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As the sun set over Amador Live earlier this month, the beat dropped and the teens of Las Cruces danced, laughed, and reconnected. The Teen Block Party, organized by Tommy Black in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club, the City of Las Cruces, and Adams Radio Group, was more than just a summer celebration—it was a call to action.
“We wanted to show our young people that we care,” said Black. “Las Cruces doesn’t offer a lot for teens right now, so we used this Block Party as a launchpad for more events to come.”
The event featured free backpacks, haircuts, food, ice cream, and live music from some of Las Cruces’ hottest DJs, including Josh Otero, Manny Morales, and Holly Morales. Local vendors and organizations showed up, including Caliche’s, Raising Cane’s, Hot 103, LCPD, DACC, GECU, Karma Salon, Olympian Beauty College, Munchies, Civil Air Patrol, Doña Ana Health, LC Cruising Council, Matt Madrid Law Office, and Security Concepts.
“It was amazing to see so many teens just being kids,” said Maria Lopez, a parent who attended with her son. “We need more of this—safe places where they can have fun and feel seen.”
Black’s team is already planning future events, including: Teen-only dance parties in safe, supervised venues, DJ classes for youth interested in music and entertainment, and a revival of Teen Lock-In Nights at Peter Piper Pizza.
“Seeing the kids smile made all the effort worth it,” Black said. “Side note: I learned the hard way that their version of the Cupid Shuffle is not the same as ours.”
He’s also proposing a Teen Action Committee—a youth-led advisory group to help shape future events.
“Who better to tell us what teens want than the teens themselves?” he added.
The event comes at a time when many Las Cruces residents have voiced concern about the lack of teen-centered spaces and activities.
“We’ve needed something like this for years,” said Officer James Herrera of LCPD, who volunteered at the event. “When teens have positive outlets, it benefits the whole community.”
For updates or to support upcoming youth-centered events, residents are encouraged to contact the Boys and Girls Club or the City’s Parks & Recreation Department.
