Black History Month Spotlight: Dr. Harold Bailey

Feb 10, 2021 Black History Month Dr. Harold Bailey Spotlight

Dr. Harold Bailey is a community leader in his home state of New Mexico. He served as president of the Albuquerque NAACP from 2000 to 2004, and from 2012 until today. In this role, Dr. Bailey prioritizes education and outreach to the Black community in Albuquerque and beyond.

In 2020, the Albuquerque NAACP endorsed the Elizabeth Whitefield End of Life Option Act, which would authorize medical aid in dying in New Mexico. In a letter addressed to the Governor and members of the legislature, Dr. Bailey states, “...we must expand options for care and address health disparities in New Mexico, including education and access. It is imperative that our communities of color begin discussing their values and healthcare preferences, and be aware of their options for care at the end of life.” 

Dr. Bailey has also served on and chaired multiple boards, including the National Council for Black Studies, the New Mexico Black Studies Consortium, the New Mexico Advisory Committee to the United States Commission on Civil Rights and the New Mexico Dr. Martin Luther King Federal Holiday Commission. Dr. Bailey has received multiple awards in his lifetime, including the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award.

Dr. Bailey attended the University of New Mexico, where he received his B.S. degree in health and physical education. He went on to receive his M.A. in special education, and his Ph.D. in American studies, both from the University of New Mexico.

Watch the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpiONodvm-I