August News – Fresh Starts

Summer fun is winding down, and August brings new energy with back-to-school season and fall planning.

We’ve been open off and, on this summer,—navigating campus construction and carving out time for projects, cleaning, and planning. 

Big news: As you know we welcomed Director Nikieia Johnson in May and we just welcomed Digital Specialist Joshua Wallace in July.

This month, we were honored to work alongside Floyd Gray and the National Buffalo Soldier Conference, held right here in Tucson.

Our intern, William Good, has been hard at work researching Cathay Williams—the only known female Buffalo Soldier—whom Director Nikieia aptly calls “a real-life Mulan!” The week long conference included a trip to Mission Garden, the premier of a wonderful film by local film writer and director – Richard “Chomps” Thompson, along with their informative lectures and information sessions.

 The week ended with a gala that AAMSAZ volunteers Rose Taulton and Jamie Clark attended along with director, Nikieia Johnson. They also took a photo with conference organizer Floyd Gray.

We hope to unveil the Cathay Williams exhibit by October!

We are excited to share with you – with permission- the movie produced and director by Tucson's own… Richard Thompson. By the way, check out the credits… you will see local artist Quin Davis, and at the end we are proud to say that we assisted as a part of Richard's and our vision to connect people in our community.

The film was shown at The Loft Theater during the National Conference of the Buffalo Soldiers.  

By the way, stay tuned as Richard, this talented young man is working on another film that will include the Wham Paymaster Robbery and Cathy (Cathay) Williams… although is will be fiction! WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE THIS!

We were delighted to be invited by none other than NFL All-Star and UA Football All-American Ricky Hunley to speak at the Tucson Rotary meeting on August 6th at the Tucson Convention Center. We shared “a few of Southern Arizona’s Firsts,” along with stories about family history and pedigree charts, sparking great conversation and connections.

Thank you, Dorrina, Cami, and the president of the Tucson Rotary Dot! we had a great time and our Director, Nikieia Johnson attended with us!

Get your seats for the NAACP Freedom Fund Luncheon! Thank you Dr. Cheree Meeks and your committee for always bringing our civic duties to light! 

You will see us there! …We look forward to seeing you there.

The State of Black Arizona 

invites you to apply for the

2025 African American Leadership Institute

AALI is a transformational leadership experience for Black professionals ready to grow, connect, and lead with purpose. This fall, they will host two cohorts —

one in Phoenix and one in Southern Arizona.

Thank you to everyone who voted to honor the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion with a U.S. Forever Stamp! I know it was late notice but I must say… our readers, community outreach, state wide and nationwide outreach was heartwarming! I was thrilled to receive texts and emails from Boston to Los Angeles proudly declaring, “I voted!” Renee Taplin-Jones in Texas spread the word to multiple groups, Joy Johnson in Phoenix made sure to cast her vote showing support for the African American Museum of Southern Arizona, and of Trehon and Carmishum Coleman let me know they voted and then sent it out to their contacts as did Dr. Laila Hishaw… to name a few…Thank You!

We have proudly featured the story of the 6888th in past newsletters and supported their legacy in every way we could. These remarkable women—predominantly African American and multi-ethnic—served in the U.S. Army during World War II. In the face of a war that didn’t support people of color. They endured racism, and sexism, they broke barriers, defied expectations, and made history. For far too long, their contributions went unrecognized, but this stamp is a step toward the recognition they so deeply deserve. Once again…Thank you for supporting our history which is AMERICAN History!

This historical and amazing garden is a must stop in…and if you have time..help with harvesting! 

Mission Garden is alive with the flavors and colors of summer—especially their remarkable collection of fig trees, which reflect the diversity and history of our region. Right now, they’re harvesting:

• Black Mission, Oro Blanco, Ruby (a white variety)
• Quitobaquito, Quitovac (another white variety), La Purísima, and Brown Turkey

Each variety has its own story—and its own flavor. Thanks to their volunteers, they’ve kept up with harvesting, but the summer heat ripens figs quickly. If you have an early morning to spare, join us to pick figs, connect with the land, and start your day with something delicious.

By the way grapes aren’t far behind …Yummy! All around the garden, warm-weather crops are thriving: okra, squash, eggplant, and more. Stop in for the beauty, the history, or the bounty, there’s so much to savor!

Join Them On Harvest Day (Closed August 15th)

Fridays | 7:30–9:00 am

Maternal health is shaped not just by medical care, but by the environments where families live, work, and grow. Research from The State of Black Arizona, led by exceptional CEO Teniqua Broughton, highlights the urgent need for collective action.

Improving maternal health requires collaboration across public health, housing, economic development, and neighborhood safety—ensuring that every family in Arizona, especially African American families, can thrive in safe, connected, and supportive communities.

African American women in Arizona are 1.8 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes.

• Only two-thirds of African American infants receive adequate prenatal care.
• African American babies are 1.4 times more likely to be born preterm.
• Median household income for Black families in Arizona is $17,000 below the state average.
• Homeownership among Black households is 35.7% compared to 65.3% statewide.

The State of Black Arizona (SBAZ), in partnership with March of Dimes Arizona, has released the final white paper in its Maternal and Infant Health Series: Building Safe and Connected Communities. This report examines how neighborhoods, infrastructure, safety, and social connectedness shape the lives of Black/African American mothers and their families. 

#MarchofDimes #StateOfBlackArizona #MaternalHealthEquity #SBAZ

#AAMSAZ

https://stateofblackarizona.org/ 

We had a wonderful time as we bid – see you soon – to Intern William who completed 2 semesters and a summer with the museum. 

We try to connect and provide a great experience for our interns. We hope they leave with experience and connections in the community.

I think we did that with William.

Looking for a delicious meal! From rich, authentic flavors to a cozy atmosphere, every bite is a celebration of great food and great company.

Photos by Joe Jackson

Our Legacy Founder Investors (LFI), COX, TEP, Elliott Family Charity, Zuckerman Family Foundation, Tucson Foundation

Thank you for your

unwavering support!

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.

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the museum is free!

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