FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 21, 2020
Contact: Brenda Thomson, Secretary
carvermuseumaz@gmail.com
(602) 257-0335
On September 21, 2020, the city of Phoenix woke to find the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center (Carver Museum) had been vandalized with Nazi symbols and racist epithets overnight.
Carver Museum Board members have rallied to support the organization's response to the vandalism. Brenda Thomson, Board Secretary notes that “While we are extremely disappointed by the recent vandalism to the property, we remain steadfast in our mission. Whoever decided to deface this treasured property with swastikas and racial slurs did not understand that our history is far too wide and too deep to be destroyed by mere graffiti. We shall rise above.”
The Phoenix Union Colored High School opened in Phoenix in 1926 as the only high school available to educate African American students in Arizona. The school is a stark reminder of Arizona’s history of enforced segregation. From these roots, the Carver Museum has emerged, a landmark and tribute to the resilience of the students and community that persevered. Carver is an educational and cultural gem, a meeting place for diverse people to gather and learn about the rich history and contributions of African Americans.
“Despite the economic challenges of a pandemic, Carver continues to grow," says Vice President Henry Watkins. "We have plans for new virtual exhibits, and ambitious plans to develop the buildings and grounds for the community and for Arizona. I hope that people and organizations will donate to help us realize a brighter future.”
In light of this heinous act, Carver Museum is raising funds to continue the preservation of African-American heritage, arts, and culture, and to honor the African-American experience in Phoenix, Arizona. Please consider making a gift donation in support of the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center.
