SCLC president DeMark Liggins headlines MLK luncheon in Rio Rancho

DeMark Liggins, the newly installed president and chief executive officer of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, was the keynote speaker at a Martin Luther King Jr. celebration luncheon in Rio Rancho on Jan. 9. The event, held at Fr. Andrew D'Arco Hall inside St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Parish, ran from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and drew parishioners and community members to honor Dr. King’s legacy.

Liggins leads the Atlanta-based organization that Dr. King helped found, and his presence brought national attention to local conversations about civil rights and community well-being. Rev. Charles Becknell, who heads the parish and serves on the SCLC board, said of Liggins, "He's an outstanding young man. He's very much aware of what's going on in our country today, and that's one of the reasons why I wanted to bring him here."

The luncheon underscored how faith institutions in Sandoval County continue to serve as hubs for civic engagement, connecting religious life with social justice advocacy. For residents facing gaps in access to services, the SCLC’s visit was a reminder that civil rights organizations still view local partnerships as essential to advancing equity in housing, education and health.

Public health implications of that work are tangible. Advocacy for equitable economic opportunity and against discrimination affects the social determinants of health that influence outcomes across generations. When community leaders and national civil rights organizations focus attention on a place like Rio Rancho, it can open doors for coordinated efforts on policy change, resource allocation and outreach to underserved neighbors.

Practical details for those who learned about the event after the fact: the parish had advised that registration was available through sclcnm.org, and the luncheon was open to anyone interested in attending. Hosting the event at St. Thomas Aquinas reinforced the parish’s dual role as a house of worship and a community meeting space in Sandoval County.

The luncheon also offered a chance for local leaders to listen and for residents to voice concerns about everyday inequities that affect families here. Bringing a national civil rights leader into a local setting helps translate broad policy debates into concrete questions about how Sandoval County meets the needs of its residents.

The takeaway? Keep showing up where faith, civic life and public health meet. If you want to stay connected to similar events or take part in local advocacy, check sclcnm.org and reach out to St. Thomas Aquinas Parish — community pressure and organizing are how policy and services around health and equity start to change. Our two cents? Start by talking to your neighbors and local officials about the changes you want to see; small, steady civic action makes a difference.