AAMSAZ Updates from the E.D. August 2023
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Thank you to all who have sent kind emails about our progress or written nice articles in the paper, on tv, and on social media. Thank you to KXCI, Jennifer Davis Paige, the University of Arizona, Marques Elliott of Gamma Alpha Boule, Tucson's Award Winning Author Adiba Nelson, and others who have supported the museum via radio, blogs, and recorded PSA’s. Thank you to donors large and small! To our Legacy Founder Investors (LFI), we truly appreciate you. You all keep our doors open and keep the admission free! Thank you to the readers of our newsletters, with an average of 63% opening over the past few months (the average is 21%! data according to Constant Contact). | |
Thank you, Oral Historians and Legacy Story Contributors. Your stories are compelling and educational. See a legacy story about Janet Harmon Bragg presented by her nephews, Donna Liggins’ Oral History – Welcome to McNary AZ, and more. Your stories have come to life and touched so many of us. Thank you to our board and advisory board members for your time and dedication to seeing the museum come to fruition in such a short period of time! We are almost 8 months open, and check out our website for the number of visitors to the museum and the number of visits we have made in the community and virtually! We could not have done this without you!
Thank you, Southern Arizona - Bisbee, Sierra Vista, Nogales, Pima County, Mesa, Gilbert, The City of Tucson, and those of you around the country who have been so supportive!
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Sincerely,
Beverely Elliott, Executive Director
African American Museum of Southern Arizona (AAMSAZ)
“We are a movement, not just a museum.”
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Our ED Beverely Elliott is being honored in October! | |
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Congratulations to our Executive Director, Beverely Elliott,
for being honored with the Lifetime Humanitarian Achievement Award!
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We are delighted to invite you to join us at the award luncheon, which will take place on Thursday, October 26, 2023, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Tucson Convention Center.
Beverely Elliott's contributions to TUSD, and the community have been nothing short of extraordinary, and it is with great pride that we recognize her selfless efforts. Her dedication and passion for education have left a lasting impact on the lives of TUSD students and educators.
This luncheon, organized by the Educational Enrichment Foundation, aims to raise funds that will further support TUSD students and teachers through various programs.
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This award is a prestigious honor presented by the Educational Enrichment Foundation and recognizes individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to the Southern Arizona community, particularly within the Tucson Unified School District (TUSD).
The criteria for the award are stringent and include the following:
- Member of Southern Arizona community with an upstanding reputation,
- Proven track record of impacting TUSD students/educators over the course of a lifetime,
- Personal passion for education is exemplified by …volunteerism, personal financial support, community projects, or collaborating in the community to further education or advocate for education,
- Ability to attract community support to benefit EEF programs in support of TUSD students and educators.
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Ray Davies Lifetime Humanitarian
Achievement Award Luncheon
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| Seats for the luncheon are available for purchase |
| Tucson Convention Center, 260 S Church Ave Tucson Arizona 85701 |
| 10/26/23 11:00am - 10/26/23 1:00pm US/Arizona |
| Early Bird Purchase individual seats ($80 each).
July 1, 2023, through September 30, 2023, Online, by check, or by calling 520.325.8688
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For more information and to make your contribution,
please visit EEF's website at https://www.eeftucson.org/events
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AAMSAZ Receives Sponsorship from
OneAZ Credit Union:
Funding Tucson African American Children's Swim Lessons
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The AAMSAZ funds will go toward swim lessons by certified U of A teachers, swim essentials such as towels, goggles, swimsuits, flip flops, and a swim bag for African American children in the Tucson Community. There is a need: Fatality rates from drowning for African American children are staggering. Historically, African American children have not been taught to swim. Among the ages 5 to 19, African Americans drown in pools at a rate 5.5 times that of whites. When all age groups and venues are combined, the ratio is 3.2 to 1.0. That means that for every 100 white children who drown, 320 black children drown.
Researchers at USA Swimming and the University of Memphis found that 70% of African American people cannot swim at all, while for Caucasians, it is 31%. This program will serve the Tucson African American community, in particular African American children. We will serve 50 to 75 children (ages 4 – 18). If you know of African American children in our community in the age range above, please have them contact aamuseumofsouthernaz@gmail.com
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Watch our newly preserved oral history and legacy stories! | |
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An Oral History From Johnny Bowens,
Academics and Athletics in a Segregated Environment
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A Legacy Story About Jackie Robinson,
Narrated by Irma Sherwood Moran
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A Legacy Story About Janet Harmon Bragg,
Narrated by her nephews, The Harper Family
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Handmaker: Tucson's Non-Profit Continuing Care Retirement Community operates the Adventure Bus program. They meet at Handmaker every Tuesday and, on alternating Tuesdays, embark on bus outings.
Handmaker shared with us that their assisted living residents, along with the staff members who chaperoned them, had a wonderful visit to the museum. Our ED Beverely and volunteer Rose led the tour, making it a memorable experience. We are excited to welcome the group again in September!
In July, we also guided tours for organizations from Tucson Parks and Recreation, Geico Management, Southwest Gas, Goodwill, etc., and other individual groups. We are delighted that you are interested in visiting us, and we hope to see you again in the future!
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Ashley / Blax Friday has things happening!
We will be at the Playground for all 3 events!
- AUGUST 30
- SEPTEMBER 27
- OCTOBER 25
VENDOR FEE IS $40 (non-refundable)
Venmo: @RouxEvents Zelle: roux@rouxeventsllc.com),Cash or Check.
Ashley La Russa / Founder/EventPreneur / 832-431-0092 (TEXT ONLY)
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Grants - Thank you! We are so grateful to: |
- Pima County - This is our 2nd Award
- AALF - This is also our 2nd Award
- Community Foundation Matching - Thank you, Tucson.
- Marshall Grant - Digital Preservation and equipment
- SW Foundation - Thank you so much for believing in our Oral History Project
- Harrison and Brittany Barnes - What a supportive philanthropist and a wonderful Sacramento Kings NBA Player!
- OneAZ Credit Union - Thank you for supporting our efforts in funding swim essentials for Tucson's BIPOC children!
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The African American Legacy Fund, an initiative of the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, is proud to sponsor the 2023 African American Leadership Institute (AALI) in Southern Arizona, one of two leadership institutes hosted by The State of Black Arizona.
Upon graduating from the Institute, AALF participants have a deeper understanding of the dynamics around culture and race across Arizona and how these dynamics manifest in key sectors today. They will also come away with actionable steps to build Black leadership in themselves and their networks.
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Bye , Emma!
Hello! This is Emma, an intern at the museum. I just wanted to write a quick goodbye as I will be enrolling in a Museum Studies graduate program this August in Seattle, WA, with the goal of becoming a curator. I hope to learn more about exhibit design, specifically with visitor engagement and education in mind. I’ve had a wonderful time working at AAMSAZ with my fellow interns and of course, Bob and Beverely. In a sense, I feel like I’ve learned a little bit about everything that there is to do about museums. This experience was incredibly valuable and has just assured me that my path toward becoming a curator is the right one for me! Thank you to everyone who has supported me in this position and everyone I got to meet while giving tours of our exhibits. I will continue to stay updated about AAMSAZ and I know it will continue to grow and flourish!
--- Emma Márquez Peterson
| We will Miss You Emma, Best of Luck! | | |
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Goodbye, Melora!
We were fortunate to also have Melora with us as an intern for most of the summer. She returns to Massachusetts this month to continue her undergraduate studies. She has been helpful in working at the museum, assisting with tours, was recorded on our virtual tour, she provided PR expertise for several projects, and is involved with planning our upcoming Gala - Jewel in the Desert!
By the way, Save the Date - November 17, 2023, at the Doubletree.
More coming soon!
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Our Legacy Founder Investors | | |
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Thank you, our Legacy Founder Investors, and Sponsors
COX, TEP,
Elliott Family Charity, and Zuckerman Family Foundation
For your unwavering support!
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A Bench on the Women's Plaza of Honor for Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson
Let’s talk about the Women’s Plaza of Honor on the University of Arizona campus. We hope that you have visited, as it is a truly peaceful place. If you have not visited, stop by or visit online at Women's Plaza of Honor and see the African American Women’s Arch. Did you know that there’s a bench being designed 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 and 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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Supporting AAMSAZ
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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Join our team of volunteers!
Join the effort to preserve African American history and culture in Southern Arizona. AAMSAZ welcomes volunteers. 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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August is National Black Business Month | |
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Black Businesses face challenges.. But you can help!
According to the US Census Bureau regarding business owners, there are 2.6 million black-owned businesses in the US. However, gross receipts for all minority-owned businesses are well below the average gross receipts for non-minority-owned businesses.
So.. this month, in the spirit of equalizing opportunities, reserve some funds for our AZ Black businesses. Contact them... order, visit and support them!
According to the US Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, minority businesses have created 4.7 million jobs in the US over the past 10 years. Fair treatment and intense awareness are the climates of today, so Thank You for your support!
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I Am Organic Beauty
Owner – Tani Sylvester
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Our luxury skin and hair creations combine plant-based ingredients with powerfully restorative formulas designed to bring you moments of stillness, knowing and being. All I Am products are cruelty free and hand-crafted by local artisans in Los Angeles, California and Accra, Ghana. I Am empowers all of us to return home to our authentic selves - mind, body, and spirit. (hello@iamorganicbeauty.com)
Tani Sylvester was raised in Tucson, Arizona, a graduate of Tucson High Magnet School. A consistent honor roll student. For most of her Tucson life, she took classes and performed with the local Barbea Williams Performing Company (BWPC)- an African-oriented dance training company. She was a debutante for the Tucson Chapter of the Links, Incorporated in 1995. Travel has been a part of her life. During her international travels she attended workshops that taught cosmetics, creations and procedures. OMGoodness these products made my skin supple and my hair soft!
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Sorority bracelets: AKA, Delta, Zeta’s, and so many other bracelets with taste!
All items are beautifully made in various colors and styles.
“Bootsy” is a native Tucsonan who has entertained our community and the country for decades. Her voice transcends, and her talents make us proud to know her!
These bracelets are the perfect Gift! I have a few!
520-891-7540
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Angela creates handmade soaps, body butters, lotions, exfoliating scrubs, lip and body balms, bath bombs, and men's facial care products (beard oils, beard balms, and shaving soaps). She loves creating gift packages or sets as a gift. She makes floral soap arrangements.
All products are handmade and vegan; No ingredients contain detergent and sulfate. All handmade soaps and skin care products are made with high-quality sourced ingredients that are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients that are essential to healthy, beautiful skin. Angela the owner, is located in Sahuarita, AZ.
The Etsy link is https://www.etsy.com/shop/justsoapyouknow
and email: justsaopyouknow@gmail.com
Try the Gardenia or Lavender Shea Body Butter…Your skin will love you!
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Professional Barbers, Tommie has high integrity and is a true Community advocate!
3400 East Speedway Suite 100
520-622-2276
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22nd and Broadway
Please enjoy their authentic down-home Southern-style fare!
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ATL Wings
Owner Velvia Evans
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802 North 4th Avenue
Yummy, and try those DEEP-FRIED BISCUITS!!..OMGOODNESS! Go ahead and add the powdered sugar!
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Community Vibes Music
By Andre
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This place does not just serve hot dogs but claims to have the best burgers in town!
He has served the rich and famous but loves Tucson and the AZ Desert.
You can find his food truck at 7835 E. Golf Links, Thursday - Saturday 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM (next to the Dairy Queen).
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THE MEN OF CLEAN COMEDY
By NATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT AND MANAGEMENT, INC.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 5 2023
6:00 PM — 10:00 PM MST
The Men of Clean Comedy are coming to Tucson! Featuring Brotha Man from the TV Show "Martin" and "The Bernie Mac Show", and Barry Brewer from the new Tyler Perry TV series "The Bruh" on BET+ and Kevin Hart's "Guide to Black History" on Netflix. The show will also feature funny man Jammin Jay Lamont from BET "Comic View" and Byron Allen's "Comics Unleashed" and Mo Jones from "Comic View". Last but not least DJ Ji Ji Sweet the #1 female DJ on the west coast.
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Well…It’s Back to School in Arizona | | | |
A Moment in Music History: Sheila E. Receives
Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
Sheila E. will become the first female solo percussionist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.“I am honored, humbled, and blessed to receive this prestigious award,” the musician-born Sheila Escovedo told City News Service. “This is a forever moment that I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
H.E.R., a Grammy and Oscar-winning R&B singer, will be one of the speakers at the ceremony in front of the Musicians Institute. The event's master of ceremony is Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and star recipient Jimmy Jam.
Jimmy Jam, his songwriting and producing partner Terry Lewis, and Sheila E. received Emmy nominations for outstanding music direction in 2020 as music directors of
“Let's Go Crazy: The Grammy Salute To Prince.”
The ceremony will be streamed on the Walk of Fame's website: www.walkoffame.com
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Controversy: Rep. Eli Crane's Racially Insensitive Remarks in Congress
Rep. Eli Crane, Arizona Republican representative, said he "misspoke" after he used the racially charged term "colored people" on the House floor. Democratic lawmakers and the Congressional Black Caucus moved in swiftly to make a statement about his words.
The freshman Republican spoke Thursday evening as members were debating one of his proposed amendments to the annual defense budget and policy bill.
Democratic Rep. Joyce Beatty, who is Black and has served as the chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, asks for swift and impactful action to strike Rep. Crane's words from the congressional record. "I am asking for unanimous consent to take down the words of referring to me or any of my colleagues as 'colored people,'" she said.
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Sign Up for Tours and Visits
Tours or visits to the African American Museum of Southern Arizona are currently by appointment only
Wednesday through Saturday
10 AM – 4 PM.
Schedule a tour or visit by signing up online. Please check our schedule and sign up using the AAMSAZ
website sign-up page!
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General Admission to the museum is free.
Please consider Making a Donation in any amount. Thank you!
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Please know that we do not share or distribute emails that we receive. | |
Find AAMSAZ on Facebook and Twitter. Use #aamsaz and #aams_AZ on your social media posts. | | | | |
