I am an advocate for education, a proud product of New Mexico’s public education system and of our esteemed public universities. My journey through these institutions has been shaped by my identity: being Black in New Mexico. It’s an identity that is rich, profound, and deeply rooted in history and culture. Yet, it is an identity that comes with a unique set of challenges, especially within the confines of our public education system.
Being Black in New Mexico means navigating a landscape where our children face hurdles that many of our peers do not. These challenges range from systemic biases in the curriculum to a lack of representation in educational leadership. It’s a reality where students often grapple with feelings of invisibility and marginalization. And while the challenges are multifaceted, the goal is singular: to ensure that every Black child in New Mexico has every opportunity to succeed, to thrive, and to realize their fullest potential.
In the ever-evolving landscape of education, the Black Education Act (BEA) emerged as a beacon of hope for New Mexico’s Black and African American students. Crafted with the intent to improve educational outcomes and opportunities, the BEA was more than just landmark legislation; it was a promise. A promise to recognize, address, and rectify the unique challenges faced by Black and African American students in our state. However, promises, no matter how well-intentioned, are only as good as their execution. And it is here that we find ourselves at a crossroads.
Despite the clear mandates outlined in the BEA, there has been a concerning lack of compliance. One of the most critical aspects of the Act, regular reporting on its progress and impact, has been conspicuously absent. This reporting isn’t just bureaucratic red tape; it’s a vital tool to assess the effectiveness of the BEA and to make necessary adjustments. Without it, we are navigating in the dark, hoping our efforts align with our intentions but having no real way to know.
This isn’t just a failure of bureaucracy; it’s a failure to our students. Every day that passes without full implementation of the BEA is a day that our students are denied the resources, support, and opportunities they were promised. It’s a day that the gap between intention and action widens, and trust in our educational system erodes.
Recognizing the gravity of this situation, a community-led oversight taskforce has convened. Comprising concerned citizens, civic organizations, educators, and parents, this taskforce has assumed the mantle of reviewing the implementation and compliance of the BEA to ensure that the promises made to our students are kept.
The journey ahead is undoubtedly challenging. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned from being a product of New Mexico’s public education system, it’s the power of resilience, determination, and community.
The BEA was a monumental step forward, but it was just that – a step. The journey to ensuring equitable education for all of New Mexico’s students is long, and we must be vigilant every step of the way.
Devont'e Kurt Watson 