Paloma Chapa
Paloma Chapa is the multimedia editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at multimedia@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @paloma_chapa88
Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández comes to Popejoy Hall
Leila Chapa and Paloma Chapa | February 17On Friday, Feb. 14, Popejoy Hall was filled with colorful costumes, lively music and passionate dancers as Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández performed for one night in Albuquerque before returning to Mexico City. The world-renowned dance group traveled to New Mexico and shared its artistry of traditional song and dance, celebrating Mexican culture and heritage. The group performed at the Lensic Performing Arts Center in Santa Fe on Feb. 12 before its Valentine’s Day performance at the University of New Mexico. The performance and choreography exhibited traditional Folklorico dances from throughout the country and celebrated pre-colonial Mesoamerican cultures, according to a Popejoy press release.
Timeline: The history of Black protest at UNM
Leila Chapa and Paloma Chapa | February 10Throughout the University’s history, Black students have continued to fight for justice and equality at the University of New Mexico. Here are some of the many instances during which these students fought for what they believed was right. 1969 protest against Brigham Young University On Feb. 27, 1969, about 85 members of UNM’s Black Student Union and United Mexican American Students staged a walkout at a UNM-BYU basketball game to protest against Brigham Young University, whose racially discriminatory practices sparked protest across university athletic competitions against BYU, according to a 1969 Daily Lobo article.
UNM community responds to the ceasefire in Gaza
Leila Chapa and Paloma Chapa | February 3On Jan. 19, a three-stage ceasefire deal was negotiated between Israel and Hamas after 15 months of war in Gaza. Some students, faculty members and staff members say the pressure on the University of New Mexico to divest from Israel will not slow down. The first stage of the deal will allow greater humanitarian aid to enter the Gaza strip, Hamas’ release of 33 hostages in exchange for the release of hundreds of imprisoned Palestinians, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas and displaced Palestinians to return to their homes, according to The Associated Press.
People’s March held in Albuquerque in response to Trump presidency
Leila Chapa and Paloma Chapa | January 24Sunday, Jan. 19 On Jan. 19, hundreds of protesters rallied and marched at Civic Plaza during the People’s March in response to President Donald Trump’s return to office. Protesters chanted and carried signs highlighting areas another Trump presidency may impact, including reproductive rights, immigrant rights, environmental justice, affordable healthcare and Palestinian rights. Politicians and community members spoke to the crowd during the rally, including former United States Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D), Albuquerque City Councilor Nichole Rogers, poet Hakim Bellamy and Albuquerque First Lady Elizabeth Kistin Keller.
UNM Board of Regents votes to amend free speech policies
Leila Chapa and Paloma Chapa | January 20During a governance committee meeting on Dec. 5, 2024, members of the University of New Mexico Board of Regents passed amendments to UNM’s free speech policies, which will allow groups to rent spaces at UNM regardless of the nature of their speech. Robert Schwartz and Paula Tackett, the committee meeting’s two Regent attendees, voted on amendments to the Regents' Policy Manual Section 2.1: Free Expression and Advocacy, Section 2.2: Speakers from Off Campus and Section 2.8: Visitors to the University. The amendments went into effect Dec. 19.
City Council passes resolution to prohibit overnight camping in public spaces
Leila Chapa and Paloma Chapa | January 13Last month, the Albuquerque City Council voted to pass ordinances O-24-56 and O-24-58, which prohibit camping in tents or any other structure intended for spending the night in parks and public spaces. During a city council meeting on Dec. 16, 2024, O-24-56 passed on a 6-3 vote and O-24-58 passed on a 5-4 vote. Some public commenters expressed concerns about how the ordinances would impact Albuquerque’s unhoused population. Both bills were sponsored by city councilor Renée Grout, who represents District 9. Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller did not sign either bill but did not exercise his veto power, meaning both bills went into effect.
Outgoing regent pushes for neutral position on divestment from Israel
Leila Chapa and Paloma Chapa | January 13On Dec. 19, after public comment during the final University of New Mexico Board of Regents meeting of 2024, Robert Schwartz became the first regent to formally speak publicly about University divestment from Israel. Students, faculty members and community members in support of Palestine have been speaking about the topic at Regents meetings since February. The agenda for the Dec. 19 Regents meeting initially listed “Consideration of Administration Analysis of Recommendations Regarding Divestment from Israel and Certain Companies” as an action item, but it was later removed, according to an email from the Board of Regents’ office provided to the Daily Lobo. During the meeting, Schwartz said that the decision to remove divestment from the agenda was “cowardly,” and that UNM should take a neutral position regarding divestment.
UNM Palestine solidarity encampment protesters reflect after final dismissed charges
Leila Chapa and Paloma Chapa | December 11Last month, the final criminal charges were dismissed against protesters who were arrested during the April occupation of the University of New Mexico Student Union Building in support of Palestine. Months after the event, protesters are reflecting on its impact. UNM alum and community organizer Siihasin Hope was the only protester who had damages attached to their criminal trespass charge. Hope’s attorney’s office confirmed via email on Nov. 13 that all their charges were dismissed with prejudice.
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VIDEO STORY: Lobo men's hockey battles rivals NAU in close back-to-back games
Leila Chapa , John P. Hefti and Paloma Chapa | December 9On Friday, Dec. 6, the Lobos lost 3-2 in a close game against Northern Arizona University. The next day, the Lobos managed to hold a 3-3 draw before ultimately losing 6-4 to NAU.