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Bulletin report
Long-time Las Cruces educator and storyteller Dorris Hamilton celebrated her 94th birthday in grand style, surrounded by family and friends, along with the mayor, the lieutenant governor, the state auditor and other elected officials and supporters.
Hamilton was at City Hall March 7 (her birthday), as the Las Cruces City Council proclaimed Dorris Hamilton Day in Las Cruces and gave her the key to the city.
“It’s nice to receive this recognition. I appreciate it very much,” Hamilton said.
Lt. Gov. Howie Morales recognized Hamilton as a trailblazer and a compassionate leader. State Auditor Brian Colón recognized Hamilton’s commitment to elderly citizens and the need for reform in how the state implements conservatorships and guardianships.
Hamilton was recognized as the first African American woman to graduate from the University of Arkansas, “despite Jim Crow laws and the obstacles of legal segregation,” the proclamation said. Hamilton had received personal congratulations from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Hamilton was also recognized as New Mexico’s first African American female school principal at Las Cruces’ Lynn Middle School (Lynn Junior High at the time), where she spent 23 years. Working for Las Cruces Public Schools, Hamilton impacted the lives of more than 20,000 students and their families.
Hamilton fought for her rights and the rights of others, said state Rep. Joanne Ferrary of Las Cruces.
“You were the voice of so many being similarly victimized,” Ferrary said. “Thank you, Mrs. Hamilton, for being that voice.”
The recognition ended with everyone in council chambers singing “Happy Birthday” to Hamilton, who received a standing ovation.
