Santa Fe's Juneteenth: Black Culture Shines Bright

Santa Fe's Juneteenth celebrations, now in their fifth year, serve as a vital affirmation of visibility for New Mexico's Black population. Spearheaded by Raashan Ahmad, these events aim to create opportunities and foster a sense of community for the state's less than 3% Black residents.

The recent celebration featured a diverse array of Black talent, including violinist Sudan Archives and local entrepreneur Tasia Smithgee, known for her handmade bonnets. These events underscore the strength and pride of a smaller, dispersed Black population, bringing them together to celebrate their heritage.

While Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S. in 1865, becoming a federal holiday in 2021, New Mexico has not yet designated it as a permanent legal holiday. This ongoing status highlights the continued importance of events like Santa Fe's celebration.

Organizations like Vital Spaces and the Empower! Black Futures Community Fund are actively working to uplift Black communities in New Mexico. The fund distributed $70,000 in grants this year to various initiatives supporting Black individuals and organizations, aiming to help overcome historical disadvantages in wealth creation.