It Takes a Village: Checking in with NMBLC’s Youth Programming
By Kristin Satterlee
Here at the New Mexico Black Leadership Council (NMBLC), kids count. We know New Mexico can do better for its children than it is now—we want to see our state at the top of all the good lists. That definitely includes indicators of kids’ well-being and academic success!
Our second UpLift Chronicles issue gave an overview of the ways NMBLC was organizing and teaching to pull New Mexico up those lists.
What was NMBLC doing for the kids in 2022?
In the summer of 2022, NMBLC was proudly celebrating the 10th anniversary of our flagship Roots Summer Leadership Academy (RSLA). This 3-week summer day camp develops community, creativity, and self-esteem through art, performance, and fun.
And RSLA is just the tip of the iceberg! That issue also discussed the Highland Cluster Initiative, which brings together school councils and community-school coordinators at Title 1 schools around the International District. This kind of idea-sharing brings vibrance to all participants. We also reported on our support of after-school programming at Wilson and a newly formed soccer team at Van Buren.
Later that year, UpLift Chronicles highlighted the True New Mexico program, a collaboration between NMBLC and the New Mexico Asian Family Center (NMAFC) to highlight the experiences of the often-overlooked Black and Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian (AAPINH) population through youth artists’ self-portraits.
So, What’s New?
We’re still working all those angles, and have added more. In May 2024 NMBLC hosted the BLOOM Fiesta, a carnival with a mission: to bring attention and participants to the Caregivers’ Council, a free program for all caregivers, parents, students, and families. The Council helps caregivers to connect with each other, sharing ideas and learning tools to advance and advocate for the students in their life.
Coming Soon
There’s still more in the works! We’re bringing a mini-RSLA to Clovis in October and to even more towns across New Mexico in the coming years. Our reAGENTS program is empowering middle school students in Albuquerque’s International District to become positive agents of change within their schools and communities. NMBLC is working to spread our mission from Albuquerque across the whole state.
You Can Help!
Do you want to be part of the village that keeps our kids happy, healthy, and academically successful? Contact NMBLC to join our Caregivers Council and learn about other volunteer opportunities.