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2025 State of Black El Paso – Review Date: July 4th

June 21, 2025 by Monica Tucker

For the first time in history, El Paso has two dynamic Black leaders helping to guide the city’s future. And yet, some in our community continue to complain rather than contribute. It’s time we step up.

This year’s 2025 State of Black El Paso Address was real. Raw. Necessary.

Despite assumptions, the Black population in the El Paso metro (approx. 3.8% of 1 million people) continues to contribute through every sector—from artists and educators to medical professionals, organizers, and our military.

 The panel covered four pressing topics:

  • Civic Engagement & Anti-Racism
  • Health, Wellness & Access to Care
  • Black Youth – In Schools, In the Community, In Life
  • Barriers to Black Representation & Success

 In my address, I was slated to share the following, but I will provide that in detail on the 4th of July as time did not permit due to addressing other matters:

  • Housing Affordability
  • Racism and economic disconnection
  • Cultural gatekeeping and community violence
  • Transparency, accountability & healing
  • The urgent need to protect and preserve our culture

Let’s be clear: we’re still a mess. Some progress has been made. However, willful ignorance, hypocrisy, and a lack of communication are still holding us back.

 Racism in El Paso does exist. Some stay silent out of fear. But silence breeds mold—and mold destroys foundations.

We are losing our youth. Many don’t see change or care from the “Black powers that be.” If you’re in a position of influence and still ignoring what’s happening, you’re part of the problem.

We thank Mr. Tom Handy for sharing wealth-building wisdom that applies to everyone. We’re also excited to work with the City of El Paso’s Economic Development Department as we continue building real growth in the Black business space.

 Coming Soon:

 The full address, panel feedback, and community outcomes will be released on July 4, 2025, at BlackElPasoVoice.com.

And starting soon, we’ll be hosting The Black Roundtable monthly—one topic, one expert, real talk. If you’ve got knowledge, experience, or leadership in any area… we need you.

 Let’s stop arguing about who’s in charge and do the work – together – which includes those who should be at these discussions but remain absent because “those aren’t their problems.”

Feel free to contact me at monica@blackelpasovoice.com or 915.345.1661.

#BlackElPasoVoice #StateOfBlackElPaso #ProtectAndPreserve #BEPV #CommunityHealing #BlackCivicEngagement #ElPasoBlackBusiness

Monica Tucker

Monica is the founder and publisher of Black El Paso Voice. She is an advocate fighting against racism and embracing positive community involvement. She is a lover of God, Puerto Rican cuisine, and the greatest defender of her family. She also enjoy House Music and swears it’s the best music on the planet!

blackelpasovoice.com

Filed Under: Community News, Community Voices, The Black Roundtable

2025 McCall Center | Annual Juliet M. Hart Summer Enrichment Camp for Youth Age 5-17

June 10, 2025 by C'ri Roi

Juliet Hart Summer Enrichment Camp
Hosted at McCall Neighborhood Center | El Paso, Texas

Overview
The Juliet Hart Summer Enrichment Camp is a dynamic program for youth, held annually at the McCall Neighborhood Center in El Paso. Named after Juliet Hart—an esteemed educator and community advocate—the camp was long guided by her vision of empowering young people through education, leadership, and cultural awareness. Its mission is to inspire participants to explore new opportunities, no matter their background.

Program Highlights
The camp offers a well-rounded curriculum focused on:

  • The arts
  • Communication skills
  • Cultural enrichment
  • Career exploration

These activities aim to foster personal and academic growth in a supportive, inclusive environment.

Location
Programs are held in the Juliet Hart Educational Room at:
McCall Neighborhood Center
3231 Wyoming Ave., El Paso, TX

Legacy and Impact
Juliet Hart played a pivotal role in the El Paso community, serving on the McCall Center board and earning recognition for her lifelong dedication to youth empowerment and humanitarian work. Her legacy lives on through this enriching summer experience for local students.

Participation Details

  • Cost: Free
  • Eligibility: Open to youth who complete an application
  • Affiliation: Part of the McCall Center’s broader enrichment initiatives, committed to inclusivity across race, age, culture, and ethnicity.
  • Registration Contact: McCall Center – Mon-Fri (10am-2pm) at 915.566.2407 or Ms. Anna M.H. Howell at 915.704.2819
C'ri Roi

C’ri is a passionate writer with an insatiable appetite for storytelling in all its forms. You’ll likely find her curled up with a good book or immersed in the latest blockbuster at her local cinema when she’s not crafting articles. Jane’s knack for staying on top of current events adds depth to her writing, while her laid-back personality brings a refreshing perspective to even the most complex topics. With a cup of tea and her finger on the pulse of pop culture, C’ri transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary one word at a time.

blackelpasovoice.com

Filed Under: Community News

In Loving Memory of Maj. Gen. (Retired) Edward Greer | First Class of the El Paso Black Hall of Fame

January 29, 2025 by Monica Tucker

Major General (Retired) Edward Greer, a pioneering Black military leader who served in three wars and became one of the Army’s first Black general officers, passed away after a remarkable life of service and dedication. Maj. Gen. Greer was a distinguished military veteran and honored inductee of the El Paso Black Hall of Fame. We will continue celebrating his remarkable life, extraordinary military service, and significant contributions during our inaugural ceremony and gala. Major General Greer was deeply honored to be selected for this recognition, and we will ensure his legacy is remembered and celebrated. Pray for his family and all who loved and adored him. 

Please view the story our dear friend, Robert Moore, founder of El Paso Matters, had the privilege of sharing.

Pioneer Army leader Edward Greer celebrates his 100th birthday

by Robert Moore, El Paso Matters
February 18, 2024

When Edward Greer talks about his time in combat, his description of battle is straightforward.

“In wartime, you didn't have much to think about except get the stuff out there, get the ammunition on the target. You didn't have much time to consider hardly anything else. And taking care of your troops,” Greer said.

But Greer’s life is testimony that military service is far more complex, with lives shaped or even saved by decisions of individual leaders. That’s illustrated in his 1950 citation for the Silver Star, the Army’s third-highest honor for valor in combat.

The Korean War was in its opening weeks. Second Lt. Edward Greer of Gary, West Virginia, and his fellow soldiers from the all-Black 159th Field Artillery Battalion were among the first U.S. troops rushed to South Korea after North Korea invaded in June 1950.

“On 26 July 1950, near Changiong-ni, Korea, Lieutenant Greer was forward observer for Battery B, which was supporting an infantry company. During the ensuing action when the company was cut off from the enemy, Lieutenant Greer called for artillery fire on his own position to enable the infantry company to withdraw," the citation read. "When the company had completed withdrawal, Lieutenant Greer returned to his former position and assisted in evacuation of the wounded under heavy mortar and small arms fire.”

The battle was fought on the second anniversary of Executive Order 9981, President Harry Truman’s 1948 directive to integrate the armed forces. Greer and most of the Black soldiers fighting in Korea in the war’s early days were still in segregated units. 

Greer, who eventually became one the first Black general officers in the Army, will celebrate his 100th birthday on March 8 in El Paso, where he and his wife settled in 1976. 

Edward Greer, right, just weeks away from his 100th birthday, with his son Michael at their Northeast El Paso home on Feb. 2, 2024. (Corrie Boudreaux/El Paso Matters)

He is one of the dwindling number of living veterans who fought in three defining U.S. wars of the 20th century – World War II, Korea and Vietnam. And he is one of the last remaining Black veterans who joined the U.S. armed forces when they were segregated, fighting for a country that viewed them as second-class citizens at best.

Greer said there was no time to think about issues like segregation and integration while fighting.

“You're fighting because you’re trying to protect you and your troops. You’ve got to think about that, because the big thing is you don't want to lose anybody,” he said. 

Dana Pittard, 64, who grew up in El Paso and became among the hundreds of Black generals to follow in Greer’s footsteps, knew the Greer family all his life. He called them Uncle Ed and Aunt Jewell. Pittard said Greer talked with him frequently about fighting for an imperfect country.

“It was the ideal of America -- that America, by our Constitution, by our Declaration of Independence, it was the ideal. In practice, it wasn't what it should have been, but it was still worth fighting for and making a difference by example,” Pittard said. 

From West Virginia to combat in Europe

Greer was born in Gary, a coal-mining company town for U.S. Steel in the southern part of the West Virginia. His parents had moved there from North Carolina. His father, Walter, worked as a coal miner – one of the few jobs where Blacks and whites received equal pay – and later as a school truant officer. 

Edward Greer enrolled at West Virginia State College, then an all-Black school, in 1942, but his education was disrupted by World War II.

“He was in college and the war broke out and they took all the men out of the college and made them go into the Army,” said his son, Michael, a retired physician who now serves as his father’s caregiver.

A guidon from the 777th Field Artillery Battalion, where Edward Greer rose from private to master sergeant, the highest enlisted rank, during World War II. (Corrie Boudreaux/El Paso Matters)

Greer, then a private, was assigned in 1943 to the 777th Field Artillery Battalion, an all-Black unit in the segregated Army. By the end of the war in 1945, he had been promoted to master sergeant, the Army’s highest enlisted rank at the time. 

“I had 130 know-it-alls,” he said of the men he helped lead through France and Germany.

First Sgt. Edward Greer, left, and two fellow soldiers from the 777th Field Arrtillery Battalion in Europe in 1945. (Photo courtesy of the Greer family)

When Germany surrendered in May 1945, the 777th Field Artillery was ordered to the Pacific, where the war with Japan still raged. While their ship was en route in August 1945, Japan surrendered.

“The ship changed direction from going wherever it was headed for and headed straight for New Jersey and out processing,” Greer said.

Back to college, then back to combat

By January 1946, Greer was back at West Virginia State College. While there, he met a fellow student named Jewell Means. They graduated on May 30, 1948, and were married the next day. 

Edward Greer, in the center of the front row, was president of Kappa Alpha Phi fraternity at West Virginia State College in the 1948. (Photo courtesy of the Greer family)

Greer had planned to become a dentist, but his dreams fell victim to the realities of mid-century America. 

“I took all the necessary courses to try to pursue a career in dentistry. Of course, at that time, you still had the business of segregation, and there were only a few places that a poor Black kid could even think about going” to dental school, he said.

Instead, Greer received a commission as a second lieutenant in the Regular Army, which offered a sense of stability for a 24-year-old Black man.

After almost two years of schooling and training, Greer joined the 159th Field Artillery Battalion in Japan in March 1950. Jewell, pregnant with their first child, stayed in the United States.

Three months into his tour of duty in Japan, communist North Korea launched a surprise attack on South Korea, a U.S. ally, on June 25, 1950. The closest U.S. forces were in Japan, including Greer’s unit, and were moved to South Korea in July. They quickly saw combat, including the battle where Greer earned the Silver Star.

In September 1950, recently promoted to first lieutenant, Greer got word of another milestone. Jewell had given birth to their first son, Michael. 

“I was going up one of those hills in Korea. And of course, the guys that I worked with knew we were expecting a baby, so I got a radio message, you got a young cannoneer. Being a boy. I don't know what the message would have been if it had been a girl,” he said with a laugh.

There was no time to celebrate. “I was trying to protect my rear end and stay alive at that time.”

Some of Edward Greer's medals and decorations hang in a frame in his El Paso home. Among his awards, Greer was given the Silver Star, the third-highest recognition for valor from the Army. (Corrie Boudreaux/El Paso Matters)

By the end of 1951, Greer – now a captain – returned to the United States. The Army was moving quickly toward integration of its forces, mostly out of wartime necessity.

“It really started on the tail end of my tour there in Korea, because we had a shifting of soldiers back and forth between units,” he said.

Over the next two decades, Greer’s Army career would take him to Germany, Oklahoma, Kansas, and multiple tours of duty at the Pentagon. He was promoted to major in 1958, lieutenant colonel in 1963, and colonel in 1968. 

The Greer family grew to three children with the addition of son Kenneth and daughter Gail. 

Becoming a general

In 1970, then-Col. Greer was sent to his third war, in Vietnam. He first served as deputy commander of the XXIV Corps Artillery, then as commander of the 108th Artillery Group. 

“I had four battalions in Vietnam,” he said, giving him command of hundreds of soldiers as the United States was winding down its involvement in the war. 

Army Col. Ed Greer, right, greets soldiers under his command in Vietnam. (Photo courtesy of the Greer family)

Greer served a year in Vietnam before being sent to the Pentagon in 1971. In June 1972, the Army announced that 62 colonels had been selected for promotion to brigadier general, including Greer and four other Black officers.  

Before this wave of promotions, only four Black men had risen to the Army’s general officer ranks, the New York Times reported at the time. 

Edward Greer, second from right, was among a group of five Black colonels promoted to brigadier general in 1972. The picture hangs in his home in Northeast El Paso. (Corrie Boudreaux/El Paso Matters)

With his promotion, Greer became deputy commander of Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, one of the Army’s premier training posts.

“That was a most pleasant time. And the thing that made it so nice were the people. Not only the people that were on the post there, but also the civilian population around the base. Those were good, solid citizens there in Missouri,” Greer said.

In 1975, Greer received his second star in a promotion to major general, and was named deputy commanding general of the U.S. Military Personnel Center in Washington. At MilPerCen, as the organization was known, he played a major role in determining assignments for members of the armed forces.

“At MilPerCen, he had friends, family, and soldiers call him up to ask for compassionate assignments,” his son, Michael Greer, recalled. “And also he would make sure that interracial couples did not get assigned to bases in segregated or racist communities to protect the couple and their children.”

Greer also had served in the military’s personnel office for three years from 1961 to 1964, where he shaped the future of countless Army families, including Dana Pittard’s. His father, Bob, was an Army air defense officer.

“My parents, they did not want to be assigned to the South, and El Paso wasn't considered the South, even though Texas is. And that's why so many contemporaries of my parents ended up settling and retiring in El Paso, because it was one of the few places they'd ever been in the Army where they didn't experience as much racism as they experienced in other places,” Pittard said.

Greer retired from the Army in 1976, bringing an end to a historic military career that covered 33 years.

Life in El Paso

The Greers got to know El Paso during brief assignments and visits to Fort Bliss.  

“When we would come down here, we always had a lot of fun. And of course, at that time, coming here was always, when do we go to Juárez? And I must say, in my early years here, we were scouting around for the big eating places in Juárez,” Greer said.

While visiting in 1976 to see their son Kenneth, who was in the Army at Fort Bliss, Jewell Greer found a home in the Mountain Park subdivision of Northeast El Paso with expansive views of the city. She called Edward to let him know that she had found her home, and he was free to join her.

Edward and Jewell Greer lived in El Paso after he retired from the Army in 1976. (Photo courtesy of the Greer family)

Jewell and Edward built their post-Army life at that Mountain Park home. Both were involved in real estate sales, and were active members of several civic boards. Jewell Greer died in February 2021. They were married for more than 72 years.  

When asked why they chose El Paso, Greer gestured to his yard.

“You see this weather out here today?” he said on a 58-degree day in early February. “When you lived in Washington, D.C., and survived that weather that you get there, it didn't take much. I guess if the weather had been decent, I'd be living in D.C. right now.”

Celebrating history

Greer’s family, the Army, city and county officials and others have 10 days of events lined up in March to celebrate his life.

Pittard, now vice president of defense programs for Allison Transmission in Indiana, will return to El Paso for some of the festivities celebrating Greer, the man who pinned his second lieutenant bars when he graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., in 1981.

Retired Maj. Gen. Edward Greer, left, pinned second lieutenant bars on Dana Pittard, center, after he graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., in 1981. Pittard's brother, Chris, also joined in the ceremony. Pittard later became an Army major general. (Photo courtesy of Dana Pittard)

“I love the man and he's family. But it's an important milestone, not only in his life, but for all of our parents who fought so hard for not just our country, but for us all just to be good citizens. And he represents that entire generation,” Pittard said.

“He's so humble, but so good to people,” Pittard said. “And he has this style, I call it the Greer style, that you just wanted some of that. It's not apparent now because he's 100 years old, but he had this style that was cosmopolitan, it was serious. I'd stand at attention as a kid with him because of this style, this respect. And he's loved.”

As he approaches 100, Greer has outlived his wife, two of his three children, and most of his friends and comrades in arms. 

Edward Greer has lived in Northeast El Paso since retiring from the Army in 1976. (Corrie Boudreaux/El Paso Matters)

“I'm real fortunate to be able to be around this long because, see, my address book has gotten to be a number of cross-offs. There's a hell of a lot of people ain't around that I started out with, and there's damn few of us still around.”

When asked what he was most proud of in his life, Greer said: “I think coming up in the Army and being involved with people, managing people, getting along with people. And I guess I'm just a people person. I like people, and I want them to like me.”

This article first appeared on El Paso Matters and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

Monica Tucker

Monica is the founder and publisher of Black El Paso Voice. She is an advocate fighting against racism and embracing positive community involvement. She is a lover of God, Puerto Rican cuisine, and the greatest defender of her family. She also enjoy House Music and swears it’s the best music on the planet!

blackelpasovoice.com

Filed Under: bhof, Community News, Military, Veterans

El Paso Black Business & Community Network Quarterly Session: A Celebration of Black History Month

January 28, 2025 by BEPV Staff

El Paso’s Black Business & Community Network (EPBBN) is gearing up for its first Quarterly Session of 2025 with an evening of insightful discussions and networking opportunities.
📅 Date: Thursday, February 6, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:30 PM
📍 Location: McCall Center
💰 Cost: $10 – Pay securely online: https://form.jotform.com/250278633806158
👥 Ages: 16 and older
🚨 Limited Seating: Only 25 attendees!

Honoring Black History Month: “African Americans and Labor”
In recognition of Black History Month 2025, the session will highlight this year’s theme, “African Americans and Labor,” exploring the critical role of African Americans in the workforce, past and present.

Speakers
Hear from local leaders in business, community, and entrepreneurship, including:

  • Terri Reed – EP Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
  • Renard Johnson – President & CEO of METI CORP
  • Monica Tucker – Founder of Black El Paso Voice
  • Abeni Janae – Lead Musician – The AJM Collective. Founder: Abeni Janae Music
  • DeMarco Wren – Founder of JDC Energy Resource

Key Topics & Discussions

The session will feature information on employment challenges and emerging industries, including:
✅ Youth & Young Adult Employment Challenges
✅ Military Spouse Employment Opportunities
✅ Exploration of Emerging Industries:

  • Green Energy
  •  Technology
  • E-commerce

✅ Support Systems for Local Entrepreneurs

Join the Conversation!
This session provides a unique platform to network, learn, and engage with local business leaders while addressing critical workforce and entrepreneurial challenges. Whether you’re a professional, entrepreneur, or aspiring business leader, this session offers insights and connections.

📢 Reserve Your Spot Today! Seating is limited to 25 attendees, so don’t miss out!
🔗 More Information & Registration: www.blackelpasovoice.com/epbbn
#ElPasoBlackBusiness #BlackHistoryMonth2025 #Entrepreneurship #Networking #CommunityLeadership

BEPV Staff
blackelpasovoice.com

Filed Under: Business, Community News

2025 Black History Tour

January 26, 2025 by BEPV Staff

McCall Neighborhood Center Presents: Second Annual Black History Tour
Join the McCall Neighborhood Center as it proudly hosts the Second Annual Black History Tour on February 8, 2025. This enriching event is an opportunity to celebrate and explore the rich history, culture, and contributions of the Black community.

Tour Times:

  • 8:30 AM
  • 9:00 AM
  • 11:30 AM
  • 2:00 PM

Don’t miss this exciting chance to engage with history in an immersive and meaningful way. Further details will be announced soon.
Reserve Your Spot Now
Spaces are limited, so act quickly to secure your spot!
Email: Greggddavis@yahoo.com
Call: 915-540-6186
Confirm your reservation today and be part of this inspiring journey through history.

BEPV Staff
blackelpasovoice.com

Filed Under: Black History Month, Community News

City Hosts Re-Opening Ceremony for Veterans Recreation Center

January 25, 2025 by BEPV Staff

WHO: The City of El Paso
WHAT: Grand Re-opening Ceremony for Veterans Recreation Center
WHEN: 4 p.m. Monday, January 27, 2025
WHERE: Veterans Recreation Center, 5301 Salem Drive

The City of El Paso invites the public to the grand re-opening ceremony for the Veterans Recreation Center, located at 5301 Salem Drive.

This highly utilized recreation center in Northeast El Paso received a $1.5 million facelift thanks to the 2012 Quality of Life Bond.

The renovations to this facility included:

  • New centralized restrooms
  • New game room (game room expansion)
  • New reception desks
    New surveillance system (CCTV)
  • Interior improvements (floors, paint, electrical, plumbing, HVAC)
  • New storefronts
  • Exterior paint

The renovations will breathe new life into this existing facility and allow it to serve the community for many more years to come. This project is part of the City of El Paso’s commitment to enhance the quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors.

BEPV Staff
blackelpasovoice.com

Filed Under: City of El Paso, Community News

Quarterly Roundtable with FBI El Paso: Discussion – Public Corruption

January 14, 2025 by BEPV Staff

Black El Paso Voice and FBI El Paso Host the Next Quarterly Roundtable with the FBI

The Black El Paso Voice is hosting its next Quarterly Roundtable on Thursday, January 23rd, at 6:00 PM. The event, presented by the members of The Black Roundtable, will focus on the pressing topic of PUBLIC CORRUPTION—how it affects our communities, why it matters, and what citizens can do to address it.

This important discussion is part of an ongoing effort to inform the community about safety, opportunities, and situational awareness. It will feature insights from the FBI, providing a unique opportunity to understand and combat corruption at the local level.

Location: McCall Neighborhood Center, 3231 Wyoming Ave, 79903.

For more information, please contact Monica at monica@blackelpasovoice.com.

Stay informed and engaged—mark your calendar and join this vital community conversation to empower yourself and make a difference.

BEPV Staff
blackelpasovoice.com

Filed Under: Community News, FBI El Paso Updates

A Story of Triumph: Dr. Jackeline Biddle Richard’s Unbroken Offers Hope to Domestic Violence Survivors

January 12, 2025 by Monica Tucker

 In her deeply moving and insightful new book, Unbroken: A Journey from Pain to Power, Dr. Jackeline Biddle Richard tackles the complex subject of domestic violence with a rare mix of vulnerability and strength. Her own journey as a survivor inspires the book, told through the fictional lens of Martina, an Afro-Latina woman grappling with the profound challenges and consequences of an abusive relationship.

On the surface, she appears to have it all—success, education, and a stable life—but beneath that façade lies a story of trauma and survival. Through Martina’s struggles and eventual transformation, Dr. Biddle Richard offers readers a window into the hidden realities of domestic violence while also challenging misconceptions that abuse only happens to certain types of people.

“Domestic violence doesn’t care about how much money you make or how many degrees you have,” Dr. Biddle Richard says. “It’s a problem that cuts across all demographics, and we need to stop pretending it’s someone else’s issue. It can happen to anyone, anywhere.”
Confronting Stereotypes and Sparking Conversation
Unbroken’s ability to confront common stereotypes about domestic violence is evident. The story’s focus on an accomplished, educated woman challenges readers to reconsider their perceptions of who can experience abuse. It also highlights the critical role that community support, education, and access to resources play in helping to break the cycle of violence.

Dr. Biddle Richard, who is also a mental health nurse and educator, has long been an advocate for domestic violence survivors, particularly in Black and Latinx communities. Her expertise and personal experiences make her uniquely equipped to approach the subject with sensitivity and authority.

Meet the Author | Book Release
To celebrate the release of Unbroken, Dr. Biddle Richard is hosting a book signing and meet-and-greet event at Barnes & Noble at The Fountains at Farah in El Paso, Texas, on Saturday, January 25th, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Attendees will have the chance to meet the author, discuss the book, and learn about her advocacy work.
This event is a celebration of her book and an opportunity for the community to engage in conversations about domestic violence and how to support survivors better. Dr. Biddle Richard also plans virtual book readings and Q&A sessions to ensure these discussions are accessible to a broader audience.

A Personal Reflection
I know Dr. Richard personally, and I can say without hesitation that her courage to share her story meaningfully is a testament to her resilience and commitment to helping others. I hope everyone who can will attend her book signing to hear her speak and connect with the message of Unbroken.

How to Get the Book
Unbroken: A Journey from Pain to Power is now available on Amazon and through the author’s website. For more information about Dr. Biddle Richard’s advocacy work and upcoming events, visit soymaravillosa.org.
This book is not just a story but a call to action and a resource for healing. Whether you’re a survivor, an advocate, or simply someone who wants to understand and help, Unbroken offers a powerful reminder that even the deepest wounds can heal, and no one is truly alone.

Monica Tucker

Monica is the founder and publisher of Black El Paso Voice. She is an advocate fighting against racism and embracing positive community involvement. She is a lover of God, Puerto Rican cuisine, and the greatest defender of her family. She also enjoy House Music and swears it’s the best music on the planet!

blackelpasovoice.com

Filed Under: Books, Community News

Sigma Tau Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Announces Virtual Talent Hunt for El Paso High School Students

January 9, 2025 by BEPV Staff

Sigma Tau Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., proudly presents its Virtual Talent Hunt, an inspiring showcase for El Paso’s most talented high school students. Open to all students from grades 9 through 12, this competition encourages young artists to demonstrate their skills from oratory to dancing and various other artistic disciplines.

Event Details

Eligibility: High school students in El Paso, Texas (grades 9–12)

Application Deadline: February 7, 2025
Students must submit an application and a signed parent release form by this date to participate.

Entry Submission Deadline: April 26, 2025
Final entries must be submitted by this date.

Prizes:

  • 1st Place: $300
  • 2nd Place: $200
  • 3rd Place: $100

Categories for Competition
Participants may choose to submit their talent from any of the following categories:

  • Music (Vocal/Instrumental): Broadway | Gospel | Top 40 | Jazz
  • Dramatic Interpretation: Poetry | Oration | Monologue
  • Visual Arts: Sculpture | Photography | Drawing | Painting
  • Dance: Ballet | Modern Dance | Jazz |Tap

How to Participate
Students must complete an application and submit a parent release form by February 7, 2025. Once registered, participants will have until April 26, 2025, to submit their entries for consideration.

Students can gain recognition for their creativity, compete for cash prizes, and hone their skills.

For More Information and Forms
Contact: BorderQueTalentHunt@gmail.com
Don’t miss this chance to shine and inspire the El Paso community with your artistry.

Register today and get ready to take the stage virtually!

 

BEPV Staff
blackelpasovoice.com

Filed Under: Community News, News & Information

First Black Mayor of El Paso

January 7, 2025 by BEPV Staff

PHOTOS: El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson, new city representatives sworn into office

by Elida S. Perez, El Paso Matters
January 7, 2025

Renard Johnson was sworn in as El Paso mayor Monday alongside six city representatives and a handful of municipal court judges during a ceremony at the Plaza Theatre in Downtown.

“Today marks a new chapter for our city, a day to reflect on where we have been, celebrate where we are, and to look forward with hope and determination where we are headed,” said Johnson, the city’s first Black mayor, after being sworn in by El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego. “I am honored to stand before you today as your new mayor.”

The Star on the Mountain, under the Starlighters program of the El Paso Chamber, was lit blue in honor of Johnson by his family Monday.

“Together we will tackle the challenges that lie ahead and make our city a better place to live,” he said, addressing the new council and staff and all public servants in the community. “El Paso is a city with rich history, a vibrant culture and an unbreakable spirit.”

In addressing El Paso residents, Johnson promised to serve with “humility, transparency and dedication,” saying he will never forget his duty is to the “people of this great city.”

More than 1,000 people – including family members, city employees and community and business leaders – attended the ceremony and the reception that followed at the theater’s lobby.

READ ALSO: Mayor-elect Renard Johnson talks about economic development, taxes, services and other issues

Also sworn in were city representatives Alejandra Chávez, District 1; Josh Acevedo, District 2; Deanna Maldonado Rocha, District 3; Cynthia Boyar Trejo, District 4; Ivan Niño, District 5; and Lily Limón, District 7.

RELATED: What exactly does an El Paso mayor do? We explain

The new elected city leadership will begin their official duties at Tuesday’s City Council meeting. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. at City Hall, 300 N. Campbell St., and is open to the public.

You can watch council meetings live at the city’s YouTube channel. Find meeting agendas here, and sign up to speak at council meetings here.

Municipal court judges sworn in Monday include Michelle Morales, Kristin Romero, David A. Bonilla, Samuel Flores and Mike Herrera, as well as court of appeals Judge Maria B. Ramirez.

Here are some photos from Monday’s ceremony:

  • Newly-elected officials and judges for the city of El Paso applaud after the Star-Spangled Banner is sung, Jan. 6, 2025. (Corrie Boudreaux/El Paso Matters)
  • Lily Limón is sworn in as city representative for District 7 at the Plaza Theatre, Jan. 6, 2025. (Corrie Boudreaux/El Paso Matters)
  • Ivan Niño is sworn in as city representative for District 5 at the Plaza Theatre, Jan. 6, 2025. (Corrie Boudreaux/El Paso Matters)
  • Cynthia Boyar Trejo is sworn in as city representative for District 4 at the Plaza Theatre, Jan. 6, 2025. (Corrie Boudreaux/El Paso Matters)
  • Deanna Maldonado-Rocha is sworn in as city representative for District 3 at the Plaza Theatre, Jan. 6, 2025. (Corrie Boudreaux/El Paso Matters)
  • Josh Acevedo is sworn in as city representative for District 2 at the Plaza Theatre, Jan. 6, 2025. (Corrie Boudreaux/El Paso Matters)
  • Alejandra Chavez is sworn in as city representative for District 1 at the Plaza Theatre, Jan. 6, 2025. (Corrie Boudreaux/El Paso Matters)
  • Renard Johnson, accompanied by his daughters, Aviva, left, and Neveah, stands to sworn in as El Paso city mayor by County Judge Ricardo Samaniego, Jan. 6, 2025. (Corrie Boudreaux/El Paso Matters)
  • El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego, left, congratulates newly-sworn in city of El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson and his family, Jan. 6, 2025. (Corrie Boudreaux/El Paso Matters)
  • Mayor Renard Johnson, left, and Ciudad Juárez Mayor Cruz Pérez Cuéllar embrace after Johnson's swearing-in at Plaza Theatre Jan. 6, 2025. (Corrie Boudreaux/El Paso Matters)

Several El Paso county officials were sworn into office in separate ceremonies over the past few days, including Oscar Ugarte as county sheriff; Christina Sanchez as county attorney; Jackie Arroyo Butler as Precinct 1 county commissioner; and James Montoya as district attorney.

This article first appeared on El Paso Matters and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

BEPV Staff
blackelpasovoice.com

Filed Under: #icymi, Community News, News & Information

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