AAMSAZ : Community & Culture in Motion

# WeAreAMovement

At AAMSAZ, we believe our role goes beyond our walls.

We are a movement, not just a museum.

That means showing up, amplifying, and supporting the work happening across Southern Arizona—whether we are on-site or helping elevate opportunities for our community to connect and engage.

We’ve seen firsthand how meaningful it is when people come together to learn, connect, and experience history in motion.

As we move through the rest of the month, we invite you to stay connected and continue this journey with us.

April in Motion: A Strong Start

UA Museum Day: Impact in Action

We were proud to welcome visitors during UA Museum Day, creating space for learning, reflection, and connection.

Impact Highlights:

53 Visitors Engaged
6 Guided Tours Hosted
10 "I Didn't Know That"

Each visit represents an opportunity to share stories that are often untold and to ensure they continue to be experienced in meaningful ways.

Thank you for being part of our growing community

and helping us expand our impact.

In Community: Showing Up & Supporting

We were proud to help elevate and share several important community events across Southern Arizona this month:

Wildcats Roar Against Sexual Violence
Egg-Stravaganza Spring Community Event

Through our platforms, we were able to highlight these opportunities and connect our community to spaces focused on wellness, awareness, and support.

Were you able to attend?

We’d love to hear about your experience feel free to share and tag us so we can continue uplifting these important moments together.

In Gratitude: Community Support in Action

We extend our sincere thanks to Omega Zeta Rho Chapter for hosting a silent auction in support of AAMSAZ.

Your partnership and commitment to community uplift make a meaningful impact on our ability to continue this work.

We are equally grateful to our community of supporters—every bid, every share, and every act of support helps us preserve and elevate African American history in Southern Arizona.

Because of you, this work continues to grow.

AAMSAZ Upcoming Events!

As part of our Juneteenth and 250th Anniversary Celebration programming, we are delighted to share a magical opportunity with you…our community!

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast returns to the stage in its 30th anniversary production, with members of the original creative team bringing this beloved story OR….. “a tale as old as time,” sure to inspire joy for audiences.

In partnership with Disney and Broadway in Tucson, AAMSAZ supporters have access to exclusive discounted tickets for evening performances (Tuesday through Sunday evenings; matinees are excluded).

Ticket Details: June 16 - June 21

Price: $55 + Ticketmaster fees Run
Time: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes
Recommended Age: 6 and up (all attendees must have a ticket)
Reserve your seats:

When selecting your performance, click the unlock icon and enter the code AAMSAZ19 to access discounted seating.

Join us in celebrating community, culture, and storytelling through this unforgettable theatrical experience—where history, imagination, and connection come together on stage.

Purchase Your Tickets Now

Program Spotlight:

Fear to Freedom Swim Program"

Dive Into Opportunity" Testimonial

Our nationally award-winning swim program is now underway.

In partnership with UA Aquatics, this initiative continues to:

Expand access to water safety
Build confidence and life-saving skills
Address historical inequities

Inspired by the legacy of Elgie Batteau, this program reflects how we turn history into action.

I had been considering enrolling my daughter in swim lessons, even though she was just under a year old. When I saw the opportunity shared through a community listserv about the generous donation from the African American Museum of Southern Arizona to support parent/child swim lessons at the UA Rec Center, I knew it was the perfect time to begin.

I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity. Swim lessons can be costly, especially for families balancing major expenses like a mortgage and childcare. Having access to fully funded lessons removed a significant barrier and allowed us to prioritize an essential life skill for our child.

Both my husband and I were able to participate, which made the experience even more meaningful. The small, welcoming group of parents and children created a supportive environment where our daughter could begin building confidence in the water. Starting at such a young age has already introduced her to important foundational skills.

Access to programs like this is so important. Water safety is critical, and early exposure can make a lasting difference in preventing drowning and building lifelong confidence. We’re excited to continue with lessons and are truly thankful for the opportunity to give our daughter these skills from the very beginning!

-Ashley & Micah M.

Deadline Extended:

Fear to Freedom Swim Program

"Dive Into Opportunity"

Review & Testimonial Spotlight

We're grateful to James for taking the time to share his experience with us.

"This was a real treat!

From the moment I walked through the door, the Director, Nikieia Johnson, greeted me with a smile and such warm energy.

Their intern, Josh Forte, was phenomenal as well.

While the physical space is intimate, it is absolutely packed with history, and their impact clearly extends far beyond the walls.."

Thank you for making sure to stop by AAMSAZ before leaving Tucson.

It's reviews like this to keep us going.

We love hearing from our visitors, your voices bring our work to life!

"Our guides were knowledgeable, insightful, and through. Thank you!"

-AAMSAZ Visitor

"This museum is such a gift! Both guides were exceptional! It aligned well! The guides knew so much & I loved learning about their own experiences."

-Kristin W.

Get Connected: Community Events

Looking to get connected in the community?

Here are a few upcoming events happening across Southern Arizona.

If you attend, be sure to let them know AAMSAZ sent you!

SAVE THE DATE

Learn More About Tucson Juneteenth Here

A Season of Renewal Summer Closure:

July 1-July 31

Summer Closure Notice (July 1–July 31)

As campus construction and facility improvements increase this summer, the museum will be temporarily closed to general admission from July 1 through July 31. During this time, guests may experience limited parking, increased noise, and other disruptions.

While our physical space will be closed, this intentional pause allows us to refresh our programs, deepen community connections, and provide our team with well-deserved time to rest and restore.

We are pleased to continue offering scheduled tours by appointment, and we invite you to explore our virtual museum experience online.

Our commitment remains unwavering: to preserve, elevate, and share African American history in Southern Arizona.

We appreciate your patience and continued support and look forward to welcoming you back soon.

Take the Virtual Tour

Give Us a Like, Follow, & Share Today

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.

Become A Member or Renew!

Become A Donor!

Nikieia Johnson

Director

African American Museum of Southern Arizona www.aamsaz.org

Office of Research and Partnerships |

The University of Arizona

Email: nikieiajohnson@arizona.edu

Phone: 520-621-2600

Museum: U of A Student Union Room #244

Photo by Joe Jackson, Jr.

Yours in Community,

Beverely Elliott,

Volunteer Executive Director

African American Museum of Southern Arizona (AAMSAZ)

We are a movement, not just a museum!

Giving and Sharing

Our Legacy Founder Investors (LFI), COX, TEP/UniSource Energy Services, Elliott Family Charity, Zuckerman Family Foundation, Tucson Foundation and our Legacy Builders

Paul and Alice Baker

Betsy Bruce

Thank you for your

unwavering support!

Congratulations Betsy Bruce for being named the Outstanding Philanthropist by the Association of Fundraising Professionals - Southern Arizona Chapter! More to come!

Supporting AAMSAZ | We love hearing from you!

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?
Let's connect. Please email us and let us know at nikieiajohnson@arizona.edu.

Our Website:

AAMSAZ.org

Seeking Volunteers

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 our Director at nikieiajohnson@arizona.edu to learn how you can volunteer.