Bernalillo County and the City of Albuquerque’s Community Safety Department have partnered for the 2025 Summer of Nonviolence, a seasonal initiative promoting peace and safe activities for youth. The kickoff event is scheduled for Wednesday, June 4, from 10 a.m. to noon at Mariposa Basin Park, located at 4900 Kachina St NW.
The launch will feature a joint news conference with city and county leaders, including Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller, Bernalillo County Commissioner Adriann Barboa, Sheriff John Allen, Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina, County Manager Cindy Chavez, and Albuquerque Community Safety Department Director Jodie Esquibel.
The initiative encourages youth to sign the Pledge for Nonviolence at the event, with community members of all ages also invited to participate.
“We’re coming together, city and county, to show that building a safer community starts with each of us,” Barboa said. “This kickoff is just the beginning of a summer filled with action, goodwill and support.”
The event will feature free refreshments from local food trucks, live performances, games, community resources and special giveaways. The family-friendly event is free and open to the public, offering an opportunity to connect with neighbors and make a positive impact.
“When we help our youth find direction and purpose, we’re keeping them on the right path and out of trouble, setting them up for success now and in later life,” Keller said. “The resources we provide together through the Summer of Nonviolence support children and their families to make our neighborhoods safer and prevent violence in our communities.”