NEWS RELEASE: State to hold first listening session on Black student success
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: New Mexico Public Education Department
Janelle Taylor García, Ph.D., janelle.garcia@ped.nm.gov , 505-709-5543
May 28, 2026
State to hold first listening session on Black student success
SANTA FE – New Mexico will hold its first statewide community listening session June 11 to hear directly from students, families and community centers about how schools can better support Black education across the state.
Co-hosted by the New Mexico Public Education Department (PED) and the New Mexico Office of African American Affairs, the event will be held from 6–8 p.m. at the African American Performing Arts Center (AAPAC) in Albuquerque. All community members are invited. A virtual participation option will also be available.
The listening session is designed to identify the support systems needed to help Black students thrive academically and socially. Facilitated discussion sessions will include guided prompts and opportunities for participants to submit questions in advance to help shape the conversation.
“Every family deserves to know their voice matters in their child’s education,” said Public Education Secretary Mariana D. Padilla . “This listening session is an important opportunity for the PED to hear directly from Black students, parents, families and community members about their experiences, their challenges and their hopes for the future. By partnering with the Office of African American Affairs, we are creating space for honest conversation and meaningful collaboration that will help us build stronger, more inclusive schools where every student can succeed.”
“Our office is proud to partner with the PED on this effort, particularly through the livestream option, so families and students from every corner of the state can participate,” said Gene Grant, executive director of the New Mexico Office of African American Affairs.
The event is free, but registration is required for both in-person and remote attendees. Parking at the AAPAC, located at 310 San Pedro Dr. NE, Expo New Mexico, is free. Light food and beverages will be provided.
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About the New Mexico Office of African American Affairs (OAAA)
The New Mexico Office of African American Affairs (OAAA) is a state agency created by the New Mexico Legislature in 1999 to advocate for and improve the social, economic, educational, health, and political well-being of African American communities throughout New Mexico. OAAA works statewide to connect communities with resources, elevate African American voices in public policy, support entrepreneurship and workforce development, promote educational opportunity, and foster civic engagement through partnerships with government agencies, schools, nonprofits, and business leaders.
The New Mexico Public Education Department partners with educators, communities and families to ensure that all students are healthy, secure in their identity and holistically prepared for college, career and life. Currently, the PED serves about 320,000 students in 189 districts and charter schools. Find an abundance of resources for administrators, educators, families and students at New Mexico Public Education Department (state.nm.us) or follow the PED on Facebook and Instagram .
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