Schools out for summer! In Arizona… Hot fun in the summer time… in AZ ..Is for real! (for those of you who know...Sly and The Family Stone). As I reflect on how far the museum has come and how busy we have been, I am so grateful for a slightly slow summer! Iced Tea, Lemonade or Arnold Palmers if you like are the best! It’s National Iced Tea Month…. | Well, other things can keep you going as you enjoy the lazy days of summer. It's also National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month! I used to love going with my family on road trips! In those country areas, people were on the side of the road selling fresh corn, green beans, plums, and peaches from their farms (traveling to Gary, IN, or Chicago it never failed). My parents would buy these by the bushel basket… I guess when I say that... I am showing my age! | |
We are excited as we prepare new exhibitions and programs for the fall. We are also working to update labels and exhibitions at the museum. We have had some amazing items donated in the past few months. We completed grant reports and are truly grateful for the support from TEP and Eller for Michael Frees, who graduated this year! We are so proud of the work he did, and we know he will be a great success as he moves forward! Colleen (Eller College) and Wendy (TEP), what a wonderful idea it was to have a business intern for AAMSAZ! Thank you! Al’Tinah Bell, who assisted with our social media, was a wonderful addition, and we hope she will keep in touch as she completes her studies. PNC and The Kai Family Foundation were very supportive, and we have new labels and programs because of their support. Pima County has been wonderful, and we are proud of a recent award from Tucson and Pima County…see below! | |
AAMSAZ Receives an Award! | |
The Tucson/Pima County Historical Commission (TPCHC), informed us that we received a TPCHC Historic Preservation Award for the establishment of the
African American Museum of Southern Arizona.
The Preservation Awards ceremony was held on Sunday, May 19, from 2 to 4:00 PM at the historic San Pedro Chapel, 5230 E. Fort Lowell Road, Tucson. In attendance to accept the award for the museum were volunteers Rose Taulton, Jamie Clark, and curator Jenny Li. We are so proud to accept this award on behalf of our volunteers, including Beverely Elliott, Executive Director, Our Board of Directors, Our Advisory Board, our LFI’s Cox Communications, TEP, Zuckerman Family Foundation, Elliott Family Charities, and Tucson Foundations.
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A Star Returns to Tucson! | | |
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Thank you, JJ, Peggy, Stephanie Troutman Robbins, and the Board at the Loft Theater! Award Winning Playwrite and Tucsonan Cord Jefferson, returned home here in Tucson to share a screening of American Fiction on Tuesday, April 30! We were delighted to be invited to the reception prior to the screening… OK.. I have seen the film a few times! | |
MAA Award – (Museum Association of Arizona) | |
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On Monday, May 20th, the African American Museum of Southern Arizona was once again honored. Executive Director, Beverely Elliott, was on hand to accept the
2024 Institutional Award of Excellence!
We continue to follow museum protocol and collaborate with the community, the University of Arizona, and Pima Community College as we work hard and will continue to work hard on behalf of the Southern Arizona Community to move forward using best practices.
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Congratulations to Dr. Kimberlee Avant!
AAMSAZ Founder & Advisory Board Member
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Dr. Kimberlee Avant, founder and advisory board member of AAMSAZ, received her Doctor of Education (EdD) in Organizational Leadership from the University of Southern California in May 2024. During her time at USC, she was a member of Phi Kappa Phi and earned honors for her achievements. She also holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Marketing from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Human Resources Management from Arizona State University. | |
Dr. Avant is organizing the distribution of free swim supplies for children. | |
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We are deeply grateful for Dr. Avant's significant contributions to the AAMSAZ Swim Project, which serves the Tucson community and focuses on African American children. The program has provided free swim bags, flip flops, goggles, swim towels, and lessons to 50 children ages 5–18. These children participate in courses at the University of Arizona’s Campus Recreation Department and swim at the Student Recreation Center Pool on 6th Street, guided by certified swim instructors. Thank you, Daniel, Blake, and Kimberlee!
Historically, children of color were denied the opportunity to swim due to racial prejudice. Kimberlee’s expertise in strategic planning, process improvement, and community engagement has been invaluable to the success of our initiatives.
WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!
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One AZ Grant –
Swimming and changing the narrative!
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You're Invited to Celebrate Juneteenth with St. Vincent de Paul!
Save The Date!
Join us on Wednesday, June 19th, 2024, from
7:30 AM to 9:00 AM at
St. Vincent de Paul Hall of Banners,
2120 S. 3rd Dr., Phoenix, AZ,
For a special Juneteenth Celebration
Enjoy a delicious breakfast prepared by Chef Chris Hoffman during this free community event.
Bob and Beverely Elliott, founders of the African American Museum of Southern Arizona, will share insights into the history of Juneteenth.
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Please RSVP by June 5th to join the board, staff, friends of SVdP, and the entire community for this enriching experience.
The event will be moderated by Amazing.... Xavier Walker.
We look forward to celebrating with you!
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Honoring Dr. Laura Banks-Reed:
A Mural of Equality and Empowerment
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Dr. Laura Banks-Reed Mural at YWCA
Larry Starks (President of Juneteenth), Beverely and Bob Elliott
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The YWCA marked a significant milestone by unveiling the Dr. Laura Banks-Reed Center for Gender and Racial Equality. Her legacy will forever endure in our hearts and minds. The mural was skillfully crafted by the talented artist Jessica Gonzales. We were delighted to be asked to speak by Victor Bowleg, Racial Justice Center Manager.
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We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the YWCA and express our gratitude to our Executive Director, Beverely Elliott, for her inspiring speech as a guest speaker, where she shared cherished memories of her time with Dr. Laura Banks-Reed.
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This mural is a testament to our steadfast dedication to gender and racial equality, echoing Dr. Laura Banks-Reed's tireless advocacy for justice and empowerment for all. As you behold this breathtaking artwork, may it serve as a guiding light of hope, unity, and progress for our community. We miss you Laura!
From honoring esteemed leaders like Laura Banks-Reed to fostering enriching conversations and shared experiences, it's evident that our commitment to supporting one another and nurturing well-being knows no bounds.
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AAMSAZ Executive Director Beverely speaks at the event, standing beneath the mural. | |
Let's continue to honor Dr. Laura Banks' legacy and reaffirm our commitment to justice and empowerment for all!
At AAMSAZ, we had the privilege of recording Dr. Laura Banks-Reed's oral history. If you want to learn more about her, watch the video below.
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Juneteenth Festivities: Food, Music, and More on June 15th! | |
June 19th is fast approaching! As you plan for Juneteenth and other events commemorating African American history and culture, we invite you to celebrate by attending these wonderful events organized by the Juneteenth Festival Committee – who we are proud to say we collaborate with all the time!
We will see you at the park on June 15th!
Come on out…
Food, Music, Dancing, Games, and Vendors with an array of items!
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On June 19, 1865, the veil of oppression was lifted as Union troops reached Texas, marking a historic moment in the struggle for freedom. Despite President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, many African American and Black individuals remained enslaved, their liberation delayed by the South's concealment of the war's end. For those in Texas, the news of Confederate defeat brought newfound hope as they learned of their freedom under the Proclamation. Yet, the reality was stark; on plantations untouched by Union forces, emancipation remained a distant dream. June 19th, now celebrated as Juneteenth, stands as a reminder of resilience and the ongoing fight for equality. | |
Juneteenth: Tremendous Tuesdays at the University of Arizona | |
Join us for a series of engaging events as part of the University of Arizona's Beyond Juneteenth Program, hosted by Dr. Lehman Benson, VP of Black Advancement and Engagement. This series delves into the legacy of Juneteenth and explores its significance for everyone. Mark your calendars for these insightful sessions and a special cultural food-tasting event!
Learn, celebrate, and taste the rich cultural heritage that Juneteenth represents!
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Female StoryTellers - Tucson! | |
AAMSAZ was honored to have been able to collaborate with F*ST and become the "Mothers and Others" F*ST show beneficiary. Our curator Jenny spoke for the museum, and volunteer Jamie Clark, represented the museum at the wonderful event. | |
Storyteller Sandra K. Bell; AAMSAZ Curator Jenny Li; Volunteer Jamie Clark | |
AAMSAZ's great friend, Sandra K. Bell, shared the story of her mother, Rosa Alice Sarah Jane Chapman Bell, a loving and wise woman. Rosa always made time for her daughters, offering support and advice when needed. Sande recounts a difficult breakup, during which her mother comforted her and introduced a unique "Kleenex therapy" to help her cope. Rosa passed away at 91, leaving Sande grateful for her mother's wisdom and support throughout her life.
Sande, who is also a Link Sister to our Executive Director, did a beautiful job as a tribute to her mother. Next year we hope she will come back and be a storyteller again. But we certainly hope more of our female readers will begin to put together stories of their mothers as a way to leave her legacy. Thank you Mel Blumberg! We definitely look forward to collaborating with F*ST again in the future!
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Connecting with Our Community
at ATC's May Event
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We were grateful to have joined the ATC "Community Night" in May. Our volunteer Jamie and curator Jenny from AAMSAZ participated, making it a wonderful and bustling experience.
Over 80 community members stopped by our table to inquire about the museum, and we always cherish the opportunity to connect with our community. —A special thanks to ETHAN HOOVER (Marketing Outreach Coordinator at ATC) for the invitation and tickets. We thoroughly enjoyed the show!
ATC's show in May:
Sam Shepard's "True West" masterfully blends humor and tension, offering a riveting exploration of sibling rivalry set in the American West. This gripping drama reveals the complexities of family ties through sharp dialogue and intense character interactions.
Click here to learn more about the "ATC’s Summer Cinema Series!" We are delighted to partner with the Arizona Theatre Company (ATC), whose shows are not to be missed!
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A Legacy of Excellence Scholarship | |
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Congratulations, 2024 A Legacy of Excellence Scholarship Awardees!
AAMSAZ was honored to witness the achievements of 14 outstanding graduating seniors, each awarded $5,000 in college scholarships. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the A Legacy of Excellence Scholarship Committee (Natalie Clark, Jeff Sawyer to name a few!) for their dedicated efforts in making this possible. Your support helps shape the future leaders of our community. We are proud to say that AAMSAZ and Elliott Family Charities, have been and will continue to support this beautiful event. Our volunteer Jamie and curator Jenny represented the museum and attended the banquet.
Being involved in such a meaningful initiative to support African American scholars financially is truly an honor. Congratulations to all the recipients! This year as always A Legacy of Excellence Scholarship event overflowed with joy and laughter as we witnessed the unity of numerous smiling faces rallying in support of our students.....a heartwarming sight indeed. The future is bright for these awardees as they continue to contribute to their community!
Congratulations, TUSD Students! We look forward to witnessing your future accomplishments.
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Twinkl Arizona Field Trips Directory for 2024
We have been included in the most recent article on the best field trip locations in the US to visit in AZ by the international educational publisher Twinkl- you can read more here.
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Attention Museum Visitors | |
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Summer Time: During the upcoming summer break at the University of Arizona,
We will be closed from July 3rd - July 30th
Please be advised that the museum may operate with limited hours only on certain Saturdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
- 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.
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Become a part of assisting us as we share high-quality educational programming, engaging content, and impactful cultural information with our community and the world. | | |
Dive into a world of enchantment with the Cinderella Ballet! | |
Join us on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at 2:00 pm at the Temple of Music and Art for a magical performance.
A special guest appearance by Ethan Price from Ballet Arizona promises an unforgettable experience.
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You won’t want to miss this! I hear there is a 6’5” Prince Charming—YES!—who is an exceptional ballet artist along with an amazing cast and troupe! Scan to get your tickets now!
Or click on: https://www.aamsaz.org/dr-laura-banks-reed/
| What a Wonderful Opportunity for our Kids! | |
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TUSD Students and Families - Save the Date!
Join us for a day of IMPACT!
Date: Thursday, July 27, 2024
Time: 10 AM - 12 PM
Location: Palo Verde High Magnet School, 1302 S Avenida Vega, Tucson, AZ 85710
Backpacks, Resources, and More...While Supplies Last!
Stay tuned—more details to come!
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Join Us for the Diversify Dentistry Student Summit on June 10, 2024! | |
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Hello Parents, Educators, and Community Partners,
Dr. Laila B. Hishaw, DDS, FACD, FICD, wants you to know….
- We are three weeks away from our Diversify Dentistry Student Summit on 6/10/2024 at Midwestern University Dental School in Glendale, AZ.
- We have 16 students registered for our 30 available slots, and we hope to close registration on May 31st.
- Below is a link to our website with the information and registration. Students must be 16 years of age or older for this Summit.
Thank you for sharing this free educational opportunity!
Diversify Dentistry Student Summit At Midwestern University College Of Dental Medicine - Diversity In Dentistry Mentorships
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Women’s Foundation for the State of Arizona (WFSA)
Our Congratulations go out to Ashley La Russa!
She was the 2024 honoree of the Transformation Award! WFSA innovates to create social, political, and economic change that achieves equity for women and girls of all identities through our integrated framework of research, advocacy, grantmaking, and innovative programmatic solutions.
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Trying to find a cool place for the kids—or yourself—for a few hours… You will want to check out The Loft Cinema! From June 1st – 30th, there will be activities and screenings; you won’t want to miss it! | |
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FREE Admission, Free Popcorn (I love their popcorn—delicious!—as a member, you get a bag free!), and more!
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Doors open at 9:15 for the 10 AM screening!
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Every Saturday and Sunday Morning!
- Wonka, The Land Before Time, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Wizard of OZ and more!
- https://loftcinema.org/series/loft-kids-fest/
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3233 E. Speedway www.Loftcinema.org/
or call 520-795-0844
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Thank you Tucson Parks and Recreation, Pima Federal Credit Union. Also, Long Realty Cares Foundation…even the Bisbee Breakfast Club, Bookmans and the Children’s Museum of Tucson and Oro Valley all support this fun! | |
PBS / NPR Program
Buffalo Soldiers!
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Try the ballet, and then head to the U of A!
June 8, 2024
Timna Guerchon, the Community Events Coordinator at AZPM, the Southern Arizona PBS/NPR partner for media organization, is hosting a screening of a PBS program, Local USA, Buffalo Soldiers: Fighting on Two Fronts
The event would be from 6 -7:30 pm at the UA Campus in the ERN2 building.
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They will also host a panel discussion for after the screening. Representatives and historians will be on hand with direct insights to the history here in Southern Arizona
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More Buffalo Soldier Information: https://tv.azpm.org/p/season9/2023/5/2/215816-camp-naco/ | |
Black Rodeo USA
Get ready for an unforgettable rodeo experience in 2024!
SAVE THE DATE!
Put on your boots and Join us!
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Mark your calendars for these exciting Rodeos:
- Jun 8: Jacksonville, Florida
Come on out:
- Aug 30-31: Scottsdale, Arizona
- Oct 11-12: Las Vegas, Nevada
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But wait, there's more! If you want to travel...Here are additional rodeo dates:
- May 25: Jackson, Mississippi
- Jul 12: Bakersfield, California
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We are proud to support the Juneteenth Festival Committee and President Larry Starks! | |
Daisy Bates Honored with Statue in National Statuary Hall | |
National Statuary Hall since July 1864 | |
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Best known as a mentor to the Little Rock Nine, a group of African American students who integrated Central High School in 1957, Bates was also, along with her husband, L.C. (Lucious Christopher) Bates, publisher of the Arkansas State Press, a newspaper focused on civil rights and other issues in the Black community.
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Daisy Lee Gatson Bates' statue was unveiled in the National Statuary Hall, making her the third African American woman to receive this honor.
- The local celebration in Little Rock, Arkansas, included prayers, songs, and speeches praising Bates' contributions to civil rights and education equality.
- Bates' bronze statue, crafted by artist Benjamin Victor, depicts her as a journalist and civil rights leader, symbolizing her lifelong dedication to pushing society forward.
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Mary Lois Hardin, board member of the L.C. & Daisy Bates House Museum Foundation, welcomes guests at an event on May 8, 2024, at Second Baptist Church in Little Rock that celebrates the installation of a Daisy Bates at the U.S. Capitol. (Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate)
- More than a hundred people filled the pews at Little Rock’s Second Baptist Church Wednesday to watch the unveiling of civil rights leader Daisy Lee Gatson Bates’ statue in the National Statuary Hall. The native Arkansan is the third African American woman to receive the honor.
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Robert Smalls' Legacy: From Enslavement to State House Monument | | |
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A landmark moment is on the horizon as South Carolina moves closer to honoring the legacy of former Representative Robert Smalls with a monumental tribute. If realized, this would mark the first instance of an individual African American being commemorated on the grounds of the State House.
Recently, the South Carolina House of Representatives took a significant step by passing a bipartisan bill championed by Republican legislator Brandon Cox from Berkeley County. This bill seeks to establish a monument dedicated to the late Congressman.
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The proposed legislation assigns the responsibility of determining various details crucial to the monument's creation, including its precise location, design, dimensions, and materials.
Robert Smalls' journey from enslavement to political prominence is nothing short of remarkable. Born into slavery in 1839 in Beaufort, South Carolina, Smalls made history during the Civil War. PBS recounts how, in 1862, he daringly commandeered a Confederate ship, liberating himself, his fellow crew members, and their families from bondage in a daring escape that took less than four hours. Henry Louis Gates, Jr.'s article highlights that among the 17 black passengers aboard were men, women, and children. Following this act of bravery, Smalls went on to serve in the South Carolina legislature and held five non-consecutive terms in the U.S. House of Representatives.
As South Carolina advances towards immortalizing the legacy of Robert Smalls, this initiative stands as a testament to his impact and the ongoing quest for recognition and justice for African American leaders throughout history.
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Congratulations to a new round of musicians who just achieved “music’s highest honor.” On Sunday (April 21), Mary J. Blige, Kool & The Gang, A Tribe Called Quest, Dionne Warwick, and many more were officially inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for their musical achievements throughout their careers.
Mary J. Blige, Cher, Dave Matthews Band, Foreigner, Peter Frampton, Kool & The Gang, Ozzy Osbourne, and A Tribe Called Quest in the Performer category; Jimmy Buffet, MC5, Dionne Warwick, and Norman Whitfield in the Musical Excellence Award category; Alexis Korner, John Mayall, and Big Mama Thorton in the Musical Influence category; and Suzanne De Passe in the Ahmet Ertegun Award category.
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Our Legacy Founder Investors | | |
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Our Legacy Founder Investors (LFI)
COX,
TEP,
Elliott Family Charity,
Zuckerman Family Foundation,
Mooney Foundation
Thank you for your
unwavering support!
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We want to encourage you…our community, to purchase a tile on our Bench for the Bench honoring Ketanji Brown Jackson! |
- She is the First African American woman to sit on the U.S. Supreme Court.
- You can purchase a sponsorship for an engraved tile with your organization's name, logo, or your family's name or a simple design.
- Go to our website for more information, and be sure to note that your donation is for the Ketanji Brown Jackson (KBJ) Bench! We are almost sold out of our $1,000 tiles!
Thank you.
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Gender and Women Studies and AAMSAZ will place a bench on the Women's Plaza of Honor in honor of Supreme Court Justice Ginsberg!
While you're visiting the bench, take a look at the African American Women's Arch!
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Supporting AAMSAZ
We love hearing from you!
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Gifts in any amount are always welcomed. Please use our easy and secure online giving site.
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Do you have a legacy story or an oral history to share? How about an African American or Black collection that you want to donate to AAMSAZ? Let's connect. Please email us and let us know at AAMuseumofSouthernAZ@gmail.com.
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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.
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Sign Up for Tours and Visits
Tours or visits to the African American Museum of Southern Arizona are by appointment only
Wednesday through Saturday
10 AM – 4 PM.
Schedule a tour by signing up online. Please check our schedule and sign up using the AAMSAZ
website sign-up page!
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General Admission to the museum is free.
Please consider Making a Donation in any amount. Thank you!
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Please know that we do not share or distribute emails that we receive. | |
Find AAMSAZ on Facebook and Twitter. Use #aamsaz and #aams_AZ on your social media posts. | | | | |
