025 in UpLift Chronicles' Guide.

Advocacy

Despite It All, Queer Joy Persists: UpLift Chronicles’ 2025 Pride Guide

Learn more about the origins of Pride Month and Pride events happening throughout New Mexico in UpLift Chronicles' 2025 Pride Guide, compiled by Kai Warrior.

Cultural Vibrancy

“Clyde's" Visits The Vortex: Nottage’s Play Reps Power of Theater for All

Learn more about The Vortex Theatre's 2025 production of Lynn Nottage's "Clyde's" in this UpLift Chronicles interview with play director Marya Errin Jones.

Civic Engagement

Wicked: Homelessness in the Q

In the latest From The Director's Desk column, NMBLC Director Cathryn McGill takes on homelessness in Albuquerque and provides a framework for proactive change.

Cultural Vibrancy

“Be That Guy”: Black Cat Makes Space for Dreamers

Learn more about new leadership at Black Cat Cultural Enterprises in this UpLift Chronicles interview with Trey Pickett.

Positive Youth Development

From Brooklyn to Burque: How One Educator Set Down Roots to Help Youth Thrive

Learn how Roots Conservatory Manager Mike Jackson found his way from teaching science in Brooklyn to New Mexico and helping youth thrive at New Mexico Black Leadership Council.

Wellness

UpLifting Wellness: Measles & Mental Health

The May installment of UpLifting Wellness features news briefs about the ongoing measles outbreak in New Mexico and the history and purpose of Mental Health Awareness Month.

Civic Engagement

Legislative Wrapup: Highlights and Setbacks from New Mexico's 2025 Session

Learn more about the fate of key bills addressing housing and digital equity introduced in the 2025 New Mexico Legislative Session.

Advocacy

Rooted in Hobbs, Rising in Justice: Aja Brooks’ Legal Legacy

Learn more about Aja Brooks' journey to become the first Black president of the State Bar of New Mexico.

Cultural Vibrancy

It’s Got That Swing: Emmanuel Keels Talks Jazz, Community and the Power of Public Radio

Learn more about local DJ Emmanuel Keels' jazz appreciation journey and his KUNM radio shows, All That Jazz and The Soulful Hour, in this UpLift Chronicles interview.

education

A View Toward Uplift: Who Cares About the Department of Education?

In the latest A View Toward UpLift editorial, UpLift Chronicles' editorial board takes on the Trump administration's executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education.

Civil Rights

From the Director’s Desk: A Necessary Pilgrimage

Cathryn McGill, NMBLC founder and director, reflects on her recent, necessary pilgrimage to historic sites and museums focused on the Civil Rights Movement in Alabama.

Civil Rights

Lawyering Up: Leon Howard Talks Civil Rights & Justice in New Mexico

Learn more about how and why local attorney Leon Howard came to the law and his work at the ACLU of New Mexico in this UpLift Chronicles interview.

Wellness

Uplifting Wellness: On Measles, Stress & Hantavirus

The April 2025 installment of UpLifting Wellness delivers briefs on the importance of stress awareness and local disease outlooks for and info about measles and hantavirus.

Civic Engagement

Legislative Roundup: Key Bills That Could Shape New Mexico’s Future

Learn more about several key bills addressing housing, digital equity, and nonprofit and legislative work that were introduced during New Mexico’s 60-day legislative session.

Wellness

Why Rest Is Radical: Resist Hustle Culture to Heal

Learn more about how and why rest can serve as a means of resistance and what means for you.

Advocacy

Together We Thrive: Celebrating Women, Elevating Community

Learn more about New Mexico Black Leadership Council's 2025 theme SONKE (Sharing Our Narratives, Knowledge, and Experiences) and upcoming events centered on women's empowerment.

UpLifting Wellness

Uplifting Wellness: News Briefs on Nutrition, Avian Flu, and Measles

The March 2025 installment of UpLifting Wellness delivers briefs on National Nutrition Month and local disease outlooks for avian flu and measles.

Positive Youth Development

Breaking the Chain$: Why ABQ’s Cannabis Equity Fund Must Go to Families Who Need It Most

Learn more about the City Office of Equity and Inclusion's guaranteed basic income pilot program PartnerNM, which will redistribute cannabis equity tax funds to families who need it most.

Civic Engagement

It’s the Journey: Farewell, Dr. Harold Bailey

Cathryn McGill, founder and director of New Mexico Black Leadership Council, honors the memory and presence of Dr. Harold Bailey and everyone else doing the work.