Did you know? Douglass Day helped give rise to Black History Month. It’s why we have Black History Month in February.


After Frederick Douglass passed away in 1895, many saw the importance of honoring his memory and activism. In Washington, D.C., a group led by Mary Church Terrell (an important African American activist, educator, and author) and Carter G. Woodson, observed Douglass’s birthday every February 14th as “Douglass Day."

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. 

Mayor's Meeting at City Hall

On February 6, 2024 the Mayor and City Council Meeting covered a wide range of crucial topics and discussions aimed at addressing various issues and concerns within our community. We were excited to have been invited to the meeting.

Photos credit: Joe Jackson, Jr

Thank you, Mayor Regina Romero, for warmly welcoming the African American Museum of Southern Arizona our board and advisory board members, our employess and even one of our Interns - Esme -who was acknowledged. The Mayor honored several groups and read the city Proclamation honoring Black History Month!

Watch the recording below if you missed it.

The Tucson Mayor and City Council Meetings February 6, 2024

Carlotta Walls book signing and FiresideChat


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

Visit our Website for More Photos!

Love of Reading Week

On Monday, 2/12, Executive Director Beverely Elliott participated in Love of Readying Week by reading to 1st graders at Robins K8. Principal Chandra Thomas supported the education of students at the school be aware of Black History Month and learn about African Americans and their contributions to American History. Parent Leanne Doyle was a wonderful supporter of this effort.

Jenny Li and Beverely noticed that the school was involved in Black History Month activities and learning as the halls had displays up of famous African American heroes and sheroes! It was a delight to read “Ruby Bridges” to the students. We also left DIY bookmarks for the students with holders and tassels for the children to decorate.

Black Culture and Movement

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! 

Making Magic Happen:

Black Women Enriching Tucson

On February 13th, our Executive Director, Beverely Elliott, was invited to join a panel of Black women innovators discussing their impact in Tucson, their efforts to change the world for everyone, and their pursuit of joy. Thank you, Dr. Tani Sanchez of The Africana Studies.


The other esteemed panelists included Cheree Meeks, President of NAACP Tucson and Assistant Dean of Programs, Diversity, and Inclusion at the W.A Franke Honors College; Laura Pendleton-Miller, Board President of Blue Lotus Artists’ Collective (BLAC); and Taranika Sanders, Principal of Utterback Middle School.

Watch the clip to witness these remarkable women's inspiring dialogue and insights as they empower and uplift our community through their leadership and vision!

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!

Go to the Website to Transcribe

19th Annual Business Breakfast

for Early Education:

Celebrating Literacy Champion Awards

United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona

The 19th Annual Business Leaders for Early Education Breakfast, hosted by Women United, was held on February 15th, 2024, from 7:00 to 9:00 am at the Tucson Convention Center.


This annual event serves as a platform to underscore the significance of early childhood education within the business community while also honoring two Literacy Champions and a Business Champion for Early Education.


Congratulations to the 2024 winners, Carolina Rojas of Prince Head Start and Bonita Stembridge of Holladay Magnet School!

Led by Women United, this gathering harnesses local philanthropic women leaders' financial resources and expertise to address the critical issue of early childhood education in our community. Research shows that children who achieve proficiency in reading by the end of third grade are better positioned for future academic success, graduation, and career readiness. However, in Southern Arizona, alarming statistics reveal that 6 out of 10 children are not meeting this essential benchmark.

AAMSAZ's volunteers were honored to attend the event with the generous support of Elliott Family Charities!

Support United Way!

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.

Dunbar - Golf Tournament

The Dunbar Coalition is hosting a Golf Tournament

in Honor of

Cressworth C. Lander


Saturday, May 18, 2024


Tucson's Dell Urich Golf Course

Seeking Sponsors and Door Prizes


Call 520-406-4633

Traci Hockett


Or visit:

https://thedunbartucson.org/events/2024/5/18/cresswo

More Information

25th Anniversary and Scholarship

Awards Dinner!

Hosted by The Greater Southern Arizona Area Chapter of the 9th and 10th (Horse) Cavalry Association!

Enjoy a special evening celebrating the 25th Anniversary and Scholarship Awards Dinner hosted by The Greater Southern Arizona Area Chapter of the 9th and 10th (Horse) Cavalry Association!


Date: March 16, 2024

Time: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Venue: Double Tree Hotel @ Reid Park, 445 S. Alvernon Way


Tickets: Adults $80.00 / Youth $50.00 (Includes Buffet Dinner)

Door Prize Drawing (Included with ticket purchase)

Raffle Prizes Drawing (Separate ticket purchase)


Keynote Speaker: Trooper Nina Amos, President of the 9th & 10th (Horse) Cavalry Association


Entertainment by "Silk and Soul"


Honoring our heritage and supporting education! Grab your tickets now for an unforgettable evening of celebration and community.

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