Rep. Stansbury Highlights Key Funding Secured for Albuquerque Youth Development

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Today, U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01) held a press conference with representatives of the New Mexico Black Leadership Council highlighting the $125,000 she secured in the recently-passed omnibus budget for youth development programs. The funding is part of a series of seven community funded projects totaling over$10 millionthat will touch communities across New Mexico’s First Congressional District.  

The funding that Rep. Stansbury secured will invest in programs and services for young people, address crime and break cycles of violence, improve public safety and health care, and boost New Mexico’s economic development.  

“The New Mexico Black Leadership Council’s vision and initiatives to improve the well-being and opportunities for young people are critical for our communities,” said Rep. Stansbury. “I’m proud that the $125,000 we secured for the New Mexico Black Leadership Council as part of our Community Funded Projects on my first day in office will invest in these crucial leadership programs. Our young people must have the resources they need to thrive and excel!” 

“What we envision for the NMBLC is being able to steward these neighborhood kids from elementary school through their high school graduation,” said Cathryn McGill, Founder and Director of the New Mexico Black Leadership Council. “We feel we owe our kids, at the very least, a high school graduation.” 

Director McGill detailed how the funding Rep. Stansbury secured will assist NMBLC with current projects serving local Black communities and the children and families of Albuquerque’s International District. Rep. Stansbury was also joined by Roots Conservatory participants Khazi Sinandileand Tobias Smith, Kimberly Obregon, Former Emerson Elementary School Community Coordinator,and Gene Saavedra, Albuquerque Public School District Zone 1 Assistant Superintendent,who emphasized the positive impacts of the New Mexico Black Leadership Council’s youth development programs. 

The funding Rep. Stansbury secured is in addition to the 12-bill government funding package designed to lower the cost of living for middle class families, create American jobs, support New Mexico’s most vulnerable communities, and help small businesses and restaurants succeed.