santa fe naacp spring newsletter

8/9/2019 Santa Fe NAACP Spring Newsletter

1/11

P.O. Box 15692 ~ Santa Fe, New Mexico 87592-15692 (505) 424-6100

President Carol Johnson Secretary Cynthia Geder

1st V. President Wanda Ross Padilla Treasurer Christine Johnson

2nd V. President Agnes Moses

Spring 2010

Presidents Letter- Carol Johnson

February, Black History Month, began with an unfortunate article in the Santa Fe New Mexican. At

the request of the membership, I submitted the following letter to the editor which was published on

February 20, 2010. As acknowledged in your February 9, 2010 Corrections, A column Sunday in Home:

Santa Fes Real Estate Guide, erred in using a racially charged word in the text and the headline.

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) buried the word at its 1999

national convention. You resurrected it. The Santa Fe NAACP, which invites people of all races and culture

to work on behalf of justice in Northern New Mexico, was appalled by the use of the word by Ed Crocker

in your publication. Recognition of George Mc Junkins accomplishments and discovery of Folsom man in

1908 in February (Black History Month) is appropriate but the choice of the word and its prominence in

the headline and repeated use without explanation of historical context or italics was inappropriate andhurtful. As Santa Fe celebrates our diversity and Black History Month, please remember words can hurt.

The struggle continues. We must be vigilant and continue to work together to ensure equality for all while

celebrating our diversity. Thank you for your dedication to mission of the NAACP. Check the webpage,

HTTP:///NAACPSFNM.BLOGSPOT.COM, for meeting topics and activities. I hope to see you soon.

Santa Fe Branch NAACP ~ Spring 2010


2/11

Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration 2010

On Monday, January 18, 2010, the Santa Fe County Branch of the NAACP held its annual commemoration

of the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The commemoration, which has been held annually

for approximately 20 years, took place in the Rotunda of the New Mexico State Capitol. The venue was

filled with people from many cultural backgrounds and from various parts of the nation and the world. Inaddition to people from Santa Fe and surrounding areas, attendees included visitors from Michigan, New

York, Australia, England, and Mexico.

The ages included elders to babes in strollers and arms. The event was respectful as it was called to open

by the traditional African call of the drums by AGALU with Akeem Ayanniyi. Also, we all came together at

the beginning by singing, Lift Ev-ry Voice and Sing/The Black National Anthem, led by young Tanecia

Warren, and at the end by singing We Shall Overcome, led by Christine Johnson.

.This year, our event was double-pronged. First, we sponsored an essay contest focusing on Rev. Dr.

Martin Luther King, Jrs life. We invited students from three Santa Fe schools to participate. The schools

were Pion Elementary, Salazar Elementary, and Wood Gormley Elementary Schools. Students wroteessays about the life of Dr. King, using the theme Big Dreams, Bold Victories. We received entries from

grades 4-6 only, and none from grades K-3. Five volunteers reviewed the essays on the following criteria:

composition, content, format, organization, and spelling.

Students submitted many strong essays, and the competition was fierce. The strong essays resulted in

a tie for third place award and in the development of additional scholarship categories. In addition to

first, second, and third places, the judges created scholarships for Honorable Mention and Special

Recognition for Inspiration and Passion.



3/11

We presented scholarships to seven students for Honorable Mention, and to seven students

for Inspiration and Passion. In addition to the scholarships, the Santa Fe County Branch of NAACP

presented each submitting student a folder that included their own essay, the MLK, Jr. Six Principles of

Non-violence, pamphlets about the Martin Luther King, Jr. New Mexico State Commission, and other

memorabilia.

The second focus of the day was the keynote by the renowned genealogist, historian, and History

Detective personality, Santa Fes own George Geder. Mr. Geder has researched Rev. Dr. Kings ancestry

and family history. The title of his talk was Dr. Kings Roots and the Importance of Family History.

Mr. Geder also shared some of his own family history and the impact of knowing his history has had on

him, that the knowing has made him a stronger person. Further, he talked about the overall importance

of ancestry, family connections, and gaining knowledge of family and community history in our efforts to

make our world a better place.

~



4/11

South African Tour Update

There is still time to join friends and colleagues for our Branch tour to South Africa. We will visit dynamic

Johannesburg and beautiful Cape Town, a world famous game reserve, and a craft market in remote

Mpumalanga. We will learn about the role of the Truth and Reconcilliation Commission in the peaceful

transition from apartheid to democracy and the stories of the heroes of the struggle. We will depart

Washington D.C. on August 29, 2011 for two glorious weeks in South Africa. Cost is $4,400 for flight from

Washington DC, transportation and accommodation in South Africa, and many other in-country expenses

For information, contact Victoria at (505) 986-9143 or [email protected].~

New Mexico Health Security Act

On Saturday, March 6, 2010, three members from the Santa Fe County Branch, Agnes Moses, Bob Moses

and Branch and State Health Chair, Doris Fields, attended the annual meeting of the New Mexico Health

Security Act. This meeting was the largest in the campaigns history. Thus, the campaign is gaining

momentum and increasing support. The Health Security for New Mexicans Campaign (HSNMC) is a

broad, grassroots, statewide, non-partisan coalition of over 145 organizations. Established in 1992, the

HSNMCs mission is to create a publicly accountable health care system in New Mexico that guarantees

comprehensive medical and mental health care coverage to all residents, allows for freedom of choice ofproviders and controls costs.

Public and private dollars will be efficiently pooled into one fund. Funding sources include current federal

and state monies spent on health care (Medicaid and Medicare, for example) plus individual premiums

and employer contributions (with caps). Employers may cover all or part of an employees premium

obligations.

HSNMC-Cost Effective: A 1994 New Mexico study by the independent think tank, The Lewin Group,



5/11

estimated that $4.6 billion could have been saved by 2004 had all New Mexicans been under one plan

by 1997. While not all are covered by the Health Security Plan, even if half that amount is saved, that is

significant for our state. Mathematica Policy Research, Inc. concluded in 2007 that the Health Security

Act is the only proposal that significantly reduces health care costs, even in its first year of operation.

Other state studies also have concluded that including all or most state residents under one insurance pla

controls rising health care costs.

The Health Security Act has been introduced in the New Mexico State legislature over the past few

years and is gaining momentum and increasing support. It will be introduced in the 2011 New MexicoState Legislative session, and community members are asked to track the legislation and contact their

legislators. To learn more about the Health Security Act, call (505) 897-1803 or go to their web site:

www.nmhealthsecurity.org.

Respectfully submitted by Doris Fields, PhD, Health Chair

Santa Fe County Branch NAACP; State Conference of Branches of NAACP

The 2010 U.S. Census- How It Affects the NationWe Can't Move Forward Until You Mail It Back

That's why it's so important that you fill in the form and promptly mail it back. Census information affects

the numbers of seats your state occupies in the U.S. House of Representatives. And people from many

walks of life use census data to advocate for causes, rescue disaster victims, prevent diseases, research

markets, locate pools of skilled workers and more.

When you do the math, it's easy to see what an accurate count of residents can do for your community.

Better infrastructure. More services. A brighter tomorrow for everyone. In fact, the information the censu

collects helps to determine how more than $400 billion dollars of federal funding each year is spent on

infrastructure and services like:

Hospitals

Job training centers

Schools

Senior centers

Bridges, tunnels and other-public works projects

Emergency services

Participation isn't just importantit's mandatory.



6/11

Confessions Of A Tea Party Crasher

The Rev. Dr. Wanda Ross Padilla; Posted in the Santa Fe New Mexican: Saturday, April 24, 2010

[Note: The following doesnt necessarily reflect the opinions of the national or local NAACP]

Five members of the Santa Fe branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored

People "crashed" the April 15 Tea Party held on the historic Santa Fe Plaza. The "Fearless Five" included

Wanda Ross Padilla, Vikki Scott, Agnes Moses, Bob Moses and Brad Gmez. We went as individuals.

I want to share with you an experience I had while attending the tea party. I have to admit that I was the

instigator of this action after being fed up with this seemingly fringe group dominating the news on radio,

TV and the print media every single day!

I couldn't help but wonder where these voices were when George W. Bush created 75 percent of our

debt? Then I remembered: We have an African American, yes, a black man, as our president. He is

certainly "uppity," smart and courageous, all the traits deeply hated by a certain segment of the white

population (especially those from the South where I was raised and actually experienced prejudice, so I

know what I am talking about).

Former President Jimmy Carter was right when he said that the root of President Obama's difficulties was

his race. Carter, a native of Georgia, would know.

This "movement" defies all logic, except that of racism, an illogical sickness according to former

ambassador to the United Nations Andrew Young, who, while waiting for a valet to return his car, was

assumed to be the valet by a white woman and handed the keys to her car!

Mr. Young was asked "how do you put up with these little indignities on a daily basis?" His answer was on

that I keep in mind each time I am confronted with similar indignities. He said: "Racism is a sickness and

I refuse to get angry with sick people." That says it all. Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King had simila

responses to indignities.

Racism has always been a way to get a segment of our population, like the tea baggers, away from their

couches and TV sets to move to action and to donate to the cause.



7/11

At the Tea Party event, I was standing between two white women holding up a sign that read, "Get Money

out of Politics! Campaign Finance Reform Now!"

A neatly dressed white man walked up to me and asked, "Are you being paid to be down here?"

I was stunned. I took a deep breath and remembered that we were the ones promoting "civility"

and "common ground." I answered him by saying "No, I am not being paid."

He then asked me "Do you have a job?"

Again with great restraint to his obviously racist overtones, I answered "Yes, not only do I have a job, I

am a small-business owner."

I asked him, "What do you do?"

He answered: "I own a small business also."

I responded by saying "It seems you and I have something in common." Then Vikki Scott, a dedicated

member of the NAACP who happens to be white, chimed in by saying, "She also has a Ph.D. and is a

minister!"

The man looked at us sheepishly and walked off.

I was proud of my response to his obviously racist questions. I really wanted to "go off on him," but I

remembered the great ones who came before me and knew that "losing it" in anger would have been the

worst thing I could have done.

What we really wanted to do by our presence was to educate these misguided people that they are being

used, bamboozled by big-money corporations that want to maintain control over our government and

to retain the power they have had in our banking system and on Wall Street since the unregulated Bush

years.

We were there because we must stand up to this fringe, but potentially dangerous, group because of who

is backing them. Their Web site lists a few: The Santa Fe Federated Republican Women, The Republican

Party of Santa Fe, The Heritage Foundation, etc. Need I say more?

We must push and keep Obama's feet to the fire. We must support him to do what he knows is the right

thing to do by showing up, writing letters and exercising the power of our votes. We can do this! S se

puede!

The Rev. Dr. Wanda Ross Padilla is first vice-president of the Santa Fe Branch of the NAACP and a life

coach.



8/11

NEW Chairman of the Board for the NAACP

Roslyn M. Brock

I am pleased to introduce myself to you as the new Chairman of the Board for the NAACP. As the NAACP

begins its second century of advocacy, I feel the deep responsibility to put forward a civil and human

rights agenda for the years ahead. I'm proud to be a part of a younger generation, along with President

and CEO Benjamin Jealous, that is taking on the leadership responsibilities of the NAACP. I'm also proud

that I've been a part of the NAACP for 25 years, as a youth board member, Youth and College State

Conference President, board member, and Vice Chair of the Board of Directors.

The NAACP is, and always has been, a multiracial, multi-ethnic organization. When we talk about people

of color, we are speaking of those people who have fallen through the cracks those who have been left

out of prosperous society. The agenda of the Association is to eliminate the disparities that prevent all

Americans from achieving the "American Dream." The NAACP will continue to champion civil and human

rights issues that affect all Americans and, in particular, those which disproportionately affect communitie

of color.

Education: The future of our families and our country demands that we invest in an educational system in which every

American has access to safe, accountable and effective schools.

Criminal Justice: The crisis of over-incarceration in this country is not only deeply unjust it has been deeply

unsuccessful. We must develop smarter strategies to keep our communities safe.

Health Care: Health care is a human right, and the NAACP will continue to fight for meaningful health care reform that

benefits all Americans.

Economic Empowerment: We must help President Obama steer our nation back into economic health, and ensure that a

Americans enjoy the benefits of living in a prosperous nation.

Civic Engagement: Engaged communities are safe and prosperous communities. Only an informed, empowered citizenry

can bring stability and prosperity back to our communities.

As we advance these goals, we must also ensure that our policies, programs and politics remain relevant

for a new generation of civil rights and human rights advocates. President Benjamin Jealous and I will

prioritize the work of expanding our youth networks.

At the same time, we can never forget those who came before us. Chairman Emeritus Julian Bond and

Myrlie Evers-Williams remain beacons in our struggle. Without the Bonds, the Evers, the Kings, and the

Parks of the world, we would not be here, Barack Obama would not be president, and there would be no

NAACP. The future is calling and the NAACP is in a unique position to answer that call. With your help, we

can build a better America together. -Roslyn M. Brock



9/11

It is commonly known that, good food is the glue that holds a successful event together.

Having a company party, a business meeting, an intimate dinner with friends and family, people tends to

socialize around food. There's something about sharing a meal that brings people closer. It can add to the

feeling of camaraderie, create a mood of celebration or smooth over a socially awkward situation.

Have Span Afric cater your next special event. We will work closely with you to create that special menu,

a memorable atmosphere, and a meal to remember for a long time.

We specialize in traditional and nuveau West African cuisine.

Review our menu online at http://spanafricmarket.com and we will be glad to tailor the menus to your

liking and specifications, to make the occasion uniquely yours.

-Ceci Tchakaunte, owner.



10/11

Join Us!

Adult: Annual membership $30.00

(includes subscription to The Crisis

Or Life Membership $750.00

(payable in 10 annual installments of $75.00 or more)

Child < 13 years: Annual rate $15.00 with Crisis subscription or $10.00 without CrisisJr. Life (duration until age 13) $100.00 (payable in four annual installments of $25.00 or more)

Youth 14-17 years: Annual rate $15.00 with Crisis subscription or $10.00 without Crisis

Teen Life (duration age 14-17) $250.00 payable in five annual installments of $50.00 or more)

Extra Donation $ ______________

Please identify youth / adult status:

NAMES:______________________________

____________________________________

MAILING ADDRESS:___________________

_____________________________________

Telephone:____________________________

Email: _______________________________

I am interested in participating on the following committee(s):

( ) Civic Engagement ( ) Political Action

( ) Armed Services and Veterans Affair

( ) Legal Redress ( )Criminal Justice

( ) International Affairs/Immigration

( ) Economic Empowerment ( ) Housing

( ) Economic Development

( ) Labor & Industry ( ) Education

( ) Health ( ) Membership ( ) Youth Work

( ) Press & Publicity ( ) Religious Affairs

( ) MLK Day ( ) Juneteenth

( ) Soul Food Event

( ) Newsletter ( )Webpage

( )Other (specify)

Help Wanted! The Santa Fe Branch NAACP is looking for a Newsletter & Website editor.



11/11

Santa Fe Branch NAACP Celebrates

JUNETEENTH 2010

Saturday, June 19th

5pm 8pm

Barbecue Picnic

At

St.Bedes Episcopal ChurchLocated on SE corner of San Mateo and St. Francis

Celebrate Our Youth:

Past, Present and Future!~

A Time to unwind, share good food and fellowship

BRING:Something to cook on the grill & a side dish or dessert

PROVIDED:Drinks, plates, cups, & barbecue sauce

Juneteenth is a day on which honor and respect is paid for the sufferings of slavery and

emancipation from slavery. From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of

June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States

and beyond. Former slaves in Galveston rejoiced in the streets with jubilant celebrations.

In case of rain we can meet indoors!

More Info? (505) 438 4368


santa fe naacp spring newsletter

Documents