Funeral services for Harold Bailey, president of the Albuquerque NAACP branch, will be held later this month.
He is remembered by state and local leaders as a champion of equality who spent half a century battling bigotry in New Mexico.
Bailey died Monday at 78. State Rep. Pamelya Herndon, D-Albuquerque, who served as first vice president under Bailey, said a visitation is scheduled 8 a.m. to 5 p.m Jan. 28 at Strong-Thorne Mortuary, 1100 Coal Ave. SE.
Bailey’s funeral will take place at 11 a.m. Jan. 29 in the Kiva Auditorium at the Albuquerque Convention Center.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Harold Bailey, a tireless advocate and leader who dedicated over 50 years of his life to fighting for justice, equality, and the betterment of the Albuquerque community,” the organization announced on its Facebook page. “He was a beacon of hope and a driving force for change, leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.”
The post went on to note Bailey’s various approaches to reaching his goals, often engaging with local government, schools, law enforcement and other organizations, seeking to ensure marginalized people’s voices were heard and their concerns were addressed.
Herndon said Bailey headed the local NAACP chapter in two separate stints: from 2000 to 2004, and again since 2012. Between those terms, he was director of the New Mexico Office of African American Affairs.
Herndon said Bailey was a champion for social justice and wanted to see all students get the best education possible.
She said Bailey was a strident proponent of STEM programs and that he and Rev. Charles Becknell Sr., founding director of the Africana Studies Program at the University of New Mexico, helped ensure local youth could participate in robotics competitions.
Mayor Tim Keller in a statement said he was saddened by the loss of someone who made Albuquerque better.
“Throughout the years, his advice and insight on civil rights and issues important to our Black community were invaluable to me,” Keller said. “He was a champion of so many endeavors that have enriched our city, state and our nation, from African American studies, to civil rights, to childhood development. His service leaves a lasting impact on our community. My thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Bailey’s family, friends, and the entire community mourning his loss.”
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued a statementpraising Bailey’s leadership on healthcare and education issues. She said she regarded his support as key to passage of the Elizabeth Whitefield End of Life Option Act in 2020.
“Dr. Bailey’s belief in empowering communities, particularly communities of color, in making informed decisions about their values and end-of-life care was instrumental in the act’s eventual passage,” she said. “I thank him for his advocacy and commitment to ensuring dignity and choice for all.”
Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina said Bailey was a key partner in strengthening his department through reform efforts.
“Dr. Bailey was a true trailblazer who genuinely cared about his community. He was full of ideas and was always willing to step up to the plate and support our department as we grow and evolve,” Medina said in a statement. “This is a huge loss to our community, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him.”
Herndon noted Bailey earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees and a doctorate from UNM and chose to maintain a career in Albuquerque.
“We like to think of him as the standard for growing our own,” she said.