After graduating from UNM with a doctorate in American studies, he became a professor and the director of Afro-American studies at UNM in the 1970s. In 2003 he was appointed executive director of the New Mexico Office of African American Affairs by then-Gov. Bill Richardson. He retired in 2012.
Bailey is currently working as the president of the Albuquerque National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and as a teacher for APS.
DL: How did you get involved with making sure the community’s concerns were heard by the city and APD?
HB: “I am working with (civil rights attorney Scott) Greenwood and (former police chief Thomas) Streicher to make sure that the community input is involved in the court decree between the DOJ and the APD. I am like a community outreach engagement person. I am acting as a conduit between the community at large and the city of Albuquerque and APD in this court situation. have been meeting with different entities within the community: community organizations, individuals, retired APD officers and some of the groups that are passionately against APD and the agreement. My concern is to make sure that the community’s concerns are at the forefront, and at the same time protect the rights and credibility of the APD officers who work diligently every day to serve and protect. We are only talking about a few who are not doing what they are supposed to be doing, and that is what the community is upset about. Throughout this process we need to make sure we have oversight, transparency and consequences when they are deserved.”
DL: Why do you feel it is so important that we find common ground with the city and especially APD?
HB: “Well, let’s look at Dr. Martin Luther King. He was involved in protests and demonstrations aggressively, but he believed in peace and not destroying the community. At the same time, he came to the conference table, the negotiating table. He understood the art of compromise — you can’t get everything you want, but you get a lot more than you had, for the benefit of the people. I am a firm believer in protest and demonstration, but there comes a time when we have to come to the table and negotiate, and say ‘what can we all agree on’ as opposed to talking about what we disagree on.”
DL: Have you found any common ground in talking with each side?
HB: “During my conversations, intense conversations, with various aspects of the community — faith-based groups, health providers — one of the main concerns is that we need to respect law enforcement. If anything happens, that’s who we have to call. We need to give them a certain amount of respect, because they have a hard job every day. But if we can come together and agree on transparency, if there is credible evidence to impose sanctions or consequences against an officer, it needs to happen. We need proper training, with diverse curriculum about cultural sensitivity and dealing with socially disenfranchised groups. This is what we all want, it is the way we go about doing it. A crucial thing will be a federal monitor, and community oversight.
“We have to restore trust in APD. A lot of damaging instances have taken place. It is an unfortunate situation because most officers do not deserve that mistreatment or heckling.”
DL: How important do you think it is that police officers who have been found to be violating civil rights face criminal charges? Is that necessary for the community to heal?
HB: “Well, there are certain rules, regulations and laws for civilians, police officers and everyone else. So if there is enough credible evidence to justify suspension, termination or criminal charges, then those in change need to enforce those laws regardless of who violated them. The law applies to everyone. We cannot pick and choose. We need consistent and fair enforcement. I think that will restore trust in the community.”
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DL: There are a lot of people here on campus who have been active in protests and are looking for real change. What would be your advice to them, to let their voices be heard?
HB: “I would say do not let the message be lost in protest and demonstration. There has to be a time when concerned parties come to the table with respect and sound minds to come up with a collective strategy to resolve these issues. Period.”
DL: Has the APD shown willingness to engage in that kind of dialogue?
HB: “Yes, I have confidence that the police chief, and the department on his direction, are responsive to some open and productive dialogue. The chief has asked community members to contact him and his staff directly with concerns. Certain things are trying to be implemented, but it is going to take some time. When we want something, we want it right now. But in order to change attitudes and fix the situation, it will take time. But we all have to put forth an effort, and leave the politics and the egos out. Let’s come together and work for what’s best for the people.”
Jonathan Baca is the news editor at the Daily Lobo. He can be contacted at news@dailylobo.com, or on Twitter @JonGabrielB.
