Wouldn’t it be great if everyone could experience the beauty of the Arizona sunshine on their faces? Of course, one should always use sunscreen, because, yes, even we BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) folks need the benefits of sunscreen. I do have to admit that the infrequent snow days in Tucson and Southern Arizona are just as beautiful, as we experience short-lived cold temperatures during the winter. It is nice that we are warming up as the official first day of Spring is on its way. March was a little less busy than February, but still pretty busy, nonetheless, including welcoming over 200 visitors. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate your patience as AAMSAZ works more with UArizona students and interns who help at the museum. We continue to learn and grow! | | |
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By the way, I was invited to attend the signing of the Executive Order by Governor Katie Hobbs's office to make the CROWN Act official in Arizona. We were honored to have been included in this historic moment. Thank all of you for scanning the QR code at AAMSAZ, sending letters, and making your voices heard in support of passing the CROWN Act. Now, Arizona is the 21st state in the U.S. to have consequences for hair discrimination. Annie Sykes, we are truly grateful for you starting in Tucson the push against hair discrimination.
Sincerely,
Beverely Elliott, Executive Director
African American Museum of Southern Arizona (AAMSAZ)
“We are a movement, not just a museum.”
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Rest in Peace, Mel Zuckerman
Last month we lost a dear friend and supporter, Mel Zuckerman. Mel was a mentor, a friend, and more. He and his wife Enid welcomed into their family the then teenagers, Bob and Beverely Elliott, the AAMSAZ co-founders. Mel and Bob, kindred spirits and accountants, were connected through UA Coach Fred Snowden’s community outreach program in 1975 a few years prior to the opening of Canyon Ranch. The Zuckermans were always concerned with the health and well-being of others even before the ranch opened. Mel was one of the first people Bob called with the idea of opening a museum. Mel and Enid were delighted and full of encouragement to move forward with AAMSAZ. Their generosity and kindness has always had an impact on the Elliott family. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his family and friends. Mel passed away on March 18, 2023 at the age of 94. He will be truly missed, but will always be in our hearts.
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Discover the latest museum updates
AAMSAZ has recently made several exciting changes that we can't wait to share with you and has more in store!
- We've added new display cases and plan to introduce even more exhibits.
- Our teams have also updated the museum's layout to provide a unique experience with each visit.
- Labels have been added to each exhibit and the wall text has been updated to enhance the visitor's experience.
- New brochure displays have been installed for visitors to take information to continue exploring.
- Audio guides are available for each themed area through scanning QR codes, providing ample information for a self-guided tour.
Soon, we will also offer several tablets and headsets to use within the museum. We plan to open the museum regularly, enabling visitors to walk in and listen to oral histories and legacy stories from members of our community. Volunteers will also be available to answer questions you may have. These changes are part of our commitment to preserving and sharing African American history and culture in Southern Arizona.
We hope you will soon schedule a reservation to come and experience these exciting changes for yourself. For those unable to visit us in person, we are pleased to offer an online virtual tour. Our website is regularly updated with the latest information, so please check back often for new updates and announcements. We are committed to providing a comprehensive and informative experience for all our visitors, in-person and online.
| | We continue to record oral histories and legacy stories. March 23, 24, and 25 saw us returning to Living Waters Ministries to record 11 Oral Histories from local Tucsonans. Our professional videographer, Chris from Cox, was attentive as Annie Sykes, Les Morris, Barbara and Sam Newsome, Willie Blake, Moniqua Lane, Larry and Gary Starks, Ruben Salter, Doris Snowden, Tani Sanchez, and Donna Liggins recounted stories that take the listeners across the country with stops in Harlem, NY, McNary, LA, Las Vegas, NV, and more about how they made an impact in the country and here in Tucson. | |
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Thank you, Mary Okoye!
MOCA’s Night Bloom: Grants for Artists opportunity is open with a deadline of April 20, 2023! This grant program funds collaboratively-focused visual arts projects by individual artists and artist groups in Tucson and the broader Sonoran Desert region. The program is specifically designed to support efforts to create experimental and community-embedded opportunities for artistic exchange that engage with the region’s unique contexts and possibilities. For more information and to apply visit Night Bloom: Grants for Artists
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A Bench on the UA Campus for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson
Let’s talk about the Women’s Plaza of Honor on the Campus of the University of Arizona. We hope that you have visited, as it is a truly peaceful place. If you have not visited, stop by in person or visit online at Women's Plaza of Honor and African American Women’s Arch. Did you know that there’s a bench on the Plaza that honors former Supreme Court Justice RBG? AAMSAZ is launching a campaign to have a bench placed on the Women’s Plaza of Honor in tribute to Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first African American woman to sit on the U.S. Supreme Court. Most of us know the questions that she was asked and had to endure in order to be confirmed. Please help us raise the $15,000 for the bench in her honor. Any amount helps even if you want to be a sponsor. Please be sure to note that your donation is for the Ketanji Brown Jackson bench.
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Museum hosts Black-owned radio station for podcast
AAMSAZ was honored to host Jennifer Davis Paige (the boom goddess), a co-worker Aqueelah Worthen from Phoenix, and her 2 beautiful daughters when they visited the museum last month. Jennifer works for the first FM radio station wholly-owned or controlled by African-Americans in the state of Arizona in over 20 years. Our Executive Director, Beverely Elliott, was graciously welcomed and recorded a podcast with them, sharing the journey that created the museum and what's in store in the future.
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Juneteenth activities for your calendar!
AAMSAZ is supporting the Juneteenth Festival Committee! You won't want to miss these:
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For the Juneteenth Kickoff Celebration, the Tucson Juneteenth Festival And Still, We Rise! in association with Alive Productions presents Evelyn Champagne King on Saturday, June 10th at 8 pm at the Dunbar Pavilion at 325 West 2nd Street in Tucson, AZ. Tickets available at Eventbrite.com or contact DJ Mista T at 520-282-3566 for more information.
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Celebrate at the first annual Juneteenth Mass Choir of Tucson concert on Sunday, June 11, 3-6 PM. Join in for songs of praise at the gospel jubilee at the Pima College West - Proscenium Theater, 2202 W. Anklam Road. Free food and fellowship from 1- 2:30 pm prior to the concert. Visit TUCSONJUNE19.ORG to sign up to be a vendor or entertainer.
- Join us at the 53rd annual Juneteenth Festival on Saturday, June 17th, from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Kino Sports Complex! There will be live entertainment, retail booths, job vendors, car show, food, drinks, a kids zone, and free toys.
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Guess what is coming to Tucson - Ragtime, the Musical!
Ragtime is a Tony AWARD winning play and it will be here in Tucson April 21-May 7, 2023. This musical is set during the turn of the century in the early 1900’s. It is a beautiful play that is only slightly removed in time following the American Civil War, but before the start of World War I. The story takes you through the lives of Coalhouse and Sarah and others. You will be taken through a maze of how their lives are weaved together during a time of transition in cultures. Characters such as J.P. Morgan, Booker T. Washington will be sewn into the fabric of this play. The costumes and music will help take you back in time. Musical Director is African American UA professor Darnell T. Roulhac and the Choreographer is Barbea Williams of BWPC!
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Let’s learn a little history and support this rich and epic musical.
Arts Express Theatre
5870 E Broadway Blvd #214
Tucson, Arizona 85711
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Photo of Barbea Williams
(Photo by Joe Jackson Jr.)
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Blax Friday Soul Food Wednesdays
Join the Soul Food Wednesdays, a community event that spotlights Black-owned businesses in Tucson, Arizona! Enjoy multicultural food and celebrate life on April 26, from 7-10 pm at the MSA Annex, 267 South Avenida del Convento in Tucson. Blax Friday is partnering with the MSA Annex to showcase local Black merchants and food trucks. Their goal is to promote representation and economic empowerment of Black business owners. Learn more at Blax Friday Soul Food Wednesdays
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Celebrating the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers
Mark your calendars for April 29, 2023 at 10:00 AM. The Southwest Association of Buffalo Soldier Inc. is hosting the "Spirit of the Buffalo Soldier Awards Ceremony" at the Klein Performing Arts Center in Bisbee, Arizona. Honor the memory of Cathay Williams, the first African American woman to enlist in the U.S. Army while posing as a man during the Indian Wars. Cathay Williams (September 1844 – 1893) was an American soldier. An African American woman, she enlisted in the United States Army under the pseudonym William Cathay. Williams became the first female African American to enlist and the only documented woman to serve in the U.S. Army while posing as a man during the Indian Wars.
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With National Eggs Benedict Day (April 16) and National Shrimp Scampi Day (April 29), April is a great month to show off your inner “foodie” skills and maybe even eat something from a farm or garden to table. | |
USPS Forever Stamp honors late Nobel Laureate, Toni Morrison
The late Nobel Laureate, Toni Morrison, posthumously honored by the US Postal Service will have a Forever stamp with her image. “It’s a privilege to represent the 650,000 men and women of the Postal Service, as we honor Toni Morrison with one more tribute — our new stamp that will be seen by millions and forever remind us of the power of her words and the ideas she brought to the world,” stated Pritha Mehra, USPS Chief Information Officer and Executive Vice President. Ms. Morrison passed at the age of 88 in 2019. As an Author she wrote. The Bluest Eye, Beloved (a Pulitzer Prize winner), and Song of Solomon.
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Remembering History: African American Contributions to World War I
April 6, 1917
As World War I began, it was estimated that 370,000 African Americans joined the armed forces. Over half of these Americans were stationed in France and over 1,000 African American officers commanded troops. The 369th Infantry Regiment, also known as the “Harlem Hellfighters” was assigned to France. This regiment was the first African American troops on the battlefields during World War I. We are proud to say that due to the bravery the 369th and other soldiers, a total of 107 African American soldiers were awarded The Croix de Guerre by the French government.
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The Famous 369th Arrive in New York City (World War, 1914-1918)
- Photo by Paul Thompson
Source: National Archives
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First African American woman CEO of FedEx named
The CEO of FedEx, Ramona Hood, is the first African American woman, making history for FedEx and the country. The newest CEO of FedEx, Ramona Hood, is the first Black woman to hold that position in the organization’s history. Hood was specifically selected and promoted to this position as the President and CEO of Custom Critical, or same-day or overnight delivery. We love this story because Hood was a receptionist for the then, Roberts Express in 1991.
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Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson has street in Miami-Dade County named for her
Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson will have a street named after her where she was raised in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Jackson made history last year when she was sworn into the nation’s highest court, becoming the first Black woman to hold a seat on the bench on the .
She was raised in Miami where she attended high school and participated in debate tournaments.
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“I hope that this street naming will also serve as a testament to what is possible in this great country,” Jackson said at a ceremony Monday.
News from CNN, by Shawna Mizelle
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Join our team of volunteers!
Join the effort to preserve African American history and culture in Southern Arizona. AAMSAZ welcomes volunteers with diverse skills. No matter what your abilities are, we are committed to finding meaningful ways for you to contribute. Please contact us at AAMuseumofSouthernAZ@gmail.com to learn how you can volunteer and for more information on volunteer training sessions.
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We love hearing from you!
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Gifts in any amount are always welcomed. Please use our easy and secure online giving site.
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Do you have a legacy story or an oral history to share? How about an African American or Black collection that you want to donate to AAMSAZ? Let's connect. Please email us and let us know at AAMuseumofSouthernAZ@gmail.com.
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Email us to join the AAMSAZ newsletter email list.
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Please know that we do not share or distribute emails that we receive. | |
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