Saturday, May 2 | 6 PM - CNM Smith Brasher Hall
Democratic Gubernatorial Debate
Featuring New Mexico's Democratic candidates for governor, former U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman, in an interactive debate format.
Moderated by Gwyneth Doland, NM In Focus Politics Correspondent and UNM Journalism faculty.
PRESIDENT'S CORNER
Keeping an Eye on Behavioral Healthcare in New Mexico
Keeping an Eye on Behavioral Healthcare in New Mexico
Behavioral Health treatment and facilities in New Mexico have gaps in service. There is a need for a collaborative plan that will create a coordinated focus on those in need of behavioral health services. When we improve our behavioral health services, we also reduce crime. A bi-partisan group of legislators, commissioners and city councilors are working to develop legislation that will
will help improve access to behavioral healthcare in New Mexico.
2026 – An Important Year
The year 2026 has presented many challenges to our Constitution, the Rule of Law and respect for the three branches of government. For every election in 2026, we want to make sure that every eligible person is registered to vote. During past election cycles, there were too many people who did not cast their vote and now access to healthcare, affordabe housing andv job security are being challenged. The Black Caucus is looking to grow the membership of the organization, as we work together with other orgnizations and advocates to stand together to seek ways to protect the democracy that has been the fabric of our country.
If you are a member of the Black Caucus, please renew your membership. If you are not a member of the Black Caucus, please join. When we all work together, the well-being of every person in the state is lifted, and tomorrow is more than just another day.
WE NEED YOU IN 2026
Membership Renewal
Our Black Caucus, with the help of every member, is helping to develop strong policies for the benefit of every person in New Mexico. We look forward to your continued participation in the great work of the New Mexico Black Caucus where we are helping to build a state guided by strong collaborations.
Donations and Dues
Thank you for your generous donations and/or dues which enable us to achieve our purpose and goals.
A Strong Advocate for Gun Safe Storage
Gun Violence Prevention
Representative. Pamelya Herndon has worked diligently to help pass laws that benefit our communities and raise the well-being families and communities throughtout New Mexico. She supported individuals who use bicycles as their major source of transportation; birthing centers and by making sure that birthing centers are reimbursed at the same rate as hospitals when there are no complications during the bir of a child; and she made sure that individuals who are hurt or injured on the job will always have access to an attorney to help them through workers compensation issues.
Representive Herndon was one of the lead sponsors of legislation to prevent the release of sensitive data focused on the status, gender identity and financial status of people New Mexico. She is a champion for democracy, for making sure that policies and laws that are passed work for the people and not against them.
“No matter where you come from or what side of the aisle you are on, we all want our families to be safe at school, at work, and in our communities,” Rep. Herndon said. “It is my honor to represent New Mexico in important conversations around crime, the environment, healthcare and housing. I look forward to bringing home common sense solutions to continually raise the well-being of the people in our state.”.
The Talented Ten Makes History
African American Women in New Mexico who are taking the lead to help lift families and communities out of poverty and help them reach their goals.
Caucus Monthly Meetings
The Fourth Thursday of Each Month at 6:00 PM via Zoom
( Your ideas/topics for monthly meetings welcomed)
State and National News
58th Legislature- Interim Committee Meetings will begin in April 2026.
The 58th Session of the New Mexico Legislature convenes on January 19, 2027
Get ready for the session by attending the Interim Committee meetings and having your voice heard. Do not wait for someone else to act on your behalf. Get Up! Take Action! Be Heard!
Martin Luther King Events
MLK 57th Anniversary Breakfast - Marriott Pyramid, 5151 San Francisco Road, NE - Monday, January 15, 2027 8:00 am.
2. Annual MLK Commemorative March -Saturday, January 13 - 10:00 am - Location: MLK &University Blvd., NE
3. SCLC MLK Luncheon - Monday, January 15, 2027 -12 noon - Community of Joy Lutheran Church 841Saratoga Drive, NE, Rio Rancho, NM, Tickets: $35.00 Link to Purchase Tickets: https://sclcnm.org/mlk-2024-celebration
4. Black History Month Kick Off Brunch-Saturday, January 27, 2027 - The Sub at UNM - 10:30 a.m.
Link to buy tickets: https://www.unmtickets.com/events/detail/39th-annual-black-history-month-kickoff-brunch-blm
Tickets are $58.50 each - Please let me know by Friday, January 5, if you would like to sit at the Black Caucus Table
Speaker- Aja Brooks, First African American elected to serve as President of the NM State Bar Association
5. The Office of Equity & Inclusion and Office of Black Community Engagement is proud to sponsor MLK Week 2027. MLK Week 2027 starting on Saturday, January 13 with the MLK Commemorative March, followed by MLK Sunday Services on Sunday, January 14 and then concludes on Monday, January 15 with the MLK Breakfast.
Recruiting Racial Equity Task Force
Legislators hear about importance of Water Infrastructure
Protecting our water infrastructure is a primary focus for our legislature along with the many other infrastructure problems facing the state. One way to help is to ensure that Congress passes the National Infrastructure Bank Act of 2025 The National Infrastructure Bank Act of 2025 (H.R. 5356) proposes establishing a $5 trillion public bank to finance, build, and modernize major US infrastructure projects—including transportation, water, and energy systems—using public-private partnerships without increasing federal taxes. It aims to create 25 million jobs and foster long-term economic growth.
All of the representatives support this legislation. Now we must help them get the legislation passed. It will help New Mexico. .
Fourth Annual Heights Night Lynnwood Park - July 25,
Legislative Goals
Bennie Hargrove Gun Safety Act - Passed 2023
During the 2027 Legislative Session - Support the creation of the Department of African American Af
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.
During the 2027 Legislative Session - Support the creation of the Department of African American Af
During the 2027 Legislative Session - Support the creation of the Department of African American Af
This department will work to promote equity in areas such as education, health care, economic development, and criminal justice by developing policies, programs, and partnerships that directly support African American residents. Additionally, it would serve as a central resource for cultural preservation, community engagement, and ensuring that African American voices are represented in state government decision-making processes.
Black Education - Passed 2021
No Discrimination for Hair - 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
Moratorium on Private Jails - Failed 2021
No Discrimination for Hair - Passed 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.
Capping Interest Rates
Moratorium on Private Jails - Failed 2021
Moratorium on Private Jails - Failed 2021
Legislation to act on capping interest rates so low income families could have access to financial resources at reasonable rates.