P.O.
Box 15692 ~ Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87506-15692 ~ (505) 424-6100
President Carol Johnson
1st Vice President Wanda Ross- Padilla
2nd Vice President Agnes Moses
April 2009
th
2009 marks the 100 Anniversary of the founding
of the National Association for the Advancement
of Colored People. We are the oldest Civil Rights
Organization in America.
PRESIDENT’S LETTER – Carol Johnson
I am honored to be the president of the Santa Fe
Branch of the National Association for the
Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) during
its centennial year. The NAACP is an integral part
of my history and my life. I was president of the
Santa Fe Branch in the eighties.
My family has a long history with the NAACP
dating back to the thirties. My in-laws, Thomas,
sr. and Jetter Johnson were founding members of
the Santa Fe Branch. Thomas, sr.; my husband,
Thomas, Jr.; and my sister-in-law Bea Johnson
have all been president of the Santa Fe Branch.
Secretary Cynthia Geder
Asst. Secretary Alex Downen
Treasurer Christine Johnson
This centennial year is an exciting and historical
time. The United States of America has its first
African American President. We have come a long
way but there are still things to be done.
Until every person is judged by his or her
character and not the color of his or her skin,
language, country of origin, abilities, socio-
economic status, sexual orientation or age, we
cannot sit back and relax.
We must partner and join forces with others of
like interests and concerns. (see Objectives of the
NAACP on address page of this newsletter)
All member, please recruit new members and get
involved in Branch activities so we can continue
the mission of the NAACP and make Santa Fe,
New Mexico, the country and the world a better
place for all.
BAN OF RACIAL PROFILING
& REPEAL OF DEATH PENALTY!
The Family Justice Campaign, a project of the
NAACP Santa Fe Political Action Committee,
includes ten local nonprofit organizations that
have joined together to advocate for policies of
equality and justice in New Mexico. (more…)
During the 2009 Legislative Session, the Family
Justice Campaign prioritized four legislative
proposals: treatment instead of incarceration for
nonviolent drug offenders, the creation of a
statewide Department of Peace, the repeal of the
death penalty, and an official ban of bias-based
profiling in our state.
Thanks to the wonderful efforts of NAACP
members and advocacy organizations, two of our
important reforms passed this legislative session
– a ban of racial profiling and the repeal of the
death penalty.
The Family Justice Campaign took a leadership
role in passing the statewide ban of racial
profiling. The new law defines and bans bias-
based profiling, which includes targeting
individuals based on race, ethnicity, color, as well
as religion, political affiliation, gender, and sexual
orientation. The law directs law enforcement
agencies to develop policies, procedures, and
training protocols to prevent and prohibit
profiling, and allows for oversight and
investigation of profiling complaints by the
Attorney General’s office.
One of the member organizations of the Family
Justice Campaign, the Coalition to Repeal the
Death Penalty, also achieved great success this
session by repealing the death penalty in New
Mexico – a fight that took over twelve years.
The two additional Family Justice Campaign
endorsed proposals did not pass this year, but we
will continue to advocate for these important
policies in the future. You can get involved with
the Family Justice Campaign by contacting Bob
Moses, chair of the Santa Fe NAACP Political
Action Committee.
Congratulations, everyone, for your wonderful
achievements to improve New Mexico’s criminal
justice system.
-Julie Roberts
Member, Santa Fe NAACP
Policy Coordinator, Drug Policy Alliance New
Mexico
REGION VI CONFERENCE
The 61st NAACP Southwest Region Civil Rights
Advocacy Training Institute brought together
representatives of the Arkansas, Louisiana,
Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico NAACP State
Conferences in Albuquerque, March 26-28, 2009.
Despite a spring snow, which hampered travel for
some, the Institute was a great success.
The theme of the Institute was NAACP
Centennial: One Hundred Years and the Struggle
Continues. Excellent workshops for adults and
youth provided attendees with information and
strategies to strengthen the ability of their states
and branches to continue the struggle for civil
rights for all within their communities. Dr. Earnest
Johnson, NAACP National Board Member and
Louisiana State President encourage us to
increase our membership, especially young
people, at the Membership Luncheon on Friday. A
fabulous Gospel Extravaganza rocked the house
on Friday night.
At the Saturday Youth Luncheon, former US
Ambassador to South Africa Delano Lewis cited his
history and experiences as an example for youth of
the benefit of hard work and dedication in achieving
goals. The culmination of the two days was the
inspiring motivational Freedom Fund Banquet
presentation by NAACP President and CEO
Benjamin Todd Jealous.
TOUR OF SOUTH AFRICA AND GHANA
The Santa Fe Branch of the NAACP is planning
the trip of a lifetime for September next year.
Plan now to join. Here are a few of the
highlights:
Experience the culture of traditional South Africa
at the National Craft and Cultural Fair in
Mpumalanga. Enjoy the natural beauty and
wildlife of Kruger Park. Learn about South Africa's
troubled history and great leaders first hand –
visit the house where Mohandas (Mahatma)
Gandhi lived during his years in Johannesburg
when he was developing the theory and practice
of nonviolent resistence (satyagraha). See Robbin
Island within sight of beautiful Cape Town where
Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years.
Learn about the role of the Truth and
Reconciliation Commissions in helping the Nation
to heal from the trauma of the apartheid regime.
Spend an optional additional week in Ghana to
experience the rich culture and warm hospitality
of the old Gold Coast. Visit Cape Coast Castle
and the Castle Museum, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site and home to the infamous Door of
No Return. See Kumasi, capital of the fabled
Ashanti kingdom, and shop in one of West
Africa's largest and most colorful traditional
markets. Tour Accra, capital of the first modern
African state to gain independence from colonial
rule and one of the most progressive countries on
the continent today.
To see the complete itinerary and the easy
payment plan, go to the Santa Fe Branch
website, www.naacpsfnm.blogspot.com, or
contact Champion Services Travel, PO Box
44140, Fort Washington, Maryland 20744 (301)
686-0970 office, (301) 686-9000 fax E-mail
cchamp154@comcast,net.
SANTA FE NAACP YOUTH COUNCIL
UNIT 6844 COLLEGE NEWS
Jamilla Abdullah was granted a GATES
MILLENIUM SCHOLARSHIP. All college expenses
will be paid through a Ph.D at any college of her
choosing! Jamilla plans to attend Eckerd College
in St. Petersburg, Florida next fall.
Regina Whitehead was also granted a GATES
MILLENIUM SCHOLARSHIP. She is going to
Nevada Las Vegas University.
Lilli Raphael loves New Orleans, Louisiana and
being a student at the University of New
Orleans. She spent the Spring break in New York
City and will be home looking for a summer job
when school ends May 9th. When she returns to
UNO, she will be a Resident Assistant in the
dorms helping and overseeing other students.
Joseph Bieg has completed two trimesters at
the University of Oregon in Eugene with good
grades. He has taken classes in Art and Ethnic
Studies. He is now in his 3rd trimester. He plans
to come to Santa Fe for the last 2-3 weeks in
June. Then he will return to a new apartment in
Eugene where he has a summer job canvassing
for an environmental agency.
Aaron and Ryan Patterson, sophomores, will
be joined by their brother Gabriel Patterson
this autumn at Colorado College. Gabriel received
a $24,000 grant to kick-start his Pre-Med studies.
Aaron will continue with Pre-Med courses and
Ryan will continue with Business and Economics
classes. Congratulations to all!
 JUNETEENTH 2009
Saturday, June 13th
5pm – 8pm

Begins with music & spoken

word
Followed by a Barbecue
Picnic
at
St. Bede’s Episcopal Church
With Picnic & Playground Area
Located on SE corner of San Mateo and St. Francis

Celebrate NAACP’s 100th Birthday !

A Time to unwind, share good food and friendship

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? 438 4368
PAPER OR PLASTIC?
Should our Newsletter be just paper, paper &
email/website, or just email/website?
The Santa Fe branch of the NAACP can go ‘green’
and save trees and money if we have our
newsletter only via email/website.
We want to hear from our membership on this
matter. Go to our website and cast your vote.
http://naacpsfnm.blogspot.com
AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY
"If you believe people have no history worth
mentioning, it's easy to believe they have no humanity
worth defending.”
For over forty years,
William Loren Katz
he has written 40
highly praised books
on African American
history.
Mr. Katz is
an American
educator, historian,
and author of many
books on African-
American history, including a number of titles for
young adult readers. He is particularly noted for
his extensive writings on the 500-year history of
relations between African-Americans and Native
Americans in the New World.
William Loren Katz plans to speak in Santa Fe
soon. I‘ll be in the front row with all those
interested in learning about ‘The Black West: A
documentary and pictorial History’; ‘Black
Women of The Old West’; ‘Black Indians: A
Hidden Heritage’ and more.
Don't miss this chance to meet this remarkable
educator, historian and author. Stay tuned for
details and dates! -George Geder
PLANNING MEETING
The Santa Fe NAACP Branch 2009-10 Planning
Meeting was held March 10, 2009 during
combined Executive Committee and Membership
meetings. In this centennial year and the next,
we are planning productive and exciting
activities, which will increase our ability to
continue the struggle for civil rights for all.
Some of the activities planned include events to
increase membership and strengthening our
partnerships with other organizations with like
missions; speakers at monthly meetings;
Juneteenth and Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday
celebrations; participation in the 400th
anniversary of Santa Fe; a Walk for Family
Justice; a trip to Africa…
The following members have agreed to chair and
participate on the following committees:
Communications/Press & Publicity –
George Geder & Vikki Scott
Community Coordination –
Cedric Page
Education –
Rebecca Cecil & Carol Johnson
Finance/Fundraising –
Christine Johnson, Daran Moon & Carol Johnson,
Political Action –
Bob Moses & Reena Szczepanski
Youth Work –
Isaac Engelson
Health –
Doris Fields
Membership –
Cynthia Geder & Alex Downen
Juneteenth –
Nichoe Lichen & Karen Finney
Legal Redress –
Karen Finney
Chair and committee members are pending for
the following committees:
Armed Services/Veterans Affairs,
Religious Affairs, Economic Development,
Housing, Labor & Industry,
and Martin Luther King Day.
Volunteers are need for all committees.
Your participation will be greatly appreciated and
will increase our ability to continue the struggle
for civil rights for all.
ABOUT US
Protecting the diversity of culture, ethnicity, and
the rights of people under the law is at the heart
of the mission of the Santa Fe branch of the
NAACP. Bruce King, former New Mexico
governor declared, in 1979, that New Mexico is a
multicultural state. The NAACP is about ensuring
the political, educational, social, and economic
equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate
racial hatred and discrimination.
NIGERIAN ARTIST & AUTHOR
MOYO OKEDIJI

Nigerian artist and author, Moyo Okediji, will be
speaking on Contemporary African Art at UNM on
Thursday, May 7. Prof. Okediji was Curator of
African and Oceanic arts at the Denver Art
Museum before joining the faculty of Art and Art
History at the University of Texas at Austin.
Okediji has exhibited his work in museums and
galleries in Africa, Europe, and North America.
His published books include "The Shattered
Gourd: Yoruba Forms in 20th Century American
Art" and "African Renaissance: Old Images, New
Forms in Yoruba Art". His he will speak at 5:30
p.m. in the Auditorium of the new Architecture
Building (across from the bookstore on Central).
Anyone wanting additional information can phone
Nancy Pauley at 505 206 8073 or email at:
npauly@unm.edu.
NAACP – The Oldest Civil Rights
Organization in America
Founded in 1909
100th Anniversary Celebration in
2009
IF YOU HAVE NOT RENEWED, PLEASE DO
SO USING THIS FORM. WE NEED YOU!
Fill out the form and mail with check or money
order to:
Santa Fe NAACP- Membership
P.O. Box 15692
Santa Fe, NM 87592
To Join or Renew:
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 Crisis
Jr. 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
( ) 100th Anniversary Activities
( ) Newsletter ( )Webpage
( )Other
(specify)__________________________
_____________________________
UPCOMING EVENTS:

1. 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm, Santa Fe Branch NAACP General
Membership Meeting, at St. Bede's Episcopal Church, 1601 S. St. Francis Drive at
San Mateo – new meeting location.
2. Nigerian artist and author, Moyo Okediji, will be speaking on Contemporary
African Art at UNM on Thursday, May 7, 2009
3. Free Grant Writing Training; June 9, 10, & 11th. HUD sponsored; Embassy
Suites 1000 Woodward Pl. ABQ. Details: 505-245-7100
4. Maternal Dreamer #2; written & performed by storyteller Ramona King
May 8th-10th; Wise Fool Studio, 2778 Agua Fria St. Santa Fe; 505-242-0834

Special thanks to the following members who assisted in getting out this newsletter: Carol Johnson,
Julie Roberts, Victoria Scott, and Nichoe Lichen.

George Geder, Editor

P.O. BOX 15692

SANTA FE, NM 87592-15692
(505) 424-6100
www.naacpsfnm.blogspot.com

NAACP – The Oldest Civil Rights Organization in America - Founded in 1909

100th Anniversary Celebration in 2009

OBJECTIVES OF THE NAACP

The principle objective of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) shall be to
ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of minority group citizens; to achieve equality of
rights and to eliminate race prejudice among the citizens of the United States; to remove all barriers of racial
discrimination through democratic processes; to seek enactment and enforcement of federal, state and local laws
securing civil rights; to inform the public of adverse effects of racial discrimination and to seek its elimination; to
educate persons as to their constitutional rights and to take all lawful action to secure the exercise thereof, and, to
take any lawful action in furtherance of these objectives consistent with the Articles of Incorporation.