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Black El Paso Voice

All Things Black in El Paso

News & Information

McCall Neighborhood Center: A Call to Advertisers for the 2024 African American Historical Calendar

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The McCall Neighborhood Center, a cherished institution dedicated to celebrating African-American heritage and community achievements, is thrilled to announce the forthcoming release of its fourth African American Historical Calendar for 2024. This initiative, driven by a commitment to uphold the legacy of local trailblazers, organizations, and churches, also serves as a vital fundraiser for the center’s continued operations and programs.

This annual publication pays homage to individuals, institutions, and places that have paved the way for progress in the McCall neighborhood and beyond. The African American Historical Calendar showcases the community’s rich achievements, art, and cultural heritage. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of founder Leona Ford Washington, who envisioned a platform for celebrating African American heritage and fostering community unity.

As part of this fundraising initiative, McCall Neighborhood Center invites individuals and businesses to participate by purchasing advertisements in the 2024 African American Historical Calendar. The following advertising options are available:

  • Full Page Ad: $100
  • Half Page Ad: $50
  • Business Listing: $15
  • Church Listing: $15
  • Events Listing (Birthday, Anniversary, etc.): $10

The deadline for ad submissions is November 10th, providing an excellent opportunity for businesses and individuals to show their support for this noble cause.

For each full-page ad purchased, contributors will receive a complimentary calendar and one free event date listing. Additional calendars are available for purchase for $10 each. 

As a token of appreciation, McCall Neighborhood Center will recognize the generous contributors to this fundraiser project as “Olympian Supporters.” Donors who contribute $100 or more will be celebrated as GOLD supporters, those donating $50 or more as SILVER supporters, and contributors of $25 or more as BRONZE supporters.

For the past 38 years, McCall Neighborhood Center has remained steadfast in its mission to celebrate African American accomplishments and culture while providing a space for community engagement. The center is immensely grateful for the unwavering support it has received from friends and supporters throughout its journey.

McCall Neighborhood Center invites everyone to participate in this meaningful project by submitting an ad or contributing as an Olympian Supporter.  

Sincerely,

The McCall Neighborhood Center African American Historical Calendar Committee:

Patricia White

Doris M. Taylor

Karen Cooper Linen

Barbara Byrd 

For more information or to purchase an ad, visit https://mccallcenter.org 

Your support ensures the continuation of our mission and honors the legacy of those who have paved the way for our community’s success.

Multi-Agency Effort to Curb School Threats: A Call for Safety and Responsibility in El Paso Area

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As schools kick off a new academic year, law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies in El Paso have joined hands to remind parents, students, and the community that threats aimed at schools will not be tolerated. The multi-agency collaboration vows to treat every threat seriously, mobilizing substantial resources to address and defuse potential dangers.

 

In a recent press release, officials highlighted the alarming increase in school threats nationwide, with a staggering 60% rise in reported threats to the FBI in 2022 compared to the previous year. Locally, law enforcement agencies in El Paso faced the daunting task of addressing at least three threats per day from schools in Region 19 school districts during the same period.

 

Social Media Vigilance and Responsibility

One crucial aspect of this joint endeavor is the emphasis on community involvement. Officials urge immediate reporting to law enforcement if a threat is detected on social media platforms. However, the release warns against forwarding the threatening content to others, as it can exacerbate community fear and hinder law enforcement’s ability to distinguish between new threats and previously shared ones.

 

Unified Effort for Student Safety

Statements from key officials within the agencies underscore the collaborative nature of this initiative. El Paso Independent School District Chief of Police Manuel Chavira emphasized that unity and consistency among law enforcement partners are instrumental in safeguarding students and maintaining community vitality. El Paso Police Department Interim Police Chief Peter Pacillas further warned against the grave consequences of false alarms, stressing that threats, regardless of their origin, will be met with an immediate and thorough investigation.

 

El Paso County District Attorney Bill Hicks reaffirmed the commitment to prosecuting those responsible for school threats, underscoring the penalties’ severity. Threats culminating in actions, such as bringing firearms to schools, can lead to 3rd Degree Felony charges, leading to a 10-year prison term.

 

Community Involvement and Reporting

The broader community is called upon to play an active role in maintaining school safety. Law enforcement agencies have established several avenues for reporting threats: immediate threats to life should be reported via 911, while other tips can be shared with preferred law enforcement agencies. The City of El Paso offers various reporting methods that are monitored around the clock, including calling (915) 832-4400, texting 847-411 with “EPPD and then tip,” and using the “El Paso PD” app for texting tips and receiving alerts. Additionally, the FBI can receive tips at tips.fbi.gov or by calling (915) 832-5000.

 

A United Front Against Violence

This multi-agency effort aims to guarantee that schools remain secure learning and development environments. FBI El Paso Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey R. Downey, speaking from his roles as a law enforcement officer and a parent, underscores the significance of vigilance and communication. He encourages parents to converse with their children about school safety and promptly report concerns to authorities.

 

The collaboration extends beyond local agencies, as El Paso Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose Luis Gonzalez acknowledges officials’ collective determination nationwide to curtail school violence. He emphasizes that commitment and collaboration are the only ways to achieve a safe and peaceful learning environment.

 

Conclusion

As El Paso and its surrounding areas enter a new academic year, the community is reminded that everyone has a role to play in preserving the safety of its students. Through active reporting, responsible social media behavior, and a united effort among law enforcement agencies, parents, students, and officials alike can work together to ensure that schools remain nurturing environments where growth and learning can thrive without the looming shadow of threats.

We Remember – August 3, 2019 | Honoring Victims – Standing with Families and Survivors

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Four years ago, on this day, I received news that shook me to my core. I was away from home in Nashville when I got a call from my dear friend and advisor, Pastor Michael Grady. His voice trembled as he told me his daughter was among the victims of a mass shooting at a Walmart in El Paso. My heart sank, and I immediately reached out to my own family, praying that they were safe, but I couldn’t shake off the overwhelming feeling of sadness that engulfed the entire community of El Paso.

Today, as we remember that dark day, my thoughts are with the victims’ families, who carry the weight of their loss daily. I cannot fathom their pain, but I stand in solidarity with them, sending prayers for strength and healing. We must remember the names and faces of those we lost, for they were more than just statistics—they were loved ones, cherished members of their families and communities.

We implore you to call out the victims’ names and remember their families as you pray for peace and comfort.

  • Andre Anchondo, 23
  • Jordan Anchondo, 24
  • Arturo Benavides, 60
  • Leonardo Campos, 41
  • Angie Englisbee, 86
  • Maria Flores, 77
  • Raul Flores, 77
  • Guillermo “Memo” Garcia, 36
  • Jorge Calvillo García, 61
  • Adolfo Cerros Hernández, 68
  • Alexander Gerhard Hoffman, 66
  • David Johnson, 63
  • Luis Alfonzo Juarez, 90
  • Maria Eugenia Legarreta Rothe, 58
  • Maribel (Campos) Loya, 56
  • Ivan Filiberto Manzano, 46
  • Elsa Mendoza Marquez, 57
  • Gloria Irma Márquez, 61
  • Margie Reckard, 63
  • Sara Esther Regalado Moriel, 66
  • Javier Rodriguez, 15
  • Teresa Sanchez, 82
  • Juan Velazquez, 77

As we remember the victims, let us not forget the survivors. That tragic event forever altered their lives, and they bear that fateful day’s visible and invisible scars. We must respect their choices and the choices of those who stand with them in remembering and coping with the trauma they endured. Some may find solace in sharing their stories in person, while others might seek comfort online through support groups and forums. Some prefer to remember privately, in their thoughts and prayers. Whatever their choice may be, we must offer understanding and empathy.

In remembering this day, let us unite as a community, nation, and human beings. Let us honor the memory of those we lost by fostering a world of compassion, understanding, and love. While honoring the victims and survivors, let us forever engrain the insights gained from that sorrowful incident. Let us dedicate our efforts to preventing any future occurrence of such irrational cruelty.

Today, I stand with El Paso and all the communities affected by racism and domestic terrorism. May we find strength in unity and may the memories of those we lost serve as a powerful reminder of the work that still needs to be done.

August is Black Business Month

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Celebrate August as Black Business Month! Throughout the month, #EPBlackBusinessNetwork will shine a spotlight on Black Entrepreneurs on the Border, featured in the #ElPasoBlackBusinessDirectory. Founded by Historian John William Templeton and engineer Frederick E. Jordan Sr in 2004, National Black Business Month aims to impact policies affecting 2.6 million Black businesses.

Despite facing historical challenges like systemic racism, redlining, and violence, Black businesses have shown incredible resilience and success. Let’s honor those who paved the way for today’s entrepreneurs in El Paso County with Black El Paso Voice.

El Paso can make a positive impact by supporting initiatives like elpasoblackpages.com, a free platform for Black business owners, and the El Paso Black Business Network.  Embracing business diversity and celebrating milestones, successes, and progress in the Black business community is vital for our city’s continued success.

Black entrepreneurs bring unique perspectives, talents, and innovation that enrich the fabric of our city. It’s essential to provide them with the necessary resources, opportunities, and recognition.  Let’s also remember, as business owners, to prioritize delivering a pleasant customer experience. #BlackBusinessMonth #SupportBlackBusinesses #ElPasoEntrepreneurs #BusinessDiversity #InnovationMatters

Calling All Artistic Specialists! Join us in Shaping the Future of Young Black Artistic Visionaries!

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Attention artists specializing in painting, writing, music, dance, and other art forms! We invite you to join our mission of shaping the next generation of Black youth who are artistic visionaries from the ages of five to 18 years old.

No matter your creative expertise, whether it’s in painting, writing, music, dance, acting, or any other art form, your unique skills are highly valued. We are seeking individuals like you to become mentors and make a significant impact on the aspiring young artists of today.

By sharing your knowledge, experience, and passion, you can guide these talented individuals on their artistic journeys, helping them unlock their full potential. Together, we can create a community that celebrates creativity and nurtures the growth of future creative trailblazers.

If you’re ready to make a difference and contribute to the artistic legacy of tomorrow, we encourage you to join us as a mentor. Please contact Brandy Wyche at brandy@blackelpasovoice.com to learn more or express your interest.

Let’s come together to shape the future of art and inspire the next generation of Black artistic visionaries!