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Happy.......
- Women's History Month
- Kidney Awareness Month Red Cross Month Cerebral Palsy Awarness Month
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March2025
Closed During UA Spring Break - March 10th - 13th
Open for Festival of Books March 13th & 14th
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March Marks the Arrival of Spring...
The official start of spring, bringing a sense of rejuvenation and reflection is upon us. It’s a time when flowers begin to bloom, trees regain their leaves, and the days grow longer. I am so glad to move out of those days when it’s dark at 4:30 PM. It is also Women’s History Month: join us as we honor the achievements and contributions of women who have added to the rich history of Southern Arizona! It’s a time to reflect on gender equality, women's rights, and the ongoing journey toward empowerment for all women.
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International Women’s Day (March 8)
Celebrated globally, International Women’s Day falls on March 8th and focuses on celebrating women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. Let’s celebrate local women who have led the way! Locally, we can celebrate Donna Liggins and Doris Snowden! Who would you celebrate and why? Let me know at aamuseumofsouthernaz@gmail.com
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Cultural Celebrations
St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th is widely celebrated with parades and festivities, interesting how so many folks have a little Irish in them!
(ELLIE CROWLEY FOR TASTE OF HOME)
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Spring Cleaning and
Fresh Starts
March is often associated with spring cleaning—whether it’s cleaning your physical space, refreshing your mind, or setting new goals.
You could explore the benefits of decluttering, mentally, spiritually and physically, as a way to create space for new opportunities and growth.
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Daylight Saving Time
In many parts of our country, Daylight Savings Time begins in March. I liked having my family with one- or two-hours difference now it goes to 2 or 3 hours.
Although I have grandkids and 2 daughters who… we will be on the same time!
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March Madness (Sports)
March is synonymous with March Madness—the NCAA College basketball tournament.
Our house is full of various colleges, U of A, ASU, MI, MSU, UCLA, so… here we go! Bracketology!
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It’s Official MLK Days and BHM were inspiring and uplifting and we are going to keep it going…because Black History is American History and it is celebrated during the Entire YEAR....Every Year! | |
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We were so busy the last 6 Weeks and we enjoyed every minute! We hope you were able to enjoy a few of the events we shared with you or maybe you were able to support a Black Owned Business! | | | |
Celebrating MLK Days & Black History Month we: | |
A Fireside Chat with Dr. J - over 1,000 People for our annual big fundraiser. Thank you, Julius! Here are some of the comments: | | |
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"It was so great to hear
Dr. J’s story and to have his inspirational words go out to young and old. My brother and I enjoyed it so much!!!"
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"Beverly, just want you to know that last night was inspiring and eye opening. We always think these superstars have no worries, OM goodness, his story brought me
to tears at times!"
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"Thank you so much for this opportunity, it was worth it being there with a legend and now I see him as an Icon and an ambassador for our country!" | |
Black History Month…We were Busy! | |
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Proclamation from the City of Tucson /A Kick Off To BHM
Thank you, Mayor Regina Romero! More to come with the Mayor!
Proclamation from Pima County Board of Supervisors
We were delighted to present at Pima County's Black History Month Celebration with Freda Marshall (Dunbar) & Dr. Bryan Carter (UA)– Thank you Pima County Supervisors Rex Scott, Adelijta Grijalva, Matt Heinz, Jennifer Allen, Jan Lesher and Steve Christy!
We participated at the Black Culture and Movement Event – UA Honors College and several others!
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UA Libraries and AAMSAZ participated in the US Library of Congress’
Transcribe A Thon – On Frederick Douglass Day
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Thank you, Tucson, UA Libraries, Dr. Heather Froehlich, AAMSAZ Volunteers: Jamie Clark and
Rose Taulton!
- We won an award for our cake…
- Thank you, Allyn Haynes and Sunrise Baking Company
- We doubled the number of participants at the library and online – 75 People in person...more on line!
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Debut of The Thomas Willis Harris Retrospective at the UAMA - You can still stop in and see it!
Ricky Hunley, Was honored at the Men’s Basketball Game!
The Right to Read Film – TUSD - African American Student Services/ Utterback MS
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University of Arizona Buffalo Soldier
Make Your Mark Award
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Sankofa, the Black Staff and Faculty Association, recognizes outstanding faculty and staff at the University of Arizona through the Buffalo Soldier Make Your Mark Award. This award honors those who stand out for making a difference for Black/ African American lives on campus. They may make a difference in their own department or may lead efforts against anti-Black racism institution wide. Their work may directly impact students or improve the lives of faculty and staff. Whatever they do, they make a difference at the University of Arizona.
Tina Johnson was the inaugural award recipient in 2023. Keyshia Conner and Sylvia Lett were awarded in 2024. As award recipients and in recognition of women who make a difference in Black lives on campus, they were recognized at the Feb. 19, 2025 U of A Women’s Basketball game.
Congratulations Ladies!
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Giving Day – We Met & Exceeded Our Goal | |
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Thank you for your support during the AZ Days of Giving. We were hoping for $10,000 from our donors, supporters, and … We have to tell you that we received almost $16,000 Exceeding our goal!
Thank you Everyone!
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We are grateful to our LFI’s Mel and Enid Zuckerman/The Zuckerman Family Foundation, TEP and Wendy Erica, COX Communications -Lisa Lovallo & Alfredo Prince, The Lohse Family and Elliott Family Charities! | |
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Black History Month 2025 / February Totals!
Over 378 Visitors this month | 9 Outside Presentations | 14 Tours
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On February 1, 2025, the RTX Black Excellence Network hosted its 2nd Annual Gala, with the theme of a Masquerade Ball. Employees, both new and old, along with their guests from near and far, gathered to kick off Black History Month in celebration of history, community, and unity.
The evening began with a networking cocktail hour, followed by a delicious dinner and a brief presentation honoring the 2025 Black History Month theme: African Americans in the Labor Force. We are honored to be the beneficiaries of this beautiful gala! Thank you Kadar Hamilton, Chelsea Lewis and the RTX committee!
The night concluded with dancing and a silent auction. Each guest received keepsakes and photos to help them remember the unforgettable moments that we shared.
Photo - AAMSAZ Volunteers: Jamie Clark and Rose Taulton!
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African American History is American History and Women’s History/ Herstory is American History! | |
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UA’s African American Student Affairs (AASA) along with UA Thrive offered students to drop in on Tuesday, February 18th to explore the rich history and culture of AAMSAZ!
Students stopped in and were greeted by volunteers and interns to assist with answering questions, providing handouts and sharing the powerful stories that shape our community!
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Some of our responses from visitors:
"It was very interesting. I learned things I would never have known. Want to go back. Photos aren't allowed."
"Such a rich history packed neatly away. I recommend ANYONE to visit."
"I really liked the coins display the bright colored wigs."
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Well… it’s Back!
Thank you, donors for supporting this Program!
Free Swim Lessons!
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We are at a critical juncture
AAMSAZ is called to preserve the rich history and culture of African American excellence that has shaped this region for generations. As forces in the White House seek to erase African American and Black history from our schools, policies, and public dialogue, we must stand firm in our resolve to tell our own stories—our truths—without hesitation.
This is a call to action: We cannot afford to let our history be erased or silenced. This is a step backward! History has shown us time and again that no one will fight for us the way we will fight, and that is all of us – Black, African American, White, Hispanic, Indigenous, Asian- in the fight together! If we do not invest in our stories, our media, and our organizations, they will be lost. So many of our stories are tied together! The African American Museum of Southern Arizona is committed to carrying this vital mission forward—producing exhibitions, research, and multimedia that connect our past to our future. But we cannot do it alone.
We hope you will donate and contact us to volunteer!
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We at the museum are committed to educating and uplifting the community and as part of our vision is to remain socially active and culturally awake. African American children are disproportionately represented in the foster care system, yet there is a significant need for more African American foster parents.
We would like to raise awareness and empower individuals within our community to make a life-changing difference in our most vulnerable asset, our children!
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Lesleigh Muldrow
Lesleigh Muldrow / Foster Trainer Recruiter
La Paloma Family Services
870 W. Miracle Mile Tucson, AZ 85705
Office Hours: Tuesday- Saturday
Office (520) 206-8662 Cell (520) 429-4247
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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. | | |
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Arizona is pleased to present their fifth annual Arizona Genealogy Day, a free, virtual event for the public from 8:30 am – 3:00 pm on Saturday, March 29, 2025.
To register and learn about our speakers, visit https://azsos.libcal.com/calendar/starl/azgenday25
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From l.-r.: Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Damon Wayans and Keenen Ivory Wayans in 2004 in Los Angeles, Calif. Kevin Winter / Getty Imagesns and Indigenous es
The Wayans Family to be Inducted into NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame
The Wayans family will be honored for their multi-generational comedic legacy at the 2025 NAACP Image Awards. Keenen Ivory Wayans, Damon Wayans Sr., Kim Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Marlon Wayans, and Damon Wayans Jr. will all be recognized for their groundbreaking contributions to entertainment. Their fearless approach to African American excellence has been iconic.
The prestigious Hall of Fame Award honors pioneers who have made lasting impacts in their fields, continuing to shape their industries for years to come.
Keenen Ivory Wayans made history in 1990 by co-creating the iconic sketch comedy show In Living Color, which not only launched the careers of his siblings but also introduced stars like Jim Carrey, Jamie Foxx, and Jennifer Lopez to the world. Through his visionary storytelling and dedication to showcasing diverse narratives, Keenen helped to redefine mainstream media, ensuring that underserved audiences had a place at the table.
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Harry Stewart Jr., was honored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in 2022 as one of 250 veterans. the Department of Veterans Affairs© the Department of Veterans Affairs
We Lost a Hero!
Retired Lt. Col. Harry Stewart Jr., one of the last two remaining members of the 355 original Tuskegee Airmen during World War II, passed away. Born July 4, 1924, Stewart was 100.
The Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum in Detroit confirmed his passing on February 2, 2025.
In an inspiring video shared with the African American Museum of Southern Arizona, by All-Pro Dads (courtesy of Tony Dungy), retired Lt. Col. Stewart is featured in an interview with former NFL Coach Tony Dungy. Coach Dungy discovered during his father’s memorial that his father, was also a Tuskegee Airman…(no he didn’t know that), served alongside Lt. Col. Stewart. Coach Dungy sought out Lt. Col. Stewart to find out more about his father. Why do we have this story? Coach Dungy has family and a close friend connection here in Southern Arizona which allowed us to share their powerful story.
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Congratulations Xavier Walker! | |
What a amazing young leader in Arizona! Xavier was awarded the 2025 Living History Award! Xavier jumped to help AAMSAZ before we opened our doors! He was there to guide us with marketing for our First Fireside Chat with Ruby Bridges! He is a U of A graduate originally from Texas but raised in Phoenix! Currently he serves as Vice President of Donor Relations for Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos and oversees a $9 million annual fundraising strategy. | |
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Our Legacy Founder Investors (LFI), COX, TEP, Elliott Family Charity, Zuckerman Family Foundation, Tucson Foundation
Thank you for your
unwavering support!
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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.
- 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?
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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
Wednesday - Saturday
10 AM to 4 PM
Friday
10 AM to 3 PM
Tours or visits to the AAMSAZ are by appointment only. 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. | |
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Find AAMSAZ on Facebook and Twitter.
Use #aamsaz and #aams_AZ on your social media posts.
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