AAMSAZ Updates

July 2024

While July is about so many things…enjoy them all and...

• Build relationships by thinking about how you and others can collaborate.  Thank you Kadar and Johnique!
• We have been working with many companies and businesses, and we’re excited about being able to work with people who support our mission and vision and who we, in turn, can support them.
• See our collaborators link – Juneteenth Festival and Larry Starks, Xavier Walker, TEP, The Zuckerman Foundation and Enid Zuckerman, COX, AALF, Dr. Josephine Peete, Shawn, Shannon, Cherylyn new friends of ours at St. Vincent de Paul Phoenix, and our beautiful dear friend and connector....Joy Johnson!

Sometimes, a great story is just what you need when you are gathering together. Well, the museum offers wonderful stories. Life stories are the most powerful tools when related to today or yesterday because, remember, yesterday is a part of history,

and African American History is American History.

JULY 3RD – AUGUST 7TH — The Museum is CLOSED

We will be on a Break and Out of the office for most of July! 

Why? A little Rest, and a lot of work….. we will be cleaning, preparing new exhibitions, recording, completing research, preparing for fall and fund and friend raisers! We are working hard to develop more educational opportunities for the community.

So…if you send an email or an inquiry, please be patient with our return response.

See you in August!

So,… still want to visit museums?

Arizona Historical Society Museums

has switched to Summer Hours:

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday: They are closed 

Thursday, Friday, Saturday: Open 10 am-3 pm.

In Community,

Beverely Elliott, Executive Director

African American Museum of Southern Arizona (AAMSAZ)

We are a movement, not just a museum!

The Tucson Juneteenth Festival Committee

wants you to know that

they “Are a movement, not a moment,”

so you can still purchase Juneteenth T-shirts! This supports their slogan and supports Juneteenth all year long!

Here’s the website: https://tucsonjune19.org/

and look for the activities and collaborations of the

Juneteenth Festival Committee throughout the year!

On June 25, 2024, Dr. Lehman Benson, VP of Black Advancement and Engagement, and their Beyond Juneteenth Committee organized a delightful Tuesday Taste event in honor of Juneteenth. The committee included esteemed members such as (Professor) Dr. Johnny Bowens, Dr. Tani Sanchez (professor and author), Larry Starks, President of the Juneteenth Festival Committee, and Johnique Woods, Assistant Director of Event Planning/Catering at the U of A.

Dr. Benson welcomed a diverse group of U of A faculty and staff and lots of the Tucson Community, including Wanda Moore from the Sarver Heart Education program and Jim Moore, Arika Wells (COO of United Way of Southern Arizona), Elliott Chu of RII, and Tina Johnson, a member of the AAMSAZ advisory board. Dr. Cheree Meeks of the NAACP and the U of A were present and enjoyed the festivities along with so many others. The collaboration between the U of A and the wider community was evident throughout the event.

Guests were treated to a variety of delicious dishes that are an integral part of African American culture and Juneteenth celebrations. The standout dish at our table was the Chicken and Waffles paired with Orange Ginger Hibiscus tea - several of us wanted the recipe and a to go cup! All the dishes - fried catfish, black-eyed peas, greens, cornbread, and more, were wonderful, creating a memorable culinary experience.

A heartfelt thank you and hats off to Dr. Benson and Johnique Woods, and the talented chef for making the event a resounding success!

--BE

We extend a huge thank-you to the Tucson Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, the young members, and their dedicated parents. Your generosity and commitment to instilling a sense of community service in your children is truly inspiring.

• This week, your beautiful donation of over $1,700 to the museum has made a significant impact and will assist with our educational programs
• A special thanks to Carmishon Cockrell-Coleman, Laila Hishaw, Cesanee Johnson, and all the parents and children involved.
• PARENTS: We are immensely proud to have you in our community and deeply appreciative of the outstanding example you set for our children.

Last month we had the pleasure of providing a tour to a new friend who works for the Baltimore, Maryland’s Reginald F. Lewis African American Museum, Ms. Joy Hall! She and her Tucson connection and friends were such a delight to host. That museum is 82,000 square feet… I was a little intimidated, to say the least, with our 1,100 square feet, but Joy was so encouraging!….We want to thank them for the celebration and praise they provided us as they toured the museum and learned about African American history in Southern Arizona.

Joy Hall and Friends

We are going to add a counter at the museum that will keep track of every time someone says, “I didn’t know that!”  



We are small but mighty and We are a movement, not just a museum!

AAMSAZ at News!

Swimming lessons for Black youth - KGUN9 News

You can watch the full video here: 

"AAMSAZ was providing free swimming lessons to Black youth, addressing a significant disparity in drowning rates. Co-founded by Kimberlee Avant and Beverely Elliott of the African American Museum of Southern Arizona, the initiative was inspired by Avant's personal experience and research showing Black children are more likely to drown due to historical and socioeconomic factors. Supported by a $5,000 grant from OneAZ Community Foundation, the program offers lessons at the University of Arizona, aiming to increase water safety and swimming skills in the community."

The film screening was followed by an insightful panel discussion with esteemed speakers Dr. Helen Erickson (Historian), Floyd Gray (Historian for the GSAAC—Greater Southern Arizona Association Chapter) of the Buffalo Soldiers Chapter, and Mr. Corky Poster (Preservationist and architect). Their perspectives helped deepen our understanding of the Buffalo Soldiers' profound impact on military history and civil rights struggles.

The event was a powerful reminder that African American history is integral to American history. We are grateful to AZPM and everyone who attended this memorable occasion. Dr. Michael & Stephanie Engs, and Mr. Lee Easter III the President of the GSAAC were also present.

We look forward to more collaborations with AZPM and the GSAAC.

--JL

The event opened with Dr. Johnny Bowens providing a Brief History of Juneteenth, setting the stage for a profound discussion. 

The panel discussion was fueled by the insightful perspectives of Tucson and Pima County's youth, exploring topics such as Black Language, Code Switching, Black Joy, Masking, and African Language.

The event concluded with closing remarks from Larry Starks, President of the Juneteenth Festival Committee, emphasizing the importance of listening to and empowering our young people. Submitted by Jenny Li

AAMSAZ had a fun and educational spin-the-wheel activity for kids and adults alike, where participants answered questions about Juneteenth. We were delighted to see so many children celebrating this important day! Juneteenth is not only a celebration of freedom but also a reminder of our ongoing fight for equality and justice.

--JL

(Photos)

Veronica Saiz, Sarah Fries (BigBrothers/BigSisters), Beverely Elliott

UA Alum enjoyed the museum earlier and on to Juneteenth Keith Miller, his son, and Bob

Adelita Grijalva, Bob, Jamie, Beverely and Jenny

Board Member, Bill Ponder, and Bob

Murreyl and Frank Bothwell - Donors and Supporters of AAMSAZ

Our team - missing Rose, who was very busy

Laura Pendleton - of Blue Lotus and Beverely Elliott

Jenny and I engaged with numerous attendees, informing them about the African American Museum of Southern Arizona's hours of operation.

• We emphasized that the museum offers free admission and that large groups can schedule visits via an appointment. Additionally, we encouraged everyone to sign up for our monthly newsletter to stay updated on our activities and community events.

The event's highlight was the delicious red velvet cupcakes we received with a raffle ticket. The GEICO staff was incredibly kind, making the event even more enjoyable. We are eagerly looking forward to our next event with GEICO.

Thank you for having us! Written by Jamie Clark (Volunteer)

Hearing Beverely and Bob recount how they grew up and moved from Michigan to Arizona, Bob was recruited by basketball Coach Fred Snowden, the first Black basketball head coach at a major NCAA Division I University was inspiring. This gave way to their journey to Arizona and eventually, the founding of the first African American museum in Arizona—AAMSAZ! Establishing a museum is a challenging yet profoundly meaningful endeavor, and it was a pleasure to share this journey and the significance of Juneteenth with over 200 community members. Curator Jenny Li

Watch the entire video to hear our community's reflections on this special day and catch a glimpse of the event!

The event took place on Wednesday, June 19th, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and featured vendor booths, a storybook walk, arts and crafts, and interactive activities. AAMSAZ had the opportunity to showcase our organization to the Gilbert Community, interact with attendees, and contribute to this significant moment in American history. The event also featured entertainment from Kawambe-Omowale Drum and Dance.

--JL

Summer Time:

We will be closed from July 3rd - August 7th

• This adjustment is necessary for essential tasks such as exhibit cleaning, equipment maintenance, and develoment of new exhibitions that will enhance your museum experience. We'll keep you informed with any updates as summer approaches.

Thank you for understanding and your continued support.

As Tucsonans we are ambassadors. 

• 91% of residents surveyed said they look forward to showing off our area when friends and family visit.         
• 90% recommend local attractions to visitors. 84% are proud of what this area offers visitors and
• 79% feel they are an ambassador for Tucson.

Residents support tourism. 

• 83% think tourism is good for our area.
• 79% feel the positive benefits of tourism outweigh any negatives.
•  It's important to note that 80% are in support of tourism growth which indicates a very high approval rate when compared to the national norm of 62%.

Residents support local events. 

• 83% support hosting local sporting events and 86% believe that festivals support the local economy.

OVERNIGHT CAMP for Girls | Hattie B. BWIP

Black Women In Progress (BWIP) offers an enriching overnight camp experience through their Hattie B. BWIP program. This program fosters growth, leadership, and empowerment among Black women.

• For more details about the camp, including registration and activities, please visit their website: www.hattiebbwip.org

Thank you, Dr. Cheree Meeks, from the NAACP, for sharing this information. 

Save the Date!

The African American Museum of Southern Arizona will be the honorary recipient of a donation at its upcoming bi-annual Making Black History Market. This event will celebrate African American culture by uplifting black-owned local businesses.

Mark your calendars for these exciting Rodeos:

Come on out:

• Aug 30-31: Scottsdale, Arizona
• Oct 11-12: Las Vegas, Nevada

But wait, there's more! If you want to travel...Here are additional rodeo dates:

• Jul 12: Bakersfield, California

• National Picnic Month: Enjoy alfresco dining and create memorable moments with family and friends.
• National Grilling Month: Fire up the grill and savor the flavors of summer.
• National Ice Cream Month: Oh how I love Butter Pecan (Washtenaw Dairy, Ann Arbor!) Indulge in your favorite ice cream treats all month long.

July 1st — American Zoo Day: Celebrate the conservation efforts and educational value of zoos nationwide.

July 2nd — Made In The USA Day: Celebrate local creators and support American-made products.

July 4th — Independence Day (USA): Commemorate the birth of the nation with fireworks, parades, and patriotic celebrations.

July 7th — World Chocolate Day: Indulge in the rich and delectable taste of chocolate around the world.

July 8th — Be a Kid Again Day: Embrace your inner child and enjoy the simple pleasures of youth.

July 10th — Teddy Bear Picnic Day: Have a delightful picnic with your favorite cuddly companions.

July 11th — National Free Slurpee Day, aka 7-Eleven Day: Cool off with a free Slurpee from 7-Eleven!

July 12th — National Pecan Pie Day: Oh..so sweet. Treat yourself to the nutty and sugary goodness of pecan pie.

July 16th — National Cherry Day: Celebrate the juicy and vibrant flavors of cherries.

July 17th — National Hot Dog Day: Enjoy the classic taste of hot dogs at summer gatherings.

July 18th — Nelson Mandela International Day: Honor the legacy of Nelson Mandela by making a positive impact in your community.

July 20th — International Chess Day: Engage in a game of strategy and skill dedicated to chess on this day.

July 23rd — National Vanilla Ice Cream Day: Delight in the creamy and timeless flavor of vanilla ice cream.

We are almost there….

America's 250th Anniversary!

This commemoration goes beyond today and tomorrow—it's about fostering unity in our communities, honoring the contributions of Americans from all walks of life, and celebrating the unique experiences that define our community, our state, our nation.

• Take a moment and reflect on what you have learned about American history and then add a little from our website that you might not have known! www.aamsaz.org

Since the beginning, we’ve recruited ideas and recorded voices from southern Arizona that have filled our hearts and our minds and allowed us to reflect on the past and the future.

• We would like to continue that project and share more stories as we approach American250 in our community. So, you can be a part of a large project to help tell the full American story and to create the most inclusive commemoration in our history. Go to the website below to tell your story!
• Go to: https://america250.org/

On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

• This is a nonpartisan initiative working to engage every American in commemorating The 250th anniversary of our country on July 4, 2026. 
• America250 National Resource Partners are a select group of expert nonpartisan, nonprofit organizations that will help elevate and scale America250 programming.
• We are excited because of the work of AASLH since 2017 and other historical organizations in preparation for this once-in-a-generation celebration, including the publication of the Making History at 250 Field Guide, a virtual summit about preparing for a commemorative event, and more. 

Go to https://america250.org/, and let’s prepare a great celebration for July 4, 2026!

Biden Administration Announces New Initiatives to

Safeguard African American History

From the beginning of their tenure, President Biden and Vice President Harris have emphasized the importance of social and racial justice, affirming that African American history is American history. Building a better future as a nation involves acknowledging our complete history, not erasing it, not ignoring it, and not making it appear as if it isn’t important!

This Administration is dedicated to recognizing the full spectrum of our nation’s history, including African American/Black history, to help us understand how the past influences our present and how it helps to shape our future.

Some of their efforts to acknowledge the contributions of African Americans to our country include:

• Signing into law the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, establishing the first new federal holiday since the creation of Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983.
• Orders were signed and designated the Anti-Lynching Act, which was presented over 100 years ago, and the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monuments.
• Posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Medgar Evers, a civil rights icon.

South Carolina Department of Education's

Controversial Decision on AP Courses

The South Carolina Department of Education has decided to eliminate Advanced Placement (AP) African American Studies from its high school curriculum. Instead, districts can offer it as a locally approved honors course, which will not provide college credit. This decision has drawn significant criticism from free speech and civil rights organizations, including the NAACP and ACLU of South Carolina.

In a letter to the state superintendent, several organizations, including the NAACP, Legal Defense Fund, and Charleston Jewish Federation, stated, "All students deserve access to a high-quality, inclusive, and accurate education with curricula and school instruction that reflects the experiences and perspectives of all communities."

South Carolina is now the third state to restrict the AP African American Studies course, following Arkansas and Florida. The decision was communicated in a June 4 memo to superintendents and school leaders.

On This Day: July 10, 1969

Georgia Governor Lester Maddox Calls for Public School Closures in

Response to DOJ Integration Order

Not so long ago!

On July 10, 1969, Georgia Governor Lester Maddox publicly rejected demands from the Justice Department to immediately integrate the state’s public schools. In a televised address, Governor Maddox declared that he would rather close all public schools in Georgia for several years than provide equal educational opportunities to African American/ Black students. "Better to do that and have free children than have slave children,” he asserted.

Our Legacy Founder Investors

Our Legacy Founder Investors (LFI)

COX,

TEP,

Elliott Family Charity,

Zuckerman Family Foundation,

Tucson Foundation

Thank you for your

unwavering support! 

Gender and Women Studies and AAMSAZ will place a bench as seen above on the

Women's Plaza of Honor

While you're visiting the bench, take a look at the African American Women's Arch!

Make a Gift!

Our Website:

AAMSAZ.org

Join our team of volunteers!

Join the effort to preserve African American history and culture in Southern Arizona. AAMSAZ welcomes volunteers. Background checks will be conducted. We are committed to finding meaningful ways for you to contribute. Please contact us at AAMuseumofSouthernAZ@gmail.com to learn how you can volunteer.

General Admission to the museum is free. 

Please consider Making a Donation in any amount. Thank you!

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