Commission recognizes Stansbury field representative for Black History Month

BERNALILLO — Sandoval County commissioners recognized Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury's field representative for Black History Month.

Commissioner Josh Jones presented a proclamation to Ebony Rencher Feb. 10 during a regular commission meeting.

"It's always an honor and privilege to be able to present the proclamation for Black History Month," Jones said.

In the proclamation, Jones not only shared the history of African Americans but recognized local Black Student Union chapters at the high schools and the progress made in the country for civil rights.

"I have the the privilege of introducing someone I think the world of," Jones said. 

He recalled meeting Rencher when she first started as a field representative. He said she has experience with legislative support, community outreach and event coordination. Her master's degree is in multimedia journalism and communications.

"She is deeply committed to serving families and communities across the district," he said.

Rencher prepared a statement for receiving the proclamation.

"I stand here today because people who came before me refused to be silent, refused to give up and refused to accept the country that did not fully see them. Their courage made my presence in this space possible," she said.

She shared that she grew up in Albuquerque and graduated from high school there, serving as student union president.

"Those early experiences really shaped who I am and how I show up for my community," she said. 

Rencher said her parents made sure she understood Black history "and the journey of those who came before me, teaching me the importance of knowing where we came from and why our voices matter."

She added that she was taught to value education at an early age by her parents.

"But they didn't stop there and made sure that I understood the legacy of historically Black colleges and universities and the power and purpose of Black Greek letter organizations that we proudly call the Divine Nine. Today I'm honored to be a member of one of those organizations, the same organization as former Vice President Kamala Harris, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated," she said.

For Rencher, she said, history isn't just about memorizing facts. 

"It was about understanding resilience. It was about understanding excellence in the case of exclusion. Those institutions were created because doors were closed. Because seats at certain tables were never meant for us. And instead of waiting for permission, our ancestors built their own tables," she said. 

"That lesson stuck with me. When opportunities aren't handed to you, you create them. And when you create them, you make sure that there's room for others."

While she was finishing her master's and teaching as an adjunct professor at Eastern New Mexico University, she said, she looked back on opportunities she was afforded that her ancestors weren't.

"I thought about how many of them wish that they could be teachers or politicians or artists or doctors, only to have those dreams ripped away from them. Standing in front of the classroom was never something that I took lightly. I found a deep responsibility not only to teach, but to reach students who are falling through the cracks and struggling to graduate," she added.

She said she didn't envision being a field representative but found the job with Stansbury was fulfilling.

"It is a true privilege because it allows me to be a voice or the voiceless and to use my platform to advocate for the issues that matter most to my community and the communities across New Mexico. It means that I'm not only just able to help students now, but anyone who's falling through the cracks and doesn't have access to the resources that they need," she said.

But, she said, she knows she wouldn't have been able to get to where she is without standing on her ancestors' shoulders.

"Black history is American history. Every part of this country has been shaped by Black Americans and without their contributions, this country would not be what it is. At a time when Black history is being challenged and in some cases being stripped from school curriculum altogether, it is more important than ever that we remember the full truth of our story," she stated.

"We must remember the sacrifices that were made, the lives that were lost in the extraordinary resilience, brilliance, and innovation that black Americans have contributed to this country. Black history is not a footnote, it is foundational and honoring it means telling it fully, honestly and unapologetically."