Welcome to New Mexico Black Caucus
COMMANDER'S CORNER
Texas Legislation threatens our democracy!
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
The core of our democracy is deeply rooted in the right to vote. Eighteen states have now enacted 30 new laws that make it harder to vote.
Texas is the most recent state to restrict voting rights. After the Texas legislation is signed into law by the governor, it will add new ID requirements for people seeking to vote by mail; add new criminal penalties to the voting process; empower partisan poll watchers; and ban drive-through and 24-hour voting options, a step taken last year in Houston, Texas to help ensure that people were able to vote during a deadly pandemic. The Texas bill imposes criminal penalties on those who assist voters, including those with disabilities, in casting their ballots.
NOVEMBER ELECTION CANDIDATES
Attorney General Candidate
Brian Colon a Black Caucus Member and current State Auditor seeks to become next Attorney General for the State of New Mexico. Learn more.
House Representative 28 Candidate
Pamelya Herndon
Pamelya Herndon will run to maintain her seat in November 2022. Her current appointment is effective until January 1, 2022. Learn more.
State Auditor Candidate
Zackery Quintero
Current State Ombudsman and Black Caucus Member seeks to become next Attorney General for the State of New Mexico. Learn more.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Second Annual Vote: Influence, Represent Save the Date - January 2022
The New Mexico Black Caucus is planning its Second Annual Vote, Influence, Represent Conference As we prepare for the interim elections, it is important to make sure that we all stay engaged in the voting process. If you are interested in sponsoring or helping to plan the Conference, contact Clarence Smith as ClarenceLSmith62@gmail.com.
COVID-19
Delta Variant
The Delta variant is as contagious as chickenpox and may be spread by vaccinated people as easily as the unvaccinated, an internal C.D.C. report said. Per the latest CDC guidance, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is recommending New Mexicans wear a mask indoors out of an abundance of caution.
The New Mexico Department of Health announced that beginning August 2, all New Mexicans, again eligible for a $100 incentive for getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Effective through August.
Residents Resources
- Visit the NMDOH website to find coronavirus testing sites and information.
- If you are displaying symptoms, contact the New Mexico Department of Health at 1-855-600-3453
- The New Mexico Crisis and Access Line has counselors available 24/7 to speak at 855-662-7474.
Tuesday, August 17, 2021 by New Mexico Democrats
Governor Grisham Acts Quickly To Stop Spread Of D Variant
Michelle Lujan Grisham [takes]decisive action by implementing an indoor mask mandate to keep New Mexicans safe in response to the rising threat of the Delta variant, particularly among unvaccinated Americans. Governor Lujan Grisham’s action will allow New Mexico’s economy to continue its recovery while...READ MORE
COMMUNITY
Funding for Black Businesses
Black Community Investment Fund
One million dollars in grant funding is available through the One Albuquerque Fund to support Albuquerque's Black-owned businesses and organizations that work within the Black community.
Applications for the Black Community Investment Fund are now open to Black-owned businesses and nonprofits, who serve Black communities, and are seeking funds to support necessary expenses and resources used to help these organizations grow their businesses or services. To learn more about the Fund and/or apply, visit the website here.
DPNM Statewide Officers Spring of 2021
DPNM Chair
Jessica Velasquez
DPNM Vice Chair
Manny Crespin
Secretary
Pamelya Herndon (Black Caucus President)
Treasurer
Rayellen Smith
Legislative Goals
Civil Rights Act - Passed 2021
No Discrimination for Hair - Passed 2021
Civil Rights Act - Passed 2021
Permitting an individual to bring a claim against a public body or person acting on behalf of or under the authority of a public body for a violation of the individual's rights, Privileges or immunities arising pursuant to the Bill of Rights of the Constitution of New Mexico.
Black Education - Passed 2021
No Discrimination for Hair - Passed 2021
Civil Rights Act - Passed 2021
Creating Department Liaison; creating an advisory council; providing powers and duties; requiring racial sensitivity and anti-racism training or professional development for school personnel.
No Discrimination for Hair - Passed 2021
No Discrimination for Hair - Passed 2021
Moratorium on Private Jails - Failed 2021
Prohibiting discipline, discrimination or disparate treatment in schools treatment in schools based on the hair or culture headdress of a student.
Moratorium on Private Jails - Failed 2021
Moratorium on Private Jails - Failed 2021
Moratorium on Private Jails - Failed 2021
Help ensure that previously incarcerated individuals had access to voting after they completed their prison sentences.
Victim Interviews
Moratorium on Private Jails - Failed 2021
Capping Interest Rates
The legislation to provide alternative methods for children to testify who have been abused, other than being in the same room as their abuser, traumatizing these children again and again.
Capping Interest Rates
Moratorium on Private Jails - Failed 2021
Capping Interest Rates
Legislation to act on capping interest rates so low income families could have access to financial resources at reasonable rates.
Past Announcements
Congratulations to Representative Melanie Stansbury in winning Congressional District 1 Democratic election to represent the Party on June 1 to fill the seat left vacant by Deb Haaland. Melanie received 51.2% of the votes cast by the State Central Committee members. She will face Senate Republican Mark Moores in the June election. Please help to keep this congressional seat blue in supporting Representative Stansbury's bid financially or administratively.
Congratulations Secretary Haaland
Secretary Deb Haaland made history when she became the first Native American to serve as the Cabinet Secretary of the Interior. Secretary Haaland is a member of the Pueblo of Laguna and a 35th generation New Mexican.
The Department of the Interior manages vast tracts of federal land, as well as the oil and mineral wealth they contain. Secretary Haaland will have oversight of these natural resources. In addition, she will oversee the Biden administration’s interactions with the hundreds of federally recognized Native American and Alaska Native communities that make up Indian Country. The New Mexico Black Caucus celebrates Deb Haaland and her history making accomplishments.
We proudly call her Madame Secretary!
Citizen Redistricting Committee Meetings
Your Input Counts
Monday, August 9, 3 pm
San Juan College, Henderson Fine Arts Center
Roswell
Wednesday, August 11, 3 pm
Eastern New Mexico University, Instructional Technology Center
Las Cruces
Thursday, August 12, 3 pm
New Mexico State University, Golf Course Clubhouse
Albuquerque
Saturday, August 14, 1 pm
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Rooms Chaco 1 & 2
All meetings proceed until adjourned. For the most up-to-date information on CRC public meetings including agendas, webcasting links, Zoom meeting IDs, dial-in numbers, etc.:
Help Our Cause
Thank you for your generous donations which enable us to achieve our purpose and goals.
