Social Justice – Let’s Take Action!

Please contact your representative (see below) –

VOTE IN FAVOR OF HB 1432

To Address: Redlining/Racist Covenants in ARIZONA

House Bill 1432 has been introduced in the Arizona State Legislature!

https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/56leg/2R/bills/SB1432P.pdf

The African American Museum of Southern Arizona (AAMSAZ) and Dr. Jason Jurjevich brought this to light over a year ago. AAMSAZ collaborated on a grant that was represented by several AAMSAZ Advisory Board (Delano and Jacque Price to name a few) and Board Members.  Our proposed legislation addresses the issues of where minorities can and cannot live.

We need your help to adjust current statutes or Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CCRs).

This important proposed legislation, supported by NAACP and bi-partisan groups of Arizona Legislators, will help address REDLINING in our communities. The Bill will also bring awareness to those who purchase homes that their neighborhood have or formerly had covenants.

Our stance, as a historical entity, is to not ERASE the language but offer a strike-through, highlighting, and showing a clear date indicating that this issue is no longer enforced. Thus NOT Erasing History! There are still Homeowner Associations that have racist language of “No Blacks, Indians, Asians, Hispanics or Jews” in their subdivision deeds and covenants. This language disproportionately impacts people of color and other marginalized groups.

To see this historic and problematic issue and learn more go to:

https://mappingracistcovenants.org/

Steps to Support the Bill

Step 1: Find your Representative from your legislative district

https://www.azleg.gov/findmylegislator  

1. Identify your Representatives, name and district #! and their contact information.
2. Click on.

Step 2: Contact your Representative

3. Click on the name of your representative and send an email or make a phone call urging your Representative to support HB 1432

Sample email or letter:

Dear Representative ___________ (Their Name -you looked them up- make it personal!)



My name is _______________. I am constituent in District __________

I strongly encourage you to support HB 1432. The current system has a negative effect on people of color and other marginalized communities, limiting their ability to live in specific areas. It is crucial for Arizonans to affirm that such practices are no longer legally acceptable. Although the US Supreme Court declared racist Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CCRs) "unenforceable" in 1948, the impact persists in the minds of many and on paper. I, like many others, believe that erasing this language would be a disservice to historical records. Instead, I propose a compromise – a strike-through, highlighting, and a clear date indicating that this issue is no longer enforced. This approach would acknowledge the historical context while affirming our commitment to justice. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Sign your name; if you have a title or are representing an organization, please list it! 

Step 3: Request to Speak

• If you have access, use the Request to Speak feature to record your comments in support of HB 1432 - apps.azleg.gov/RequestToSpeak/UpcomingAgendas 

• To sign up for Request to Speak, visit Civic Engagement Beyond Voting website for more information about training and gaining access to the system. https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/80969

Step 4: Reach One, Teach One

• Encourage at least one other person to take these steps as well. Forward this email.

• Senate Minority Leader for additional information

https://www.azleg.gov/senate-member/?legislature=56&legislator=2122

You’re Invited to a Birthday Party

(There will be cake!)

It's a Transcribe – a – Thon

In honor of

Frederick Douglass

When: Wednesday, February 14, 2024

Where: Main Library ground floor (2nd) Rm. B254—Learning Studio CATalyst,

Time: Drop-in between 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM 

(This takes 15–20 minutes, but you're welcome to stay longer.)

Parking: McKale Center Garage

You were recommended!

The African American Museum of Southern Arizona is collaborating with the U of A Libraries Research and Engagement Department, Dr. Heather Froehlich, and the US Library of Congress as we work to transcribe the documents of Frederick Douglass!

Each person—there are other people looking at the same 2-3 pages—and the US Library of Congress will review your transcription and that of others to develop documents that will be shared around the world written by Frederick Douglass.

As you know, transcribing and digitizing these materials not only contributes to the accessibility of the information but also ensures historical preservation for future generations to come.

Please RSVP by using the attached link or scan box.

By the way, if you don't want to transcribe, we would still love to see you!