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.
From the Director’s Desk
By Cathryn McGill, NMBLC Founder & Director
Success As a Journey
I remember an important song from my childhood at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Muskogee, Okla., a testament to perseverance: “I wouldn’t take nothin’ for my journey now.” The deacons and deaconesses sang with their voices steeped in faith, resilience, and the unshakable truth—success is not a destination; it is the journey itself.
Today, when change is swift, justice feels elusive, and the weight of progress rests heavily on the shoulders of those who dare to fight for it, we sometimes lose sight of the journey. But it is in the trenches, in the moments of doubt, that we define who we are and what we stand for. The victories, the losses, the stumbles along the way—these are not distractions from the work; they are the work.
Farewell, Dr. Bailey
Dr. Harold Bailey understood this. His life’s work, his commitment to justice, education, and community upliftment, did not go unnoticed. He garnered respect statewide and beyond because he refused to stop pushing forward toward something greater. Though he made his transition on Jan. 27, 2025, his spirit is integral to this ongoing march toward justice.
Dr. Bailey and I did not always see eye to eye. And that’s putting it mildly. We had our share of knock-down, drag-out fights—mostly ego-driven, on both sides. But that’s the nature of the journey. It is not meant to be smooth or easy. It is meant to refine us, to push us beyond our comfort zones, and to make us wrestle with the hard truths of what it means to serve, to lead, and to believe in something bigger than ourselves. And in the end, no matter the battles, I wouldn’t trade the lessons, the growth, or the privilege of walking alongside people like him.
At What Price Success?
H.E.R.’s song “The Journey” from Tyler Perry’s The Six Triple Eight movie captures this sentiment perfectly: “Going through hell, but still, you're gonna make it through / It's the fire that they can't put out inside / It's a hell of a ride.” That fire—that unwavering commitment to doing what is right, even when it costs us dearly—is what keeps this movement alive.
H.E.R. - “The Journey”
Sometimes the work feels thankless. The indifference to justice is enough to break even the strongest among us. But in our knowing place, we understand: our commitment to the journey is the only path forward.
I Wouldn’t Take Nothin’
So this is not just a tribute to Dr. Bailey, but to every single one of you who has chosen to walk this road. Whatever you look like, whomever you love, however much money you have—or don’t have—your presence on this journey matters. You are seen. You are valued. You are part of something far greater than any single one of us.
Success is not some far-off point in the distance. When we look back, we will not measure success by titles or wealth, but by the impact we had, the lives we touched, and the truth we never wavered from.
I wouldn’t take nothin’ for my journey now. And neither should you.
It’s the journey that makes us who we are.
If you need us over here at NMBLC, as my grandmother used to say, “Lord willing and the creek don’t rise, we’ll be there.” Learn more and get in touch at nmblc.org.