By Jesse Jones
At its Feb. 26 meeting, the Sandoval County Commission proclaimed February 2025 Black History Month and honored the African American contributions to the community.
Sandoval County Commissioner Joshua Jones issued the proclamation and commended Bishop Christopher Keeling of Unity and Faith Ministries Church in Rio Rancho for his service to the community. Keeling, a veteran law enforcement officer and the lead chaplain overseeing 17 chaplains for the Rio Rancho Police Department, was recognized for his exceptional leadership in bringing communities together through faith and service.
“Many have paid the ultimate price to ensure that we as people can live in a manner that we do today,” Keeling said. “Black History Month exists because of the efforts of many, adults and children alike from all backgrounds have the opportunity to learn about the things that African Americans have accomplished and also learn about the contributions that have been made by African Americans throughout this country.”
Reading from the proclamation, Jones said Black History Month honors the struggles, triumphs and resilience of African Americans who have shaped the nation and continue to inspire future generations. The commission reaffirmed the county’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
Originally from Houston, Keeling spent 33 years in law enforcement with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, working with all kinds of people on both sides of the law. He said he retired on September 28, 2018, and the next day was en route to Rio Rancho.
“I got here thinking that I wasn’t going to do anything in law enforcement again, but that itch was still there,” Keeling said.
Keeling encourages everyone he meets, regardless of age, ethnicity or socioeconomic status, to be proud of who God made them to be.
He said no one is better than the next, as we are all made in his image. Keeling reminded others that it’s okay to take pride in who they are, whether black, white, Asian, or Latino.
“That doesn’t make you at all not appreciate and respect others for who they may be,” he said. “We’re all in this world together.”
Keeling said he proudly accepted the proclamation on behalf of everyone who is doing their part to make the country, county, city and state a better place.