AAMSAZ Black History Month

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. 12, 2024

African American Museum of Southern Arizona

Monday Moments in African American History

A Legacy Story About Jackie Robinson

Narrated by Irma Sherwood Moran

Video by African American Museum of Southern Arizona

At AAMSAZ, we have a recorded legacy story about Jackie Robinson!

Please check out the link below to watch Jackie Robinson's Legacy Story at AAMSAZ. Now, let's hear from Irma Sherwood Moran, who was born in Manhattan, raised in Brooklyn, and currently resides in Tucson. She will share her insights on Jackie Robinson's legacy and his impactful story.

Watch Jackie Robinson's Legacy Story

Giving Day!

Dear Friends, Supporters, Collaborators and Donors,

We invite you to join us and support us for an

Exciting 24-Hour Philanthropic Campaign!

No matter the size of your gift, its impact is immeasurable. Today is all about your generosity and active participation!

There are countless reasons why we hope you’ll consider supporting the museum. Your contributions will enable us to embrace and elevate African Americans' rich and significant history, which is an integral part of American History.

By donating, you’ll be backing various programs, including:

1. Supporting our exhibitions, showcases, and ongoing research for new exhibitions, such as

A. “Roots and Roots, the Next Generation”

B. “Hattie McDaniel in Tucson”.

2. Assisting us in expanding Beyond the Walls of the Museum by:

A. Facilitating Executive Director and Curator Presentations to Schools, Businesses, and Organizations

B. Providing talks with our Pop-Up Museum exhibit.

C. Supporting our digital upgrades and progress to stay relevant.

3. Contributing to our acknowledgment of legacy and progress by: collaborating with friends like COX, TEP, The Loft Cinema, UA Handshake Internship Program, AASA (African American Student Alliance), TUSD (African American Student Services), and many partners.

Click here to Give Now!

Every dollar donated will bring us closer to our goal of $10,000 today!

Your generosity and care toward African American History

is immensely appreciated!

Happy Black History Month!

#aamsaz #blackhistorymonth #beardown

The UA’s Fuel the Wonder Campaign encourages you to share your own story and become a Giving Day Ambassador using the hashtag #beardowngiveback.

By doing so, you’ll be featured on their social media tagboard and donor wall alongside donors and fellow Wildcats.

Thank you for your unwavering support!

Warm Regards,

Beverely Elliott, Executive Director

African American Museum of Southern Arizona (AAMSAZ)

“We are a movement, not just a museum.”

RTX BXN Tucson Chapter

hosted its

1st Annual Black Renaissance Gala!

The inaugural gala of the Raytheon RTX BXN (Black Excellence Network) took place on Saturday, February 3rd, with the distinguished leadership team at the helm. It was an honor for us to participate by presenting insights into the museum and sharing aspects of African American history.

Guiding the evening's proceedings was Kadar Hamilton, the Director and Site Lead of ERG (Employee Resource Group). Alongside him, Chaunteal Kaye, Anthony Tucker, Olympia Tinsley, and our contact Chelsea Lewis contributed their own valuable historical narratives.

The ERG, established 35 years ago to support Black employees within the company, finds its roots in Tucson. It is with great pride that we acknowledge and celebrate the five remarkable women who pioneered the inception of ERG. Congratulations to all honorees:

Styne Hill, Raytheon Retired / AAMSAZ Board Member
Daisy Jenkins, Raytheon Retired / AAMSAZ Board Member
Sherry Cook
Olympia Tinsley
Cesanee Johnson

Their contributions have left an indelible mark on our community and continue to inspire us.

Visit RTX Website

ALPHA MOVIE NIGHT

"Bob Marley - One Love"

February 16 @ 8 pm

Come join us for an epic night at the movies, celebrating the legendary Bob Marley and his iconic anthem "One Love" - it's gonna be lit!

Alpha Night at the Movies

"Bob Marley - One Love"

Join us for a groovy night at the Cinemark Century Tucson Marketplace and XD! We're screening the legendary Bob Marley's concert film, "One Love." Get ready to feel the reggae vibes and sing along to his iconic tunes. This in-person event promises an unforgettable evening with fellow music lovers. So grab your friends, put on your dancing shoes, and let's jam to the soulful rhythms of Bob Marley. Don't miss out on this incredible experience!

Learn more about Alpha Movie Night

We are honored to have

A 1997 50th Anniversary/Commemorative Jackie Robinson Coin

at the museum!

A Jackie Robinson Statue—Stolen, Found, and Burned!

The theft and destruction of the Jackie Robinson statue in Wichita, Kansas, on January 30, 2024, has stirred frustration and disappointment throughout the country! The vandals stole the statue but left only the cleats behind, severing it from the ankle up. The incident occurred at the Jackie Robinson Pavilion in McAdams Park, in Kansas.

Authorities launched an investigation and reviewed surveillance footage, which revealed that several individuals entered the pavilion around midnight on Thursday. The group removed the statue and placed it in a pickup truck before fleeing the scene.

On Tuesday morning, January 31, the Wichita Fire Department responded to a call about a fire in Marcus Garvey Park. Upon extinguishing the fire in a garbage can, they discovered the remains of the Jackie Robinson statue. Unfortunately, the damage was extensive, and police spokesperson Andrew Ford stated that the statue is "not salvageable at this time."

The act has been deemed as a hate crime, particularly because Jackie Robinson was the first Black Major League Baseball player. The incident occurred just before the start of Black History Month, adding to the significance of the vandalism.

During a press conference, Wichita Chief of Police Joe Sullivan expressed his frustration with the reprehensible act, emphasizing the importance of Robinson's legacy and the impact this crime had on the community. Authorities continue their efforts to identify and apprehend the perpetrators responsible for this disrespectful act.

Watch the News at Inside Edition

Join the Black & Brown Health Fair!

The Black and Brown Health Fair is just around the corner!

As the event approaches, here are a few details for you:

18 organizations and programs will be participating in the tabling area.
5 AMAZING presenters lined up.
Enjoy lunch prepared by Cooking with Cort.
And – The Pima County Public Library Bookmobile will be there.

Date: Saturday, February 17, 2024

Event Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Location: Donna Liggins Recreation Center

2160 N 6th Ave, Tucson, 85705

Sarver Heart Center / Banner University Hospital

Heart Healthy Month!

It is crucial to raise awareness about heart health, especially among Black women who may face a higher risk of heart disease. Taking charge of one's health is a proactive step toward prevention.

Acknowledge the alarming statistic that 1 in 5 African Americans dies from heart disease. This emphasizes the urgency of taking preventative measures.
High Blood Pressure Awareness: Highlight the prevalence of hypertension in the African American community, with more than 40% developing hypertension by the age of 50! Many people are not aware of this. Try to make regular monitoring a part of your day.
Use a heart-healthy guide to track and record blood pressure.
Emphasize the need to note potential triggers for elevated blood pressure, such as dietary choices or stress. Identifying these factors can help individuals make informed lifestyle changes.
Stress the importance of sharing recorded blood pressure information with healthcare providers. Regular communication with a doctor can lead to better management and prevention strategies.
This initiative is not just about individual health, but it aims to create a community-wide movement toward better heart health awareness and prevention. Sharing knowledge and encouraging proactive measures can indeed save lives.

Learn about Sarver Heart Center

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".

Grab your tickets now for an unforgettable evening of celebration and community.

Honoring our heritage and supporting education!