As we reach the halfway point of Black History Month, it’s important to remember that the learning, inspiration, and sharing of Black history and culture should continue THROUGHOUT THE YEAR!
Every day offers an opportunity to honor the achievements and contributions of African American/ Black individuals, to reflect on the struggles they’ve overcome, and to promote a future of equity and understanding.
Let’s carry the spirit of Black History Month with us throughout the year, keeping the conversation alive and the lessons learned close to heart.
Speaking of the heart… Happy Valentine’s Day! I’m delighted that Black History Month being in February coincides with a day dedicated to love, honor, and respect. It’s a beautiful reminder to celebrate not just the history and achievements of African Americans/Black individuals, but also the power of love and unity in our communities.
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Together, we can honor the past and shape a brighter future.
Donate today and be part of the movement:
Our goal is $10,000!
Thank you for your support!
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Giving Day begins on February 13 at 12:00 pm MST and ends on Friday, February 14 at noon! |
We invite you to support the African American Museum of Southern Arizona (AAMSAZ) and help us continue our mission of preserving, sharing, and celebrating the rich history and culture of the African American community in the Southwest.
Your contribution will directly support our educational programs, exhibitions, and community outreach efforts, allowing us to inspire and engage future generations.
Every gift, big or small, makes a difference in advancing our work and creating lasting change.
Join us in making history come alive—today and every day.
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University of Arizona Black Alumni Invites you to their
BHM (Black History Month) 2025 Celebration By attending the...
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February 19th
at McKale Center
Join us for Special BHM Celebration as we watch the UA Wildcats vs. BYU
A portion of the ticket sales will benefit the UA Black Alumni Scholarship Fund!
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Arizona Women’s Basketball Game
We will host a Pre-Game Reception of
Soul Food by Cookin’ with Cort!
In the Jim Click Hall of Champions
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Tickets are $15 and include
game admission and the reception.
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It’s that Time – Join the Black Alumni community today!
Simply fill out the Membership Form and submit it.
We will be in touch regarding our great activities, fundraisers, and dedicated support for our students.
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UA Black Alumni (UABA)Club
If you haven’t signed up yet, now is the perfect time to get involved. As a member, you’ll receive exclusive invites to meetings and alumni events, and opportunities to serve on UABA committees.
Stay connected with us through Facebook (University of Arizona Black Alumni), Instagram
@uabatucaz, or reach out via email at: UArizonaBlackAlumni@gmail.com
We look forward to welcoming you to the UABA family!
Tanisha Price-Johnson, President Keyshia Conner, Vice President Arietha Reed, Treasurer, Tina Johnson, Board Member Terry Robinson, Board Member
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Andre` will become the seventh player in Warriors history to have his number retired, joining the NBA legends Rick Barry (24), Wilt Chamberlain (13), Nate Thurmond (42), Al Attles (16), Chris Mullin (17), and Tom Meschery (14). Impressive! | |
We are so Proud of Andre`
Former University of Arizona standout and retired Golden State Warrior Andre Iguodala will have his No. 9 jersey raised to the rafters following a home game against Dallas on February 23rd! Andre was drafted as the No. 9 overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft from the University of Arizona, Iguodala played 1,231 career games and was a key member of 4 NBA championship teams in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022.
Iguodala retired in October 2023 after an impressive 19 seasons in the NBA, all with the Golden State Warriors, where he also earned an NBA Finals MVP award in 2015. After retiring, he took on the role of acting Executive Director for the National Basketball Players Association.
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MLK Day / TUSD Basketball Tournament
16 Teams participated in an all-day – at University of Arizona’s McKale Center – Basketball Tournament! Some of the most exciting High School games I have seen!
- Games included: St. Augustine vs Desert Christian – Girls, Santa Rita vs Bisbee – Boys, Buena vs Rincon/University – Girls, Coolidge vs The Gregory School - Boys, Pueblo vs Catalina Foothills – Girls, Palo Verde vs Sabino – Boys, Sahuaro vs Mica Mountain – Girls, Salpointe vs Tucson High - Boys
The day included awarding scholarships to students and the honoring of high school staff who have demonstrated the values expressed by Dr. King.
We were proud to be involved and provided swag bags for scholarship winners and coaches. We were delighted that we could connect “Black Men in White Coats,” the University of Arizona Medical students, who hosted a table of information.
We encouraged “Time out for History” along with the AAMSAZ Public Service Announcement, powered by TEP and designed by COX 2 of our LFI’s Legacy Founding Investors! Thank you TEP and COX
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While you're enjoying the Festival
stop by the Museum!
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Thank You ABC / Connections
that Count for...
A Great Kick Off to Black History Month
Connections that Count at The Dunbar
And ABC’s 2025 The Merchant & Mission-Focused Marketplace
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(Photo credit to Joe Jackson, Jr.)
A Better Community (ABC) and its signature monthly program Connections that Count at The Dunbar was honored to have and host 30+ local Tucson Black-owned Businesses, Creatives and Mission-driven organizations for our 2025 Merchant & Mission-Focused Marketplace.
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The title Sponsor was
APS Digital Print
Other Community Investment Sponsors were:
The State of Black Arizona
African American Museum of Southern Arizona
Bob and Beverely Elliott Family Charities
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The Right to Read: A Parent’s Right to Know | |
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
5:30PM-7:30PM
Madge Utterback Middle School
(3233 S. Pinal Vista, Tucson, AZ 85713)
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Join us for the screening of an incredible film that shares the stories of individuals who fight to provide our youngest generation with the most foundational indicator of life-long success: the ability to read. Food, prizes, books, and activities provided for children ages 5-9. | |
He was among the first 1,007 Black Army pilots trained in the 1940s at the segregated Tuskegee Army Airfield in Alabama. Stewart earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery in escorting U.S. bombers during World War II, flying 43 missions. He is also one of the four Tuskegee Airmen shot down by three enemy aircraft in one day.
In addition to his service in World War II, Stewart was part of the team that won the Air Force’s first Top Gun Aerial Combat competition in 1949. Despite their outstanding feats, these African American pilots faced racism even after the war. Stewart, who started in aviation as a baggage handler, later went on to earn a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from New York University in 1963.
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So Much Fun...Raytheon!
We, The African American Museum of Southern Arizona, was deeply honored to be the beneficiary of the Raytheon/RTX Masquerade Gala, held on February 1st at Desert Diamond Casino. Raytheon/RTX, we are incredibly grateful to your members, including Chelsea Lewis (Global Trade Manager), for her continued support and volunteerism at our events, and to Kadar Hamilton for his unwavering commitment to the museum and our mission. Your dedication makes a lasting impact, and we thank you for standing with us and supporting our mission and vision!
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A Personal Story of Literacy and the Fight for Justice | |
In the ongoing fight for social justice, literacy is a powerful tool we must all champion, and the museum is in the fight! Please join us in this crucial effort!
Let me share a personal story (I try not to do this since this is about you all). My grandfather was illiterate. I was just a little girl at the time, and I had no idea. One day in 1963, I asked him to sign something for me, and he signed it with an “X.” Curious, I asked what that was, and he simply said, “That’s my mark.” I didn’t understand until later, when I learned from my sister, Edith, that he didn’t know how to spell his own name. She wrote his name down for me and I practiced as well.
Determined to help him, I wrote his name on paper, and told him to trace it over and over until he could write it himself. Even though he was an older man at the time, he tried, and with persistence, he learned to write his name.
Today, in 2025, there is no excuse. We have the resources, the tools, and the knowledge to ensure that every child learns to read and write. Let’s commit to helping the next generation succeed. Let’s work together to create a future where everyone has access to the power of literacy.
Please attend and be part of this important movement!
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Happy Birthday Arizona!
February 14th
We are celebrating 113 Years of Statehood!
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Happy 116th
Anniversary NAACP
February 12th
Celebrate the founding of the nation’s oldest and most courageous civil rights organization. Take a moment to honor our past, and renew our commitment to the path ahead as we continue the fight for justice and freedom.
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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. | | |
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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.
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.
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