Harold Bailey

Dr. Harold Bailey, President of the NAACP Albuquerque Branch and a community leader, died on Monday, January 13, 2025, at the age of 78. For over five decades, Dr. Bailey dedicated himself to dismantling systemic barriers, working directly with local government, schools, law enforcement, and community organizations to ensure that marginalized voices were heard.

Dr. Bailey attended the University of New Mexico (UNM) on a track scholarship, eventually earning a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education, a masters in special education UNM and later Ph.D. in American studies. In 1972, Dr. Bailey became a director for social research at UNM. During his time at UNM, he challenged discriminatory practices, helped develop the Africana Studies Program, and advocated for better support for Black students. Dr. Bailey’s deep commitment to civil rights included joining student-athletes in a 1974 boycott of UNM sports to protest racial inequities.

He served as director of the New Mexico Office of African American Affairs, worked to enhance recruitment of minority officers at the Albuquerque Police Department, and twice held the presidency of the Albuquerque NAACP.

Throughout his career, Dr. Bailey remained a steadfast advocate for expanding opportunities in education, healthcare, and economic development. As president of the NAACP Albuquerque Branch Dr. Bailey led the endorsement of the Elizabeth Whitefield End of Life Option Act in 2020 helping lead to its passage in 2021.

Elected officials, community members, family, and close friends alike have noted his humility, discipline, and resolute focus on building a better future. New Mexico governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, in a statement Wednesday, said Bailey’s legacy “will continue to inspire us.” She said, under his leadership, the NAACP championed expanded health care options and addressed disparities in education and access.

Compassion & Choices’ Chief Engagement Officer Brandi Alexander said of Dr Bailey “I feel so blessed to have known Dr. Bailey and to witness his love, shown through his undeniable commitment to the community. I have nothing but gratitude for his decision to embrace me and this organization over 10 years ago. Dr. Bailey was one of the first leaders to give me an opportunity to discuss end-of-life planning with the Black community, which has now grown into an entire department dedicated to empowering priority populations. His powerful legacy will continue to live on in the countless hearts and lives he impacted, including mine.”

Elizabeth Armijo, National Director of Legislative Advocacy, also shared, “My friendship with Dr. Bailey spanned over 20 years. He was not only a leader but also a mentor, a friend, and a source of strength to so many. His compassion, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to social justice left a lasting impact on the Albuquerque community and beyond. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of working alongside him.”

“In 2021, under Dr. Bailey’s leadership, the NAACP Albuquerque Branch submitted a resolution to the national NAACP for consideration at their annual meeting. The resolution called for families to educate themselves on all aspects of end-of-life planning, including advance healthcare directives, healthcare proxies, and options such as hospice and palliative care. This resolution was ratified by the NAACP National Board of Directors in October 2021.”

Dr. Bailey’s unwavering leadership, compassion, and sense of responsibility to the Albuquerque community will be felt for generations. He is remembered as a true humanitarian—someone who believed that every person deserves an equal opportunity to succeed and who continuously worked to make that vision a reality.

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