Rep. Gabe Vasquez Hosts Events to Uplift Youth and Support Families
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Today, July 18, 2024, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (N.M.-02) hosted events aimed at empowering youth and supporting families in New Mexico. These initiatives reflect his commitment to fostering community engagement, preserving cultural heritage and promoting the well-being of young people and families in New Mexico.
“Preserving our cultural heritage and empowering our youth to be stewards of our environment is work I’ve taken on for many years,” said Vasquez. “There is so much to be learned outside the classroom. I’m committed to working alongside organizations such as the Center for Sustainable Systems, Story Riders and PB&J Family Services, which create opportunities for our young people to learn, grow and receive the support they need.”
On a walk through community waterways in Albuquerque, Vasquez and leaders of the Center for Sustainable Systems (CESSOS) discussed and explored the importance of water, agriculture and acequias. Acequias are a key part of New Mexico’s heritage and irrigation practices and have been a staple of the agricultural landscape for centuries. Vasquez also spoke about cycling safety with students with Story Riders, a program that empowers children and youth of color to connect with nature and their cultural heritage through guided cycling experiences.
“The opportunity we had today with Congressman Vasquez is very important to our community. The grave need of the future is going to be water, and unless we start teaching our kids today about water, and our water systems, we’re going to be in a lot of trouble,” said Jorge Garcia, Director of the Center for Social Sustainable Systems. “The fact that Congressman Vasquez was here this morning is a testament to his involvement with the community. It shows that he’s interested in coming into our places where we congregate and responding to our kids. It’s phenomenal to have not only a role model like him, who looks like us, but also someone who can really, genuinely come in to be with your community.”
“The lack of bicycling infrastructure in Albuquerque makes our students feel unsafe. Today, we talked with Congressman Vasquez about the importance of protected bike lanes to keep students safe,” said Marco Sandoval, Program Manager for Story Riders. “Drivers can be reckless, and a painted line doesn’t provide the level of safety that a physical barrier can. Albuquerque recently installed its first protected bike lanes. We would love to see the same in the South Valley, so we are grateful to talk with Congressman Vasquez about this issue.”
Tia Baca, a 10-year-old student with Story Riders, said during the walk, “[Congressman Vasquez] reminds me of a brave man, like he can do literally anything, and I think he’ll help us out.”
Vasquezalso met with PB&J Family Services, which offers assistance to families and children to promote parent education and childhood development. Speaking with providers and child care advocates, he emphasized his commitment to early childhood education, socio-emotional learning and family support to provide families and communities with a solid foundation for the future.
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