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Former African American Affairs Office Staffers Speak Out 

September 4, 2026
Two women sit side by side in black chairs against a dark blue curtain, attentively listening. One wears a green shirt and glasses, the other a brown patterned top.

9.4.26 – Santa Fe New Mexican Lily Alexander interviews two former staffers from the state Office of African American Affairs about their experiences with high turnover and alleged workplace hostility — and their hopes for a turnaround.  Correspondent: Lily Alexander  Guests: Jacqueline Thomas, Former Staffer, NM Office of African American Affairs Asha Ortiz, Former Staffer, NM Office of African American Affairs  For…

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Turmoil at State African American Affairs Office 

September 4, 2026
Three men stand in a control room, holding papers and having a discussion. Monitors and technical equipment are visible in the background.

This week on New Mexico in Focus, Santa Fe New Mexican reporter Lily Alexander helps us understand her reporting on longstanding turnover and allegations of workplace hostility at the state Office of African American Affairs — including under the leadership of Executive Director Gene Grant, the former host of NMiF. Alexander interviews two former staffers…

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New Mexico in Focus is on hiatus as our team gears up for coverage of the general election; we'll be back with all new journalism in October.