by Madi Wagner / LasCruceslocal.org

Albert Norris Johnson, a prominent figure in Las Cruces history, was the first Black mayor of New Mexico. He began his political career when he was elected to the Las Cruces City Commission on March 18, 1968. In 1969, he was appointed by Governor David Cargo to serve on New Mexico's Fair Employment Practices Commission. Johnson later became the chairman of the state's Commission on Human Rights. On March 15, 1976, he was selected as mayor of Las Cruces by a 3-2 vote from the City Commission. He served as mayor until 1980. Johnson passed away from leukemia at the age of 49 on December 5, 1984. His legacy is honored in Las Cruces with Albert Johnson Park, located at Main Street and Picacho Avenue.

Original Information Source: City of Las Cruces | Las Cruces NM | Facebook

Las Cruces, NM

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