Simone comes from a family of social justice activists and has a personal and profound understanding of the Black experience here in New Mexico. She is a native of Albuquerque and a proud graduate of New Mexico State University in Las Cruces. With a professional background in finance and banking, Simone is eager to merge her personal and professional background into centering Black voices while raising awareness, support, and funds for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico and allied organizations.

In response to the shifting demographics of New Mexico and the imperative need to foster a more inclusive and representative donor base, the ACLU of New Mexico is embarking on an exciting new endeavor: the creation of the Black Donor Network (BDN). I started this initiative to cultivate, honor, and empower Black donors across the state.

Our vision is to establish a transformative space where Black individuals, organizations, and businesses can come together to support and advance the mission of the ACLU of New Mexico and allied organizations, while also amplifying voices of the Black community in the philanthropic landscape of New Mexico.

We hope to honor the cultural legacy and power of Black philanthropy. Last year, the Black community shared a higher percentage of their wealth than white households and gave over $11 billion in the U.S. Yet philanthropy in the Black community reaches beyond just monetary donations, the community comes together as a collective to volunteer their time and share resources and connections to help take care of one another.

Growing up in New Mexico, I didn’t see many people that looked like me outside of my family. Our heritage is very rich, and my parents instilled the importance of philanthropy, community, history, education, acceptance, and celebrating what our ancestors built, died, and fought so hard for. 

I remember bragging about my history in grade school – my favorite stories were about the Black Cowboys in the Southwest, Jackie Robinson, Buffalo Soldiers and Black Wall Street. No one ever believed me; not even the few other Black kids I grew up with knew this part of our history. This is why it is so important to have a space like this for our community in New Mexico. 

Our vision is to establish a transformative space where Black individuals, organizations, and businesses can come together to support and advance the mission of the ACLU of New Mexico and allied organizations

If you identify as Black, we invite you to join the network and our monthly meetings! Save the date for Friday, May 31 for our Black Donors Network launch party and logo unveiling! Interested in attending, becoming a member, learning more? Email Simone Crum-Muckle at: [email protected]. 

Black Donor Network objectives: 

1. Community Engagement and Inclusion: Develop and grow a diverse Black Donor Network that reflects the rich tapestry of New Mexico's Black community. 
2. Philanthropic Empowerment: Foster a safe and inclusive environment for open dialogue, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas within the Black philanthropic community. 
3. Cultural Preservation: Acknowledge and celebrate the historical contributions of Black communities in New Mexico, promoting cultural awareness and preservation. 
4. Leadership Development: Elevate Black voices and empower emerging leaders within the ACLU-NM BDN, ensuring representation and participation in decision-making processes. 
5. Partnerships and Advocacy: Forge partnerships with allied organizations and advocate for systemic changes addressing the unique challenges faced by the Black community.