AAMSAZ Updates from the E.D. September 2023
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Yes… It is hot, but we are hoping for cooler days. It’s exciting as we move toward fall. Autumn is my favorite season of the year. | |
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We send a BIG Thank-you to the Tucson Community, people from around the world visiting, and the University of Arizona for coming out to the museum during the summer months. There were days that were slow but then with a bang there were 3 - 4 groups and people stopping in. We had a few people who wanted to stop in and see "Alexander," our Buffalo Soldier-dressed mannequin and take photos with him. He is a very handsome guy!
(Thank you, Dr. Engs and Charles Young).
We met with Mr. Sam Ross to begin the progress on the Divine Nine exhibition and Ms. Barbara Lewis on the Dunbar exhibition. We hope to have them up as new exhibits this fall. We will provide the community links for more information and sites. We have been in talks with the agency representing Ms. Carlotta Walls (Lanier) of the Little Rock Nine as we hope to educate and inspire the community with national icons as we did with Ruby Bridges!
We were honored to have played a small part in the research performed by Dr. Jason Jurjevich on his "Mapping Racist Covenants" grant. We recommended 2 of our AAMSAZ Advisory Board Members to participate in the project.. so a big thank you to Jacque and Delano Price for their constant devotion to our mission, this project, and the Tucson community! Delano spoke as part of the final panel for the grant and to the community. Have you ever heard the term “dignitary harm?” I learned about this as I served on the opening panel for the grant. Dignitary harm is the psychological trauma that is caused by redlining and prejudices of indignity and injustice. This damage can have long-term effects on an individual’s self-esteem and it can destroy a community. Thank you Jason for a “Job Well Done” for our community.
We will have an exhibit showing the research and findings of Dr. Jason Jurjevich regarding redlining (CC&R's) and various housing restrictions in Tucson.
Cox Communications and award-winning videographer Trevor Davies set up shop at the museum to tape several PSA's. We cannot wait to share them with you! Cox, we are so grateful for this opportunity and for your contributions. Thank you, Mildred Wilson, Hassan, Larry Starks, and Dr. Bryan Carter!
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I am humbled as the Executive Director,
and will be the next recipient of the
Lifetime Humanitarian Achievement Award!
Please support our TUSD Students.
Sign up and purchase a ticket or table. Love to see you there!
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We are delighted to invite you to join us at the award luncheon, which will take place on Thursday, October 26, 2023,
From 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Tucson Convention Center.
Beverely's contribution to TUSD and the community has been nothing short of extraordinary, and it is with great pride that we recognize her selfless efforts. Her dedication and passion for education have left a lasting impact on the lives of TUSD students and educators.
This luncheon, organized by the Educational Enrichment Foundation,
aims to raise funds that will further support TUSD students and teachers through various programs.
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Ray Davies Lifetime Humanitarian
Achievement Award Luncheon
This award is a prestigious honor presented by the Educational Enrichment Foundation and recognizes individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to the Southern Arizona community, particularly within the Tucson Unified School District (TUSD).
The criteria for the award are stringent and include the following:
- Member of Southern Arizona community with an upstanding reputation,
- Proven track record of impacting TUSD students/educators over the course of a lifetime,
- Personal passion for education is exemplified by …volunteerism, personal financial support, community projects, or collaborating in the community to further education or advocate for education,
- Ability to attract community support to benefit EEF programs in support of TUSD students and educators.
For more information and to make your contribution,
please visit EEF's website at https://www.eeftucson.org/events
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Congratulations to Our Board Member ! | Congratulations Richard! We are so PROUD! Board Member and Founder Richard Davis (Class of 1975) will be awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award this November from the University of Arizona’s James E. Rogers College of Law. | | |
Congratulations to Our Advisory Board Member! | |
Congratulations Delano!
Delano received the prestigious Community Legends Award, presented by Madd Ladd Universe and Nation of Barbers and Beauty. This distinguished honor placed him among remarkable individuals, including Mr. T, Ada Redd, Barbea Williams, Tommie Clardy, Walter Hopkins, and Jackie Blue.
Behind this incredible organization is the visionary entrepreneur Martio Harris. Martio has been significantly impacted by establishing a network of barber and beauty schools. His journey began at Al's Barbershop, and he continues to do exceptional things.
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Welcome Wildcats!
Our Board Chair, Bob Elliott, and Executive Director Beverely Elliott, were part of the University of Arizona’s Destination Arizona Convocation, welcoming 11,000 incoming freshmen and transfer students at McKale Center.
During August 18th and 19th, we had the pleasure of hosting numerous new students and their parents at the museum. The Elliott's were part of a team that was present to instill pride, provide them with resources, and promote healthy living as these students began their new journey as Wildcats!
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The Award Presentation with
Cox Communications
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On August 15, 2023, members from Cox Communications, one of our Legacy Founder Investors, were presented with a Thank-You gift from the African American Museum of Southern Arizona. The Buffalo Soldier Statuette was designed by local artist Quin Davis. We are grateful to Lisa Lovallo, Alfredo Prince, Autumn Van Den Berg, Chris, Trevor, and Natasha Gamboa! You all are simply... talented, amazing, and so supportive. Thank you! | |
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AAMSAZ Receives Grant from
OneAZ Credit Union:
Funding Tucson African American Children's Swim Lessons
in Collaboration with the U of A Recreational Center
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OneAZ Credit Union is proud to award a $5,000 Community Impact Grant to the African American Museum of Southern Arizona (AAMSAZ) for their work at improving the lives of their community.
AAMSAZ is one of 66 nonprofit organizations that received a OneAZ Community Impact Grant. This grant will be used in collaboration with the University of Arizona Recreation Center to teach Children of Color and in particular African American children how to swim. This project is headed up by Advisory Board Member Kimberlee Avant and U of A's Drake Belt and Daniel Hepfer.
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The AAMSAZ funds will go toward swim lessons by certified U of A teachers, swim essentials such as towels, goggles, swimsuits, flip flops, and a swim bag will be provided for children in the program.
There is a need: Fatality rates from drowning for African American children are staggering. Historically, African American children have not been taught to swim. Among the ages 5 to 19, African Americans drown in pools at a rate 5.5 times that of whites. When all age groups and venues are combined, the ratio is 3.2 to 1.0. That means that for every 100 white children who drown, 320 black children drown.
Researchers at USA Swimming and the University of Memphis found that 70% of African American people cannot swim at all, while for Caucasians, it is 31%. This program will serve the Tucson African American community, in particular African American children. We plan to serve 50 to 75 children (ages 4 – 18). If you know of African American children in our community in the age range above, please have them contact aamuseumofsouthernaz@gmail.com
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In July and August, we also led guided tours for organizations from:
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The Center for Latin American Studies (Exciting bilingual tour!)
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Tucson Parks and Recreation(Have fun!)
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Geico Management(Thank you for your support!)
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Southwest Gas (Great to see you there!)
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Goodwill Youth Reengagement Center(Youth Energy!)
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WOW Ministry - Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church(Lovely ladies!)
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Arizona Athletics - C.A.T.S. Program(Bear Down!)
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Mission Garden(Delicious pomegranates! )
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The Brookdale Santa Catalina Community(Our historian Irma revisited us!)
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The University of Arizona Foundation(Thank you as always!)
Jenny, Rose T. and I enjoyed every minute. Thank you for your enthusiasm in exploring history and the vibrant energy you bring to the museum. We hope to see you all again in the future!
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Upcoming Events and Programs! | |
Save the Date - 2024 February - Black History Month Kick-off
More coming soon, we will keep you updated!
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Discover, Play, Learn: The Kids' Journey of Discovery
AAMSAZ designed a program for students based on the historical Mission Garden! What a wonderful collaboration! As part of the African American history of foods and culture, we wanted to teach students the importance of the garden.
Mission Garden (Friends of Tucson's Birthplace) - We were delighted to welcome Emily, Kim, Syd, Michael, and friends from Mission Garden to the museum. They took the trolley and truly had a road trip when they arrived. We enjoyed their energy, support, and enthusiasm. Check out the Africa in America’s Garden! It is stunning!
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GEICO strives to give back by building strong communities, investing in education, and promoting equity and inclusion. We call it our insurance plan for the future, and it’s a policy we’re proud of.
Thank you, AALF, PNC, Geico, TUSD/African American Student Services, The Tucson (AZ) Links, Incorporated.
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Exciting New Displays Coming Soon! | |
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The Divine Nine is a collection of five Black fraternities and four Black sororities founded between 1906 and 1963. We look forward to working with Sam Ross and others to bring this exhibition to the museum
These organizations, also known as Black Greek organizations, hold immense significance in the African American community due to their historical roles in promoting social justice and positive change. Established during a time when African Americans faced systemic discrimination, they were and still are to uplift the Black community.
The Divine Nine, or the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), played a pivotal role in providing a sense of belonging for African-American students who were segregated from predominantly white fraternities and sororities at non-Black colleges. Today, they continue to thrive and make meaningful contributions to the well-being of people of color.
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The Dunbar Pavilion
An African American Arts & Cultural Center
This is a historic site and a historical gem! As their mission states: To honor the past, celebrate today, and shape the future of the African-American community.
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Dunbar School, founded in 1912 under Arizona's segregation laws, symbolizes Tucson's educational history and the struggle for equal access to education. Despite initial resource limitations, dedicated educators and parents ensured a meaningful education for Dunbar's students. Over time, the school evolved into a community focal point, fostering student unity. While African American students eventually gained access to Tucson High School, segregation and challenges persisted, necessitating a prolonged fight for desegregation led by individuals like Tucson attorney Ruben Salter. | | |
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In 1951, the Tucson School District voluntarily dismantled segregation, integrating Dunbar School in 1952 and renaming it John Spring. Yet, true educational equity remained a challenge, requiring further legal efforts and ongoing collaboration. Today, Dunbar School is a testament to Tucson's African American community's resilience and commitment to educational justice. It hosts diverse organizations and events. Through renovations and community partnerships they are preserving its legacy and enriching the community's cultural and educational fabric. | |
Mission Garden
Mission Garden's mission is to preserve, honor, protect, restore, re-create and promote the cultural heritages and historic landscapes of Tucson’s Birthplace at the foot of Sentinel Peak.
Mission Garden, situated at the historic site known as S-cuk Ṣon by the O’odham people, holds a rich cultural and agricultural legacy deeply intertwined with the heritage of the Tucson Basin. With over 400 years of continuous cultivation documented by archaeologists, it is the birthplace of Tucson. Today, this living testament to our agricultural history showcases diverse ethnic groups' farming traditions through distinct plots.
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The Africa in the Americas Garden at Mission Garden honors the rich agricultural legacy of Southern Arizona's African American community. From 16th-century explorers to resilient settlers adapting to the desert, this garden showcases their journey with diverse crops. Its Africa-shaped design pays tribute to their enduring legacy, offering a cultural exploration through thriving plants. | |
AAMSAZ and Partners Bring Tucson's Black Artists to the Spotlight
Fashion, Food, and Music on September 30th
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September 30th
Tucson’s YWCA of Southern Arizona will hold its Fashion, Food and Music -
Diaspora Showcase Africa at 525 N. Bonita Avenue.
Tickets are available at www.diasporashowcase.com
Award-winning writer Adiba Nelson scribed a beautiful article in Tucson Lifestyle Magazine featuring Blue Lotus Artist Collective (BLAC). You can find amazing expressions of Black Art at 15 E. Pennington Street. The Artwork features as stated by Ms. Nelson as “ some of Tucson’s Brightest and most talented Black Artists..” Laura Pendleton-Miller and others were the driving force behind this project. We Are proud to say that the museum - AAMSAZ - the Tucson Museum of Art, Downtown Tucson Partnerships, Start-up Tucson, the University of Arizona Museum of Art, Bernal Gallery at Pima Community College West, and Holualoa Companies were and are supporters of this needed project. We hope you stop in and are transformed by all the beautiful artwork.
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October 14 & 15, 2023
Patagonia Town Park
325 McKeown Ave, Patagonia, AZ 85624
Saturday 9 am - 5 pm, Sunday 10 am - 4 pm
Free Admission
Over 30 years ago, the Town of Patagonia held its first fall festival to showcase extraordinary talent and artistry against the beautiful backdrop of its community, nestled at over 4,000 feet in the mountains of Southeast Arizona, and it is a cool place to check out.
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For the fourth consecutive year, Ken's Hardwood Barbecue has been recognized as the Best Barbecue in Southern Arizona, courtesy of the Arizona Daily Star Reader's Choice Awards. This award is about commitment to culinary excellence! We at the museum often talk about age-old traditions. Ken says these traditions have been passed down through generations in his family.
Kenneth Alexander /Owner
ken@kenshardwoodbbq.com
(520) 333-9309
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Ashley / Blax Friday has things happening!
We will be at the Playground for these events!
- SEPTEMBER 27
- OCTOBER 25
VENDOR FEE IS $40 (non-refundable)
Venmo: @RouxEvents Zelle: roux@rouxeventsllc.com), Cash or Check.
Ashley La Russa / Founder/EventPreneur / 832-431-0092 (TEXT ONLY)
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Welcome back to school, Wildcats! |  | |
September is a very busy Month!
National Sickle Cell Anemia Month: Sickle cell anemia is a genetic condition that disproportionately affects people of African descent. While the condition itself affects all races individuals of African descent may encounter unique challenges including disparities within the healthcare system. Raising awareness about these disparities is crucial to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their racial background, have equal access to comprehensive care and support for managing sickle cell disease. Sending love to (Beverely's family) and those with this disease.
National Library Card Sign-up Month: Sign up for a library card today with your friends! We love our Kindred Librarians.
National Suicide Prevention Month: Let's join together to raise awareness and support for suicide prevention.
National Yoga Month: Embrace yoga this month for a healthier, balanced life.
National Guide Dog Month: Celebrate the incredible bond between guide dogs and their owners.
National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: Stand with children and families fighting childhood cancer.
National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month: Show care for women by understanding this disease, its symptoms, and risks, to promote early detection.
National Recovery Month: Celebrate recovery journeys and break the stigma around addiction.
National Hispanic Heritage Month (9/15 – 10/15)
Celebrating Latino Culture and Heritage! Enjoy music, dance, and food!
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Our Legacy Founder Investors | | |
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Thank you to our
Legacy Founder Investors
COX, TEP,
Elliott Family Charity, and Zuckerman Family Foundation
For your unwavering support!
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A Bench on the U of Arizona Campus for
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson
We hope that you have visited the Women's Plaza of Honor, as it is a truly peaceful place. If you have not visited, stop by or visit online at Women's Plaza of Honor and African American Women’s Arch. Did you know that there will be a bench on the plaza that honors former Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg?
Women and Gender Studies in collaboration with AAMSAZ, will be launching a campaign to have a bench placed on the Women’s Plaza of Honor in tribute to
Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson,
the first African American woman to sit on the U.S. Supreme Court. Please help us raise the $15,000 for the bench in her honor. Any amount helps, and you can also purchase a sponsorship for an engraved tile with your organization's or family's name or simple design. Please be sure to note that your donation is for the Ketanji Brown Jackson Bench.
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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. No matter what your abilities are, we are committed to finding meaningful ways for you to contribute. Please contact us at AAMuseumofSouthernAZ@gmail.com to learn how you can volunteer and for more information on volunteer training sessions.
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NUL: A Century of Advancing Social Parity
September 29, 1910: The National Urban League was established in New York, NY. The primary focus of the NUL is to help African Americans and the underserved find jobs and housing. As the league describes on its website, its mission is:
"To help African-Americans and others in underserved communities achieve their highest true social parity, economic self-reliance, power, and civil rights. The League promotes economic empowerment through education and job training, housing and community development, workforce development, entrepreneurship, health, and quality of life."
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Emmett Till National Monument: A Tribute to Civil Rights
According to a White House official, President Biden's announcement regarding establishing a national monument dedicated to Emmett Till, whose 1955 murder was pivotal in igniting the civil rights movement. The monument will span three sites across two states, each one dedicated to a different part of the tragedy.
This decision to honor Emmett Till and his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, underscores the recognition of their indispensable contributions to the civil rights movement and represents an important step in acknowledging a critical chapter in American history. This monument is a testament to their enduring legacy and serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and equality in the United States.
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Emmett Till, who was kidnapped, tortured and killed by white men in the Mississippi Delta in August 1955, when he was 14. Associated Press | |
Sign Up for Tours and Visits
Tours or visits to the African American Museum of Southern Arizona are currently by appointment only
Wednesday through Saturday
10 AM – 4 PM.
Schedule a tour or visit 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. | | | | |
