Advisory committee to support Black life, arts & culture in New Mexico

Santa Fe, New Mexico — Empower! Black Futures Community Fund, is proud to announce the inaugural members of its advisory committee. Launched in 2023 through the collaborative efforts of the Raashan Ahmad and the Santa Fe Community Foundation, Empower! Black Futures Community Fund is an identity-based giving circle dedicated to supporting Black life, arts, and culture in New Mexico. 

 “This group of advisors have come together in service of the fund and, like a family quilt, represent a beautiful cross section of our Black community,” expressed Raashan Ahmad, Chair of the Advisory Committee. “I look forward to working with them to support opportunities that empower the present and future generations of Black New Mexicans.”

Led by Raashan Ahmad as Chair, the founding committee members include Hakim Bellamy, Rich Brown, Michael Davis, Shani Harvie, Bettye Kearse, Simesha McEachern, Neema Pickett, and SPAC3.

“It’s our honor to welcome and work alongside each member of the committee,” said Christopher Goett, President & CEO of the Santa Fe Community Foundation. “Collectively, this group brings a wealth of experience and understanding to our work supporting the long-term health and vitality of New Mexico through equity-driven initiatives. We’re very grateful for their leadership.”

Contributions to Empower! Black Futures Community Fund will help seed its permanent endowment, which will grow over time to ensure sustained support of Black causes in New Mexico in perpetuity. The advisory committee will make an inaugural grant from the fund as part of its Juneteenth 2025 celebrations.

“We are all so excited about the plans we are making for Juneteenth,” said Sandra Session-Robertson, Vice President of Development & Donor Relations at the Santa Fe Community Foundation. “We invite everyone to join us in learning, honoring, and celebrating New Mexico’s Black community. Stay tuned for details!”