Congresswoman Deb Haaland, City Councilors Klarissa Peña and Cynthia Borrego, Mayor Keller and Community Members Joined Together for a Conversation and Prayer for Unity and Healing

June 22, 2020

Today, Congresswoman Deb Haaland, City Councilors Klarissa Peña and Cynthia Borrego along with Mayor Tim Keller participated in a powerful healing discussion about ways to begin to move our community forward in these uncertain times.

Leaders joined the conversation online to begin a dialogue of healing—sharing their unique perspectives with a focus on listening and honoring the work that still has to be done; and to invite the community to join the discussion.

“We are all New Mexicans and we have made huge contributions to our state through hard work and our respect for one another. What I hope comes out of this conversation is acknowledgment of our past, a path to healing from those actions that seep into the present, and unity to move us forward."

City Councilor Klarissa Peña shared, “Our New Mexico history is long and complicated, and I do not view the monuments of our past as a celebration of conquest, but as symbols of our shared history. Within that legacy I am most proud of my community’s resilience and ongoing journey toward unity. I understand and ally myself with the struggle towards racial equality in America.  It has been the foundation for my personal work as a neighborhood activist and community leader.”

“This process isn't just about whether or not to take down a statue, it's about finding ways to reconcile and heal historical trauma with a real reconciliation process that can be there to help future generations as well,” stated Mayor Tim Keller.  “I was born and raised here, I love this city, all of our collective heritage; with all its scars, wounds and enchantment.  We are a uniquely resilient community and have found ways to live together and celebrate each other, despite our differences. And we can and we will find the path there again.”

Councilor Borrego added, “This conversation was a display of unity that we know exists in our city.  We will continue to listen, and work toward tolerance, unity and cooperation in our community.”

To listen to the full remarks from Congresswoman Deb Haaland, City Councilor Klarissa Peña and Mayor Tim Keller use the following links:

Congresswoman Deb Haaland - https://www.dropbox.com/s/qmkpdenh24kmkn7/Deb%20Haaland%2062220.mov?dl=0

Mayor Keller - https://www.dropbox.com/s/53rzbg6ixk8xg98/Mayor%20Keller%2062220.mov?dl=0

City Councilor Klarissa Peña-- https://www.dropbox.com/s/ncipx8lcrs7z0vr/Councilor%20Pena%20-%2062220.mov?dl=0