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 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!