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Fall is almost here…(we would appreciate the monsoon and the cooler weather asap… PLEASE!)
As we move forward together, we’re excited to share that much is in the works at AAMSAZ!
By the way.. people have referred to us as AAMSA – it is AZ for Arizona! AAMSAZ 😊
New exhibitions are on the horizon—featuring stories of Cathay Williams, President Obama’s visits to Tucson and more—alongside moving reflections from In Your Parents’ Eyes. Beyond the museum walls, we’re continuing to grow our free-swimming lessons, a program close to our hearts, and expanding our reach through a Camp Naco fellowship that will allow us to celebrate African American culinary traditions—from New Year’s meals and Juneteenth feasts to the historic fare of the Buffalo Soldiers.
We are also proud to have supported the push for a U.S. stamp honoring the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. Thank you to everyone who signed the petition and donated—your support of this history.. it is truly appreciated!
And while our current space is full of life, stories, and culture, we are dreaming of more room to grow (fingers crossed!). As many of you know I applied for more space last year and with the many changes on campus things were put on hold.
Together, we are preserving history, lifting voices, and shaping what’s next. Thank you for walking this journey with us.
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Tucson is turning 250+ years old! 🎉 This year-long celebration will honor more than 4,000 years of history, heritage, and culture across Tucson and Pima County.
The “250” marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of Presidio San Agustín del Tucson in 1775—a pivotal moment that shaped our city’s path. The “+” reminds us of the Indigenous peoples and the many diverse communities who built, enriched, and continue to shape our region long before and long after that founding.
Tucson 250+ is more than a milestone—it’s a chance to reflect on years of resilience, hope, and human endeavor, while also celebrating the vibrant, multicultural community that defines Tucson today.
These anniversary celebrations are made possible through the collaboration of the City of Tucson, Pima County, the Tucson-Pima County Historical Commission, the Arizona Historical Society, Los Descendientes de Tucson, the Tucson Museum of Art, the Presidio Museum, the Southern Arizona Transportation Museum, and the Vail Preservation Society.
I have to give a shout out to Las Donas, who have kept me and the community on alert of all celebrations!
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Honoring Maj. Fannie Griffin-McClendon
and the Legacy of the 6888th
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On Thursday, August 21, 2025, at Steele Indian School Park’s Memorial Hall, we had the privilege of being invited in honoring Maj. Fannie Griffin-McClendon, the only surviving member of the legendary 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion—known as the “Six Triple Eight.”
Maj. McClendon, now 104 years old (soon to celebrate her 105th birthday), is an active member of the Archer-Ragsdale Arizona Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. Their remarkable service was recently highlighted in the Netflix film The Six Triple Eight.
In 1945, the women of the 6888th took on a daunting challenge: clearing a massive backlog of millions of pieces of undelivered mail intended for nearly 7 million service members and civilians across Europe.
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With their motto, “No mail, low morale,” 855 women—predominantly African American—arrived in Birmingham, England on February 18, 1945. What was expected to take six months, they accomplished in just three. Their efficiency and dedication restored morale to countless troops during WWII.
Maj. McClendon sat humbly among us as we expressed our gratitude for her trailblazing service. She is not only a national treasure but also the oldest Veteran in the Phoenix VA healthcare system. In recognition of this historic battalion, former Governor Doug Ducey proclaimed August 15 back in 2020, as Six Triple Eight Central Postal Directory Battalion Day in Arizona.
We were deeply honored to be present to celebrate Maj. McClendon’s courage, resilience, and enduring legacy.
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Stop in for the Open House at the Arizona Historical Society
949 E 2nd ST | TUCSON AZ 85719
September 26th from 3 – 5 PM
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They will be playing the classical music of African American
Composer and Tucson’s own Ulysses Kay!
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Ulysses Kay: A Musical Legacy
Ulysses Kay, nephew of legendary jazz musician King Oliver, was a gifted pianist, violinist, and saxophonist. A graduate of Tucson High School and while studying at the University of Arizona, he received strong encouragement from the African American community that helped shape his musical journey.
In 1941, Kay met renowned neoclassical composer Paul Hindemith at the Berkshire Music Center and went on to study with him at Yale.
After serving as a musician in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Kay continued his education at Columbia University under Otto Luening.
Over his career, Kay became celebrated for his symphonic and choral works, as well as operas—with his final opera, Frederick Douglass, standing as a powerful testament to his artistry and vision.
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Spotlight on Dr. Grant Knox /
Playing the classical music of Composer Ulysses Kay!
Dr. Grant Knox recently earned his Doctor of Musical Arts in Wind Band Conducting from Arizona State University and now serves as Assistant Professor of Music, Associate Director of Bands, and Director of Athletic Bands at San José State University. His research explores Chicago hip-hop, twentieth-century Black classical composers, and interdisciplinary collaboration in wind band performance—work he has shared at state, national, and international conferences.
You won’t want to miss this!
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COX Communication… Thank you!
Cox Communications Honored with the Al Mérito Award
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We are thrilled to share some exciting news—Executive Director Beverely Elliott nominated Cox Communications for the prestigious Al Mérito Award, presented by the Arizona Historical Society (AHS), and AAMSAZ was informed that they WON! 🎉
This recognition is one of the highest honors within Arizona’s history community, and we are proud to see Cox acknowledged for their extraordinary partnership and ongoing support of AAMSAZ.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to award-winning videographer Trevor Davies, Board Member Alfredo Prince, and former Board Member Lisa Lovallo for their dedication and contributions to this achievement. And of course, a huge thank you to Cox Communications for your continued support of our mission.
📺 Have you seen our PSA? – Thank you, COX!
The Al Mérito Awards will be presented at the 2025 AHS Annual Meeting on Friday, September 26, at 1:00 p.m. This hybrid event will take place both in-person at the Arizona History Museum (949 E. 2nd Street, Tucson) and online via Zoom.
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We will be CLOSED on November 1st
as we attend and support the NAACP
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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, we’re excited to host two cohorts —
one in Phoenix and one in Southern Arizona.
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Why AALI?
Since 2017, AALI has cultivated Black leaders prepared to influence systems, policies, and culture across Arizona. Through eight masterclasses, leadership retreats, and networking opportunities, participants build community, deepen self-awareness, and gain tools to create lasting impact.
2025 Application Deadline: Sunday, August 31 at 11:59 PM
Tuition: $1,500
Limited scholarships available details below.
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Program Details
Sessions take place virtually and in-person in specific locations across the Phoenix Metro and Southern Arizona communities.
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Scholarship Opportunities
To support accessibility and community impact, AALI is offering two scholarships for the 2025 program. You may apply for one based on the region where you live and plan to attend:
Ebonee Sifuentes Leadership Scholarship – For residents of Maricopa and Pinal counties, The Ebonee Sifuentes Leadership Scholarship supports leaders in the Phoenix metro area who have lived in Maricopa or Pinal County for at least one year prior to and following the program.
Southern Arizona Alumni Scholarship – For residents of Pima, Santa Cruz and Cochise counties, The Southern Arizona Alumni Scholarship supports leaders in Southern Arizona for at least one year prior to and following the program.
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How to Apply
Complete the application by August 31 at 11:59 PM:
- Provide information about yourself.
- Answer a few questions
- Upload your current resume
- Provide a Headshot
Applicants will be notified of acceptance before the program begins.
Tuition is due by the first session.
| | September Holidays — 2025 | | |
These September week-long or month-long observances
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September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, designated by Congress to help focus attention on the need for research and treatment of sickle cell disease.
SCDAA’s 2025 theme is Sickle Cell Matters 2025.
Show Love, Give Blood for National
Sickle Cell Awareness Month 2025
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Save The Dates…more to come
October 1st Kids MS – HS get College Ready
October 25th Like food and culture ? Don’t miss this!
November 8th - More delicious treats!
December 6th - Walking around with holiday treats!
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Fall Festival 2025
October 8th | 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM | CF Campus
Community Foundation of Arizona is having a Fall Festival on October 8th, and that means a great and completely FREE community event! Just fun and it is simply meant to bring people together over food & beverages, games, raffles for prizes, and more!
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Deceived
This suspense-filled new adaptation of a classic thriller follows a young wife as she struggles to make sense of strange occurrences in her home.
httpsatc.org
This gripping, suspense-filled new adaptation of 1938’s tense psychological thriller Gaslight follows a young wife as she struggles to make sense of strange occurrences in her home. Is she losing her grip on reason, or is it being loosened for her? In an atmosphere of growing paranoia, manipulation, dark secrets, and distrust, she fights to discover the truth. Shocking plot-twists-and-turns abound in this new take on an old classic.
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Pick a Book…..Celebrating Our Pima County
African American Librarians
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We are proud to share the work of our Pima County African American librarians who recently released the very first edition of…Books Invited to the Cookout. This thoughtfully curated booklet highlights 49 titles by Black authors published in 2024—each one hand-picked and recommended with personal notes from the librarians themselves.
Even better, every title is available through Pima County Public Library, making it easy to discover and enjoy. Whether you love fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or memoir, this collection is a wonderful place to find your next great read.
Thank you, Jessica Pryde and our librarians for sharing your Love of Reading with us!
| | We have lost an educator, a historian, and a friend! | | |
In Memoriam: Gloria Smith
We are saddened to share the loss of Gloria Smith, a dear friend of the museum and a passionate advocate for African American history. Gloria was among the first to celebrate the opening of the museum, and she generously shared videos of historic moments, including one of the first MLK Day marches, now featured under AZ History at the museum.
Gloria came to Arizona in 1972 and pursued advanced degrees at the University of Arizona, where she taught African American Studies and worked as a research librarian and historian. She founded the Tucson Chapter of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, authored several books, and became a noted expert on the Buffalo Soldiers.
A proud member of the graduate chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha, a former member of the Tucson (AZ) Links, Incorporated, the League of Women Voters, and the Tucson Urban League, Gloria’s dedication to education, history, and community will be deeply missed. We extend our sincere condolences to her family.
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Selma, AL The Jackson Home
Finds a New Home in Michigan — Preserving the Civil Rights Legacy
Brick by brick, Selma, AL where the Jackson Home was located and where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and key civil rights leaders planned the historic voting rights marches—has been relocated to The Henry Ford Museum near Detroit.
This thoughtful preservation honors the courage and determination that shaped a defining moment in American history. This extraordinary effort ensures that the home, along with other significant artifacts of the Civil Rights Movement, will remain a powerful reminder of the courage, vision, and determination that shaped a pivotal moment in American history.
At AAMSAZ, we stand with this mission. Just as The Henry Ford museums ensures the Jackson Home's legacy endures, we remain dedicated here in Southern Arizona to collecting, preserving, and sharing the stories, artifacts, and experiences that celebrate African American history and inspire future generations.
The Jackson Home in its original Selma location, now preserved at Greenfield Village by The Henry Ford museum.
https://www.thehenryford.org/visit/greenfield-village/jackson-home/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Primary News & Museum Sources
- The Associated Press (AP News) – reported on the relocation project.
- The Henry Ford Museum / Greenfield Village – official statements and project details.
- Selma Times-Journal – local coverage of the home’s history and move.
Historical Context Sources
- National Park Service (Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail) – context on the marches and key sites.
- Library of Congress – documentation on Martin Luther King Jr. and the Selma movement.
- National Civil Rights Museum / Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture – broader Civil Rights Movement context.
✅ Suggested “Sources” line for your newsletter article:
Sources: The Henry Ford Museum, Associated Press, Selma Times-Journal, National Park Service, Library of Congress.
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NADINE IJEWERE FOR RALPH LAUREN
Legacy in Style: Ralph Lauren Honors Oak Bluffs and HBCUs
Ralph Lauren’s Oak Bluffs campaign honors the elegance and heritage of historically Black colleges while celebrating the legacy of the African American community on Martha’s Vineyard. For over a century, Oak Bluffs has been a gathering place where families and icons such as Lena Horne, Martin Luther King Jr., and Adam Clayton Powell found rest, culture, and connection.
The collection reflects this timeless style—rooted in HBCU traditions and the proud history of Oak Bluffs. Designed by James M. Jeter, a Morehouse graduate, and Dara Douglas, a Spelman alumna, it was the first Ralph Lauren campaign led entirely by a Black creative team and cast, blending fashion with cultural legacy.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/ralph-lauren-black-marthas-vineyard-oak-bluffs-rcna221968
Historical / Cultural Context
- Martha’s Vineyard Museum – history of Oak Bluffs, Inkwell Beach, and Shearer Cottage.
- African American Heritage Trail of Martha’s Vineyard – dedicated to preserving and sharing stories of notable Black residents and cultural sites.
- Library of Congress or National Museum of African American History & Culture – for background on Lena Horne, Martin Luther King Jr., Adam Clayton Powell, and broader Black history.
Suggested “Sources” Line for Your Article
Sources: Ralph Lauren Press, Essence Magazine, Martha’s Vineyard Museum, African American Heritage Trail of Martha’s Vineyard, National Museum of African American History & Culture.
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HBO’s “The Gilded Age” The Often Overlooked Wealth of African Americans
Following the Civil War, there was Jim Crow but as a part of reconstruction there was rapid growth of industry and science. This opened up opportunities for wealth in the United States. Within this context, African American families of means emerged, building businesses, homes, and social networks that contributed to the cultural and economic fabric of the era.
The Gilded Age brings this world to life on screen, offering viewers a rare glimpse into the accomplishments, challenges, and influence of African Americans in the late 19th century.
The Gilded Age ended its third season on August 10. However, you can still find it. This show not only explores the clash between Manhattan’s old and new money but also shines a light on wealthy African Americans whose stories are often absent from mainstream history.
https://www.businessinsider.com/black-elite-gilded-age-african-american-history#after-the-emancipation-proclamation-was-signed-in-1863-the-gilded-age-ushered-in-a-black-aristocracy-2
Historical & Scholarly Sources
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The New York Public Library’s Short Bibliography of the Black Elite provides foundational references, including works like Aristocrats of Color by Willard B. Gatewood and Black Gotham by Carla L. Peterson, essential for understanding the emergence of the Black upper class during the Gilded Age The New York Public Library.
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JSTOR Daily article, Julia C. Collins & the Black Elite of the Gilded Age, explores how HBO’s character Peggy Scott reflects figures like Julia C. Collins—a pioneering Black woman novelist and intellectual of the era JSTOR Daily.
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ProQuest blog, The Real Stories Behind The Gilded Age, compares the series to historical sources, including the archives of Black journalism and primary collections, offering valuable context on narrative accuracy and period detail
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Illinois Launches Program to Help African Americans Trace Ancestry to Africa
A groundbreaking new initiative in Illinois is helping African Americans reconnect with their ancestral roots in Africa. The Illinois Family Roots Pilot Program, launched on August 4, is a state-funded effort that will distribute 1,600 free DNA kits across the state.
The program is offered in partnership with The African Kinship Reunion (TAKiR) research project, led by LaKisha David at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Backed by a $500,000 bill sponsored by Rep. Carol Ammons of Urbana, the initiative provides DNA testing and genomic analysis to help uncover family ties broken by the legacy of slavery and human trafficking.
This effort also builds on leadership from Evanston, Illinois—the first U.S. city to implement a reparations program for African American residents. Evanston’s Reparations Committee has partnered with the Family Roots initiative, becoming the first community to distribute DNA kits directly to residents. The first 250 kits were shared at the city’s Juneteenth celebration, with additional kits offered at community events throughout the summer.
Organizers see this project as more than genealogy—it is a way to strengthen identity, pride, and cultural knowledge within the African American community. By giving families access to their lineage, the program encourages self-discovery and reconnection with African heritage.
Resources & More Information
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Illinois Family Roots Pilot Program: University of Illinois – African Kinship Reunion (TAKiR)
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FirstRepair (Reparations Support Organization): firstrepair.org
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Evanston Reparations Committee: City of Evanston Reparations
| | | 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. | | | | | | |
Nikieia Johnson
Director
African American Museum of Southern Arizona www.aamsaz.org
Office of Research and Partnerships |
The University of Arizona
Museum: U of A Student Union Room #244
Photo by Joe Jackson, Jr.
Photos of ABC Event by Joe Jackson, Jr.
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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!
Help us keep it that way by
Making a Donation!
Thank you!
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Use #aamsaz and #aams_AZ on your social media posts.
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