Feb. 19, 2024

African American Museum of Southern Arizona

Monday Moments in African American History

Black History Month has been an especially busy and fulfilling time for us. We have hosted, collaborated on, and participated in many exciting events. Here, we'd like to share some of the achievements from the past week and upcoming community activities.

1. Proclamation at the Mayor's Meeting. 

2. Carlotta Walls Visited us!

2. Love of Reading for kids. 

3. Black Culture and Movement event. 

4. Panel - Making Magic Happen and Black Women Power!

5. Douglass Day 2024 - Celebrate and transcribe!

6. Estevan Lecture - Thank you Dr. Ilahiane for the invitation. 

7. Community Upcoming Events: Dunbar and Buffalo Solider. 

We had the privilege of hosting Ms. Carlotta Walls LaNier for a book signing event in partnership with the UA Bookstore (Special Thanks to Ellen ) as well as another signing prior to the Fireside Chat at Palo Verde Magnet High School. Kindred, our African American Librarians were represented by, author Jessica Pryde, as they generously offered books to our guests by African American Authors.

Additionally, African American Student Service (led by Shamika Fort) and Legacy of Excellence (represented by Jeff Sawyer, who is also an AAMSAZ board member) were present to share information about their educational initiatives. 

Photos credit: Joe Jackson, Jr

We celebrated Black History, Culture, and the Arts at W.A. Franke Honors College on Feb 13th!

What an incredible evening filled with performances, activities, and enriching conversations as we honored Black history, culture, and artistic expression. Huge thanks to Dr. Cheree Meeks for extending the invitation and for us to be part of this vibrant celebration!

A special shoutout to our dedicated interns, Al'Tinah, Esme, and Michael, and our curator Jenny, for representing the African American Museum of Southern Arizona (AAMSAZ) with grace and enthusiasm.

We were especially proud of Esme as she spoke on behalf of the W.A. Franke Honors College Black Excellence Scholars. 

Here's to continued collaboration and celebration! 

Douglass Day 2024

Frederick Douglass was one of the most influential activists, orators, and writers in African American history. He celebrated his birthday on February 14th, it is now observed annually as a celebration of his legacy. 

AAMSAZ was thrilled to have the Frederick Douglass Papers from the Library of Congress as the 2024 Douglass Day service project. We were so proud to collaborate with the University of Arizona Library (Dr. Heather Froelich) to organize the event.

We will see you again next year! 

Thank you,

Allyn Haynes Catering,

for supplying the delicious cupcakes!

By transcribing his letters, we learned about Douglass's life as a public figure, his work as a writer and editor, and his family life. His correspondence consists of letters received by Douglass, which document both his personal and public life. Some drafts and retained copies of his outgoing correspondence are included, as well as letters to and from his wife Helen Pitts Douglass and other family members, invitations, and notes and notebooks also closely related to his correspondence.

We launched this campaign in celebration of Douglass Day, but we'll need your continued help transcribing (and especially reviewing!) the Douglass Papers beyond today! 

If you missed it, no worries. Click the link below to continue transcribing remotely! 

Help us complete this campaign and honor the life of Frederick Douglass!

Estevan (Esteban) de Dorantes

The First Moroccan and African Explorer of the American Southwest

Lecture by Dr. Hsain Ilahiane

The Southwest Center 2024 Spring Lecture Series kicked off with an intriguing presentation by Dr. Hsain Ilahiane, shedding light on the enigmatic figure of Estevan de Dorantes, a Moroccan "slave" who played a significant role in the history of the American Southwest during the sixteenth century. 

Despite Estevan's significant role in exploration, his story remains marginalized. Dr. Ilahiane, an applied cultural anthropologist at the University of Arizona, provides insights into Estevan's status and motivations. His research delves into the complexities of Estevan's journey, shedding light on gaps in historical narratives.

Thank you, Dr. Ilahiane, for the invitation and informative lecture. If you missed the event, don't worry; be sure to explore the museum's exhibit showcasing Estevan's remarkable journey. You can also watch the video by Dr. Michael Engs, recorded by AAMSAZ.