OUR CORE
LEADERSHIP
The African American Museum and Cultural Center of New Mexico is led by a dedicated all-volunteer Board. We thank each member for their commitment, service, and investment in preserving and promoting the rich history of African Americans in the Southwest.
The AAMCCNM would also like to acknowledge the work of three dedicated board members who have passed:Â Â Brenda Dabney, Doris Jackson, and Sandra Rice.
Rita Powdrell
Director, AAMCCNM
Patricia Salisbury
Sergeant at Arms. AAMCCNM
Katarina Powdrell, MS
Secretary, AAMCCNM
Charlia Boyer, Ed.D.
Leadership Council
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Carlyn N. Pinkins, M.A.
Leadership Council
Richard Josef Scott Powdrell
Leadership Council
Eric Spurlock
Leadership Council
Carmen Spratley
​Leadership Council
Kyran Worrell
Leadership Council
Jordan Tate
Leadership Council
Thomas Williams
Leadership Council
Board Member
OUR ORIGINS
The African American Museum and Cultural Center of New Mexico (AAMCCNM) was established in 2002 after a landmark community meeting led by the New Mexico State Office of African American Affairs. The goal was to consolidate various community-led efforts into a single, unified organization dedicated to preserving the state's diverse Black heritage. Over 60 advocates, including historians, artists, and political leaders, gathered to define a mission that would ensure the history and contributions of African Americans in New Mexico remained visible, vital, and valuable for future generations. This foundational vision was inspired by earlier successful exhibitions that highlighted the essential but often underrepresented role of Black families and organizations in the region's development.
By 2004, the AAMCCNM officially attained non-profit status, formalizing its role as a key cultural institution in Albuquerque. Specialized committees worked diligently to draft the organization's constitution and bylaws, ensuring a sustainable structural framework. Early achievements included widespread community outreach to local schools, churches, and professional organizations, building a diverse support network across the Southwest. The museum's primary mission—to research, collect, and interpret the history of the African diaspora in New Mexico—was solidified during this period, establishing the museum as a trusted repository for both physical artifacts and oral histories that capture the true spirit of the community's evolution.
CULTURAL LEADERSHIP
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Throughout its history, the AAMCCNM has operated as a 'museum without walls,' utilizing pop-up exhibitions, public lectures, and academic partnerships to engage residents across the state. These mobile education efforts have successfully brought Black history to rural and urban communities alike, fostering a deeper understanding of the multicultural fabric of the Southwest. Through collaborative projects with local universities and historical societies, the museum has become a vital hub for scholarly research and public discourse on racial equity and preservation. This dynamic approach continues to drive the organization forward, ensuring that the mission remains active while the board works towards securing a dedicated physical facility.
OUR FUTURE MISSION
The AAMCCNM is now entering an exciting new phase through the MuseBLK initiative, which focuses on modernizing historical preservation and expanding digital access to our archives. Our future goal is to establish a state-of-the-art facility that serves as both a museum and a community center for cultural exploration. We invite you to join us in this mission as we continue to document our collective stories, inspire educational excellence, and celebrate the incredible legacy of African Americans in New Mexico. Together, we can ensure that our past informs a brighter, more inclusive future. Visible. Vital. Valuable.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Mr. Powdrell’s Barbeque House and CEO Joe Powdrell for over twenty years of steadfast support.Â
Joe Powdrell, a dedicated educator, former athlete, and advocate for African American history, has played an important role in preserving and sharing the rich legacy of African Americans in New Mexico. Through extensive research, community leadership, and public presentations, he has brought important historical narratives to light at venues including the Ray Drew Gallery, the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum, and the National Hispanic Cultural Center. His work has explored significant chapters of New Mexico’s history, from school segregation to the contributions of Black railroad workers and athletes.
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We also proudly recognize Mr. Powdrell’s Barbeque House for its longstanding commitment to community service and its generous support in providing a gathering space for our board meetings as we work toward establishing a permanent home for the museum. This continued generosity reflects the spirit of community, connection, and cultural preservation at the heart of our mission.