Blackdom

The most famous all-Black community in New Mexico was Blackdom. Blackdom was a modest town on the plains of the New Mexico territory. It was the first all-Black settlement in the New Mexico territory and had its inception at the end of the 19th century. The town was located 18 miles southwest of Roswell. The story of the settlement of Blackdom is told in detail in this detailed documentary by New Mexico Public Broadcast System.

Tuskegee Airmen - Monument Dedication

In celebration of the life and legacy of New Mexico’s own Tuskegee Airmen, James Flowers (Las Cruces), Dr. James Williams (Las Cruces), and John Allen (Rio Rancho) and the host of other Tuskegee Airmen who overcame segregation and prejudice to become one of the most highly respected fighter groups of World War II, paving the way for full integration of the U.S. military, the Office of African American Affairs, renowned artist Ben Hazard, Mayor Richard Berry and many contributors (listed below) joined together to erect a monument at the New Mexico Veteran’s Memorial in Albuquerque, NM. The monument is a lasting symbol and reminder of the sacrifices the airmen made, placing their lives on the line, for their country. Supporters of the monument are listed below. Click here to see a video.

$100 -$5,000 Monument Support:

• NM Office of African American Affairs
• NM Department of Veterans Affairs
• City of Albuquerque
• Gen. “Fig” Newton
• Chapter of Tuskegee Airman Inc.
• Buffalo Soldiers Society of NM
• Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club
• Fred Hampton
• Artist Ben Hazard
• Celmouth Stewart
• Leslie Oden
• Marcus Ray
• Lew Wallace Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution
• Erwin Zuehls
• Brg Gen Judy Griego Armella
• Moreland Franklin Miles NM State
• Daughters of the Revolution
• Dr William and Mrs. Edna McIver Kristen
• Wilson and Caitlin Lucas
• Tommie Bedford
• Andrew Salas
• Kenneth Adair
• Raymond Hamilton
• Kevin Myers
• Justus Bowe Rudolph Arnold
• Charles Lowery II
• Lou Hoffman
• Sekou Billings
• Winston Campbell
• Kenneth Doss
• Michael Delello
• Herbert Johnson

To see photos of the Office of African American Affairs Tuskegee Airman Monument Dedication (permanently displayed at the New Mexico Veterans Memorial) click here.

Civil Rights Exhibit Tours Available

The exhibit, "Civil Rights Movement, 1954-1968" is now open at the New Mexico Office of African American Affairs. This exhibit was created by Ben Hazard, Member of The University of New Mexico Africana Studies Department. We welcome everyone to come experience this exhibit first hand!

School Groups, Day care centers, and  Churches, and individuals are all welcome. Schedule a tour by setting up a time to visit. Contact Beverly Jordan, Education Outreach Coordinator via email, or by calling 505.383-6220, to schedule your tour.

A virtual tour is available for you to view online. If you prefer, download here.

Buffalo Soldiers

Members of the Buffalo Soldiers Society of New Mexico share insights into the history of the Buffalo soldiers in New Mexico in this brief history depiction, “Moments in Time.
 

To see photos of the Office of African American Affairs Buffalo Soldiers Monument Dedication (permanently displayed at the New Mexico Veterans Memorial) click here.