Honoring Legacy. Building Community. Preserving History.

Greetings AAMSAZ Friends and Supporters,


As January continues, we are grateful for the momentum, collaboration, and collective energy that has already shaped the start of this year.

At the African American Museum of Southern Arizona (AAMSAZ), our mission to preserve, share, and elevate African American history and culture remains rooted in community—and January has been a powerful reflection of that commitment.


A Heartfelt Thank You

 We want to again say thank you to every supporter, donor, and volunteer.

Your generosity keeps the mission alive.



Whether you have donated your time, resources, or simply spread the word, you are the foundation of our success.

Together, we continue to preserve Arizona’s history—one story at a time.

With gratitude,

The AAMSAZ Team

Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Remembering an Icon

This month, AAMSAZ is honored to participate in and uplift MLK-centered events and reflections that will bring our community together through remembrance, dialogue, and service. These gatherings will remind us that Dr. King’s legacy is not only historical—it is lived, shared, and carried forward through personal stories and collective action.

MLK Community Reflections & Engagement

• Throughout the month, we will join partners and community members in commemorating Dr. King’s life and work, centering themes of justice, equity, and service. From educational conversations to intergenerational storytelling, these moments reinforced the importance of preserving lived experiences as part of our shared history.

Check out the flyers below for upcoming community events.

A Living Memory: Community Storytelling

As part of our January programming, we highlighted an oral history reflection from a local resident Jacque Barnes-Price who shared her personal memory and encounter with Dr. King. These firsthand accounts are a vital part of our work—bridging national history with local experience and ensuring these stories are preserved for future generations.

We extend sincere thanks to our community partners, participants, and supporters who helped make these moments meaningful and impactful.

Community Partnerships in Action

January reaffirmed the strength of our connections with schools, cultural organizations, non-profits, and community leaders.

These collaborations allow AAMSAZ to:

• Extend our reach beyond the museum walls.
• Deepen the impact of our educational programming.
• Ensure African American history in Southern Arizona is visible, accessible, and celebrated.

AAMSAZ was proud to sponsor and partner on the recent production of The Wiz. This culturally significant performance brought together artists, educators, students, families, and organizations to celebrate Black creativity and storytelling.

Through this partnership, we supported values that align directly with our mission:

• Cultural Enrichment
• Intergenerational Engagement
• Access to the Arts

The production demonstrated how artistic expression serves as both a reflection of history and a vehicle for education, connection, and community pride.

We extend sincere gratitude to the sponsors, production team, performers, volunteers, and partner organizations whose collaboration made this experience possible.

Together, we reaffirm that when community invests collectively, our stories reach broader audiences and leave a lasting impact.

Looking Ahead: Black History Month

As we move into Black History Month, AAMSAZ is preparing a month of programming and engagement that celebrates history, culture, creativity, and community.

February offers a meaningful opportunity to uplift stories of resilience and achievement while supporting the continued preservation of African American history in Southern Arizona.

📢 Exciting Announcement: Online Silent Auction

In addition to our in-person and mobile museum experiences, we are excited to announce an upcoming Online Silent Auction, proudly sponsored by: Omega Zeta Rho Chapter

This virtual experience will allow supporters near and far to participate, bid, and invest in our mission while celebrating Black history and community leadership.

Your Impact: Proceeds from the silent auction will directly support:

• AAMSAZ Programming
• Educational Initiatives
• Community Outreach Efforts

Stay Tuned: Details, auction dates, and participation information will be shared soon!

📲 Contact Us

Please direct future inquiries to:

Nikieia Johnson Director

Email: nikieiajohnson@arizona.edu

Phone: 520-621-2600

Location: UA Student Union #244 Tucson, AZ 85719



We are also gearing up for multiple mobile museum experiences in the coming weeks. These pop-up exhibitions will bring history directly into neighborhoods, schools, and community spaces—expanding access and creating new opportunities for learning and connection.

MLK Day Celebrations

Mark your calendars! See full details and flyers below.

Reminder

✊🏿 Looking Ahead: Black History Month

Sponsor Packages

From January 2023 through December 2025, our space became a place of discovery, connection, and shared history.

The numbers matter—but what matters more is what they represent: a community choosing to show up.



🏛️ 9,862 In-Person Visitors

Each visit represents curiosity showing up, questions being asked, and stories being carried forward. It is proof that Black American history isn’t static—it’s alive and deeply relevant.

🗣️ 319 Guided Tours

These weren’t lectures—they were conversations. We welcomed students, families, and educators into immersive learning experiences that spark reflection, challenge assumptions, and invite people to see history through a clearer lens.

💡 192 “I Didn’t Know That” Moments

These highlights of on-site learning are short, powerful stories that stopped people in their tracks. They remind us how much history still goes untold, turning curiosity into understanding, and understanding into connection.

📩 1,850 Newsletter Subscribers

Our impact extends beyond our physical walls. These long-term connections allow us to keep the conversation going—sharing stories, updates, and opportunities to learn, support, and engage.

Every square tells a story.

Each quilt square featured in this video represents a chapter in our shared history—from the Underground Railroad to the Buffalo Soldiers, from the beauty of natural Black hair to modern movements of joy, justice, and identity.

As the purple star-quilt motif unites every patch, so do our experiences and contributions form the vibrant fabric of Southern Arizona and the world.

A Community Investment

These milestones represent a community choosing to learn together and invest in a fuller, more honest understanding of our shared history.

Each winter....Yes, it is coming! That’s when Tucson transforms into a dazzling hub for gem enthusiasts, jewelry lovers, mineral collectors, and fossil fans during the world-renowned 

Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase!

 This year, more than 65,000 visitors from around the world will flock to Tucson, for an immersive experience that spans three weeks. Tucson's Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Showcase is coming back to town February 1 - February 16, 2025. 

Our Legacy Founder Investors (LFI), COX, TEP, 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!

Our Website:

AAMSAZ.org

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.

General Admission to

the museum is free!

Help us keep it that way by

Making a Donation!

Thank you!

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