Perspective Profile on Cecilia Webb

The railroad and its symbolism is an icon deep within the marrow of African-American history. This pictogram has imparted a passage to freedom by way of the Underground Railroad, provided an imprint toward equality as found in the Pullman car landmark case Plessy v Ferguson, and offered a gathering place as seen in the nationally syndicated dance program Soul Train. For New Mexicans, the Train to Glory is a treasure at the end of the rainbow, and the host of Train to Glory Cecilia Webb, is the woman behind the passionate voice.

The Public Radio Station, KUNM-FM (89.9) program notes describe Train to Glory as “Black gospel music featuring traditional, contemporary and local church choirs.” To Cecilia, Train to Glory is a labor of love. Dedicated to providing information and resources to listeners every Sunday morning, Cecilia’s announcements provide a tie to the African American community; Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Service, pastoral and church anniversaries, and the release of Timothy Wright’s new CD, I Hear Music, are just to name a few highlights. Information being power, arguably Train to Glory brings about a standard of equality by reaching a mass audience throughout New Mexico and beyond. With music being the universal language of understanding, Cecilia’s radio program continues to build a venue for great gospel music for our listening enjoyment.

“I moved to Albuquerque in 1997, and began hosting Train to Glory in 1998,” says Cecilia. “While at times I feature today’s hottest gospel artists performing all of your favorite songs, I also rotate cuts and feature traditional gospel musicians such as Dottie Peoples, Aretha Franklin, and the Williams Brothers.”

Beyond this radio program, Cecilia conducts Gospel Music workshops, has performed gospel music at events throughout the United States, plays organ for a Women’s Choir, and is the COGIC Western District Minister of Music. Her radio career began in El Paso, Texas at KTEP radio. Radio host Bettie Robinson brought Cecilia on board as her understudy until she completed the hours needed to receive her FCC License and then Cecilia and Bettie shared the spotlight by co-hosting the gospel music program. Formerly, Cecilia belonged to Servants For Christ, an El Paso gospel group that traveled annually to perform in the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles.

Cecilia’s career path is lined by growth and awareness but is grounded in her own legacy. She was born in Roswell, New Mexico and started playing the piano when she was just four years old. After graduating from Santa Fe High School, Cecilia attended the college of Santa Fe on a vocal music scholarship, and went on to major in elementary education. A list of Cecilia’s accomplishment within a professional setting includes Secretary to Governor Dave Cargo, Customer Service Representative, Human Resources Administration, Insurance Agent, and Catering Sales Manager. As Account Associate, Cecilia manages nearly 500 active accounts, including broker-assisted accounts and small employer groups for Lovelace Health Plan. Outside accomplishments include modeling and acting credentials and Chairperson to the Ebony Fashion Fair.

“At 17 years of age, I was the first African-American to work in the Governor’s Office,” said Webb. “I’ve been in two movies, an extra in Red Sky at Morning, and lead gospel singer in the church scene in Suspect Zero, a movie which Ben Kingsley stars and will debut in 2004.”

Having matured gracefully, Cecilia is content, and is settling nicely into the fabric of Albuquerque. Her son Troy, now 29, a Youth Minister, lives in Pittsburgh, PA and her mother resides in Albuquerque. A member of Faith Temple Church of God In Christ, it is easy to get to know the tranquil Cecilia Webb because she’s down to earth, compassionate, and is another great resource for the African-American Community.