Raashan Ahmad is a hip-hop artist and DJ in Santa Fe who is the executive director of Vital Spaces and co-founder of Earthseed Black Arts Alliance. He joins “Conversations Different” to discuss his path to Santa Fe and his passion for the community. Ahmad touches on the history of African Americans in New Mexico and previews the upcoming Juneteenth celebration on the Plaza, which takes place Saturday, June 15. The event, which goes from 3-9 p.m., will feature vendors, food and live performances including the Hot 8 Brass Band from New Orleans.

Ahmad also talks about his work with organizations that provide resources to people in the community to help them express themselves through art. “What I’m excited about is providing access and resources to folks who don’t have it,” Ahmad said. “If that’s throwing free dance parties, if that’s throwing a free event, if that’s opening up a community theater, all of it is in line with the underlying goal of just trying to make sure that folks who are not seen get seen.”

Learn more about Vital Spaces at https://www.vitalspaces.org/ and Earthseed Black Arts Alliance at https://www.earthseedblackarts.org/.