[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 34 (Friday, February 20, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E146]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                    CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. TERESA LEGER FERNANDEZ

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 20, 2026

  Ms. LEGER FERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, Black History is New Mexico 
History. From Estevanico, an enslaved man who was the first, that we 
know of, non-Indigenous person to step foot in New Mexico after an 
adventure through the Americas that should be legend, to the Buffalo 
Soldiers who stood watch across this territory, and to the families who 
built Blackdom out of dust and determination.
  While the Black community in New Mexico may be small in number, it 
has never been small in impact. Our state's story cannot be told 
without them.
  Before statehood, before the railroads, and before the border crossed 
us, Black history here has been a story of people who kept showing up. 
They showed up when there were only 22 Black residents counted in the 
territory. They showed up when hotels were segregated and yearbooks 
placed Black students in the back pages. They showed up when banks 
would not lend and schools would not welcome them. Now, we are all 
showing up together.
  There are forces right now that want to erase this history, to 
whitewash it and ban it from schools, and to call conversations about 
race ``divisive.'' They have even posted racist videos attacking the 
Black excellence of a former President and First Lady. They attack 
Black culture, immigrant culture, and Native culture--as if the 
richness of our heritage is something to be feared.
  It may feel like they are winning. But in New Mexico, we know our 
cultures are not threats. They are treasures. We will not stand by 
while anyone tries to diminish them. As John Lewis reminded us: ``The 
vote is precious. It is almost sacred. It is the most powerful 
nonviolent tool we have in a democratic society.'' He also reminded us 
that ``democracy is not a state. It is an act.''
  We believe democracy works best when everyone participates. We come 
from builders. They built culture. Culture is power. Culture is how 
people survive what was meant to break them. Black culture will survive 
this.
  We will organize. When they try to intimidate voters, we will 
mobilize. When they try to erase history, we will teach it louder. When 
they try to tear down our cultures, we will build them up.

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