Food by On the Fly - Chef's Kareem and Anthony | | |
October is Here – Let’s Keep Things Going!
Business owners, October is your launchpad into the year’s grand finale—the holiday season! Decisions are being made, shopping lists are growing, and families are looking forward to Thanksgiving and well-deserved breaks. No matter where you are, it’s the perfect time to embrace the colorful seasonal transitions and cooler days ahead.
We also invite you to join us for two exciting upcoming events:
- October 25 – A Taste of African American History
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Enjoy delicious bites from Mama Carey's, On The Fly, and Ken’s Hardwood Barbecue as they serve up a taste of flavors inspired by New Year’s, Juneteenth, and the Fare of the Buffalo Soldiers.
- Hosted at GEICO headquarter
- This event is FREE but we love donations!
- From 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- December 6 – A Walk Through History
- At the Sheraton on Grant Road / This event is Free!
- Explore the rich history of Southern Arizona
- You’ll Love our silent auction,
- Tasty treats including a Hot Chocolate Station!
Let’s make October an engaging, purposeful, and successful step to closing out 2025 strong.
- We can’t wait to see you at these events!
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And More … new exhibitions to premier next year, compelling Oral Histories, and a Fireside Chat by a HALL of FAME NFL Coach! More to come!
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The Taste of African American History is a Free Event!
Donations Accepted
Taste the Foods and Learn the History of the African American Culture
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Join by Nov. 1st for Priority Registration!
Membership gives you early access to upcoming events
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You Don't want to Miss this FREE Event! Open to all!
Silent Auction, History, Music, & Holiday Treats
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Drake Belt and Director, Nikieia Johnson Our Award
We Took 1st Place in the 2025 Campus Recreation Innovative Programming Awards
We are proud to share that the UA Campus Recreation Center and the African American Museum of Southern Arizona (AAMSAZ) have been awarded 1st Place nationwide in the prestigious NIRSA Innovative Programming Awards for their collaborative swim program.
This program was first envisioned by Dr. Kimberlee Avant, AAMSAZ Supplemental Board Member, and brought to life by she and Executive Director Beverely Elliott through a grant proposal. Thanks to the generosity of donors like Outstanding Philanthropist Betsy Bruce, the program continues to thrive.
The partnership began when Drake Belt, Associate Director of Facility and Safety Operations at UA Campus Recreation, who visited the museum and learned the story of Ms. Elgie Batteau. Inspired by that history, Belt and Elliott joined forces to create a program that provides free swim lessons to African American and children of color. With the leadership of Aquatics Director Daniel Hephner and Aquatics Specialist George Ballenger, the program also provided swimsuits, goggles, towels, swim bags, and more—at no cost to families. UA students, who are trained and certified in aquatics, enthusiastically teach the lessons, ensuring safety, skill-building, and fun.
The Campus Recreation Innovative Programming Award in alignment with NIRSA (National Intramural and Recreational Sports Association) honors initiatives that improve student success, build community, and promote health and well-being. This recognition highlights how collaborations like ours can transform lives and communities. Thank you Daniel, Drake, George, Kimberlee, and thank you southern Arizona!
Read more on the NIRSA website:
| | Celebrating Cox Media’s Prestigious Al Mérito Award! | | |
We were absolutely thrilled to be in attendance on Friday, September 26, 2025, as the Cox Media team received the distinguished Al Mérito Award, presented by the Arizona Historical Society.
This award is one of the highest honors in Arizona’s history community, and we could not be prouder to see Cox Media recognized for their extraordinary partnership and unwavering support of the African American Museum of Southern Arizona (AAMSAZ) and so many other organizations. Executive Director Beverely Elliott submitted the nomination.
With more than 30 years of experience in the television and digital video industry, Cox Media has consistently offered innovative advertising solutions that connect businesses with their audiences and strengthen local communities. Their expertise, vision, and generosity have had a lasting impact on AAMSAZ and our mission.
We extend our deepest gratitude to award-winning videographer Trevor Davies, Board Member Alfredo Prince, and former Board Member Lisa Lovallo for their commitment to AAMSAZ. And, of course, a huge thank you to Cox Communications for your ongoing support—we are honored to celebrate this incredible achievement with you!
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Congratulations Trehon and Carmishun…
Job Well Done! We are Proud of You!
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United Way’s….Emerging Philanthropist Award
Along with others, we nominated Trehon Coleman for The Howard Stewart Emerging Philanthropist Award! It identifies an up-and-coming leader in our community who is dedicated to volunteering and working toward a better and more connected community. Their dedication to Tucson and Southern Arizona is unmatched. AAMSAZ and Elliott Family Charities… along with so many others, has been supporting ABC ( A Better Community and Connections that Count) since this grass roots entity began!
A Big Thank you to The United Way of Southern Arizona and their sponsors for providing this award to our community leaders and philanthropists!
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We’ve Lost Another Local Icon
Al Longmire – Supporter, Community Activist, father, and more than a Barber!
In Memoriam: Al “Alvin” Longmire (1940–2025)
We remember and honor the life of Al “Alvin” Longmire, who passed away on August 31, 2025, at the age of 85. Born May 20, 1940, in Atmore, Alabama, Al moved to Tucson after high school. Following his mother’s advice, he enrolled in Tucson Barber College, earning his license in 1959 and later opening his own barbershop on East Grant Road in Tucson.
More than a barber, Al was a talented roller skater, an avid golfer, and a beloved friend and mentor to many. His barbershop became a gathering place where relationships were built and stories shared. A true country club of sorts!
A Celebration of Life was held on September 29 at Zion City, where family and friends offered heartfelt tributes. Delano Price noted that Al belonged on “The Short List” of people who made a lasting difference. Fred Jenkins, a longtime golf partner, fondly recalled their Monday games—always played when the barbershop was closed.
To Al’s family, friends, and community: we extend our thoughts, comfort, and gratitude for sharing such a remarkable life with us. Thank you, Al, for being one of our oral historians and a keeper of our stories.
— The Staff of the African American Museum of Southern Arizona
www.aamsaz.org/al-longmire
| | | | Honoring the Six Triple Eight with a Forever Stamp | | |
In just ONE day, more than 1,000 people signed the petition to honor the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion with a Forever Stamp.
- Thank you for helping us build this incredible momentum! Your voices are showing how powerful it is to honor and preserve true history, African American History, American History!
Recognition of the Six Triple Eight is growing in visible and lasting ways. Recent examples include:
- Raleigh, NC – The Brentwood Road Post Office is now the Millie Dunn Veasey Post Office, honoring Staff Sergeant Veasey.
- Buffalo, NY – The Central Park Post Office is now the Indiana Hunt-Martin Post Office Building, recognizing Indiana Hunt-Martin.
Each renamed post office, each building, each stamp tells the Six Triple Eight’s story—ensuring their legacy lives on.
So.. What else do we need to do?
The goal is 17,000 signatures, symbolizing the more than 17 million pieces of mail processed by the Six Triple Eight. Their motto—“No Mail, Low Morale”—was about far more than sorting letters; it was about lifting spirits and keeping hope alive during WWII.
I hope you will help us get there? Share this update, spread the word, and ask your networks to post this and sign the petition! Every signature brings us closer to that Forever Stamp
Sign & Share the Petition: https://chng.it/2NDt4cDgQs
Thank you resource - change.org
#NoMailLowMorale #SixTripleEight #ForeverStamp
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This past year has brought exciting growth and important changes for the African American Museum of Southern Arizona. With the hiring of our first museum manager, Mrs. Nikieia Johnson, and the University of Arizona’s restructuring of our partner division (now the Office of Research and Partnerships), we’ve navigated updates that strengthen our foundation and align us more closely with the UA and the community. These shifts include the renaming of our governing body as the AAMSAZ Advisory Board, while our focus remains unchanged—building community, preserving history, advancing education, sharing cultural awareness, and supporting social justice initiatives.
We’re proud that our website, which we created and we continue to manage, is now recognized by Google among African American museums nationwide, and that our monthly newsletters is enjoyed and opened by more than 45% of our subscribers within 48 hours of release—well above national averages.
Despite challenges, we continue to operate debt-free, raising every dollar through our own grant writing, fellowships, and fundraising efforts and the generosity of YOU, the community, organizations, and private donors.
We are deeply grateful to each of you for standing with us, sharing your time, energy, and resources to help us preserve and celebrate African American history in Southern Arizona and the many connections to southern Arizona beyond the state lines.
With Gratitude and In Community,
Beverely
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| | BLAC’s new exhibition with Allison Miller is right around the corner. Please save the date, Saturday, October 4th for the opening of Beyond the Frame. | | | |
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OCT 23 @ 7PM
Poetry in Perilous Times:
A Reading with Tracy K. Smith
LOCATION: Health Sciences
Innovation Building (HSIB), 1670 E Drachman St.
Book signing to follow
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October...is the Month of…
Global Awareness:
United States Awareness:
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Clipse Makes History
at the Vatican
In a moment that blended hip-hop, faith, and personal testimony, the legendary rap duo Clipse stepped onto a stage few could have imagined—Vatican City. On Saturday, September 13th, Pusha T and Malice became the first rap act ever to perform at the Vatican, backed by the soaring voices of the Voices of Fire Choir.
Performing “The Birds Don’t Sing” alongside John Legend, the Thornton brothers turned St. Peter’s Square into a space of remembrance and healing. Before an audience of more than 253,000 people, they bared their souls, reflecting on the loss of their parents and transforming grief into art that resonated with listeners across cultures and generations.
What might have once seemed improbable—rap echoing through the Vatican—became a powerful reminder of music’s ability to transcend boundaries. This performance was not just entertainment, but testimony: a merging of sacred space, cultural expression, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Clipse — The Birds Don’t Sing (feat. John Legend) Live from the Vatican — another video of the same performance. YouTube
The Grio — “Clipse, John Legend, Pharrell, and more take over the Vatican with historic performance” — covers Pharrell's remarks, the message of unity, and quotes from the show.
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Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images
Department of Education -
Takes Away $350 Million in
HBCU Grants
The U.S. Department of Education has announced the cancellation of $350 million in federal funding previously dedicated to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other institutions serving minority students.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon defended the move by calling the programs “inherently racist,” arguing in her statement that, “Stereotyping an individual based on immutable characteristics diminishes the full picture of that person’s life and contributions, including their character, resiliency, and merit.”
According to the New York Times, McMahon stated that the Department plans to “re-envision” the grant programs to focus more broadly on supporting “underprepared or under-resourced students.” Critics, however, warn that this shift may redirect funds away from communities of color and toward primarily white institutions, potentially undermining the very purpose for which HBCU funding was created.
This decision has raised deep concern among educators, advocates, and alumni who see these grants as essential for ensuring access, equity, and opportunity for historically marginalized students.
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An 1863 photograph entitled "Scourged Back," depicts an enslaved man named Peter with prominent whip scars. Per the Washington Post, the Department of Interior ordered this photo removed from at least one national park in 2025 McPherson and Oliver circa 1863
History Under Threat: Slavery References
Ordered Removed from National Parks
In a move sparking controversy, the Trump administration has ordered the removal of signs, exhibits, and books related to slavery from National Parks, framing the decision as an effort to eliminate so-called “corrosive ideology.” The directive has drawn sharp criticism for erasing critical aspects of American history.
Among the items targeted is the iconic photograph “The Scourged Back”, showing the scarred back of who had been enslaved and beaten. For generations, this image and other historical markers have served as stark reminders of both the brutality of slavery and the resilience of those who endured it.
Historians and advocates warn that removing these materials undermines the nation’s responsibility to acknowledge its past. Alan Spears of the National Parks Conservation Association stated, “Great countries don’t hide from their history. They learn from it.” Similarly, Michael Allen, a retired Park Service official who worked for decades to ensure African-American narratives were preserved in Charleston’s parks, called the move “a step toward erasure.”
The order also directs the National Park Service to review and potentially ban books that “cast America in a negative light,” potentially impacting museum gift shops and educational resources that document the history of slavery and African-American contributions to our nation.
For many African Americans, these landmarks are not just tourist attractions—they are sacred spaces honoring the struggles, triumphs, and legacy of their ancestors. Erasing them risks silencing voices and stories that are important to families and America’s identity.
Sources: Learn More & Take Action
- National Parks Conservation Association: npca.org
- Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH): asalh.org
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Black America Web Newsletter: Stay informed by subscribing to ongoing coverage and resources. www.Blackamericweb.com
As this debate continues, the fight for truth in history remains vital. Preserving these stories is not just about the past—it’s about shaping a more honest and equitable future.
| | | 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.
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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!
| | 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.
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