Pillars
Ezra Herbert
Community Outreach Coordinator
(505) 470-9346
ezra.herbert@oaaa.nm.gov
Ezra Herbert is an artist, educator, entrepreneur, and community leader whose work is rooted in creativity, cultural preservation, and meaningful community engagement. Born and raised on the East Coast, he graduated from Bloomfield College at Montclair State University with a B.A. in Creative Arts Technologies. Over the years, Ezra has educated and cultivated in diverse communities including Newark (New Jersey), New York City, Kigali (Rwanda), and Albuquerque, which he has called home since 2018.
Outside of his professional work, Ezra is deeply immersed in the arts. He spends his time creating and performing original music, teaching workshops on creativity and music, and engaging with communities through artistic expression. His work has been featured at notable institutions such as Cornell University, Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU, AFROPUNK, and Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts, among others. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife Liya, exploring nature, and traveling.
In his role as Community Outreach Coordinator with the Office of African American Affairs, Ezra plays a critical role in building and maintaining relationships with Black and African American communities across New Mexico. He leads outreach efforts that connect individuals and families to OAAA programs, resources, and initiatives, ensuring that the agency remains visible, accessible, and responsive to community needs.
Ezra is responsible for designing and implementing community-centered programming that reflects the voices, culture, and lived experiences of the people OAAA serves. His work includes organizing events, facilitating workshops, supporting statewide initiatives, and creating culturally relevant educational resources—such as the Esteban the Moor Coloring Book—that uplift Black history and identity. He also plays a key role in coordinating community partnerships, engaging local leaders and organizations, and expanding OAAA’s presence in both urban and rural communities.
With a strong foundation in the arts, Ezra brings a unique and impactful approach to outreach by using creativity as a tool for connection, education, and empowerment. Whether through music,
storytelling, or community programming, he is committed to amplifying voices, preserving culture, and fostering spaces where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued.
Through his work, Ezra continues to strengthen community ties, elevate cultural awareness, and ensure that the experiences of Black New Mexicans are not only acknowledged but celebrated across the state.