AAMSAZ Updates from the E.D.
Mid-March Madness 2024
Go Cats! Bear Down!
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Women’s history is America’s history. | |
Everyday, we are identifying, honoring, and elevating places across this country where women have changed their communities, the country, and sometimes the world.
We want to share with you an initiative, along with (WGS) Women and Gender Studies, that we at the museum are working on, ....because we have extended an invitation to
Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson (KBJ)
to attend a ceremony as we place a bench in her honor at the
Women’s Plaza of Honor on the campus of the University of Arizona!
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- She is the First African American woman to sit on the U.S. Supreme Court.
- You can purchase a sponsorship for an engraved tile with your organization's name, logo, or your family's name or a simple design.
- Go to our website for more information, and be sure to note that your donation is for the
Ketanji Brown Jackson (KBJ) Bench!
Thank you.
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Fashions by Pima Community College Students,
Hats for auction by Toni Ham Designs,
Tea History and Health, and more!
Join AAMSAZ as we collaborate with Pima Fine Arts, 7 Cups Tea House,
and Charlotte Ham for Toni Ham Designs!
Coming this October
More coming soon!
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Tucson Milliner, Toni Ham | |
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Discover Toni Ham's legacy firsthand as her daughter, Charlotte Ham
tells you about her mother.
Originally from Centerville, TX, Mary Toni Ham relocated to Tucson, AZ. Learn about her
entrepreneurial spirit through creative ventures such as sewing, crafts, and hat design.
| Video production by Jenny Li (AAMSAZ) | |
Dr. Laura Nobles Banks Reed was a Tucson Native and Pioneer in education in Tucson. From the Barrio to the Boardroom, she was a beautiful force. | |
Dr. Tani Sanchez is another Tucson Native whose roots date back generations. Her love of history, Tucson, and her support of women is inspiring. | |
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The National Women’s Hall of Fame
We are honored to have hosted these 2 Women!
| The National Women’s Hall of Fame, the pioneer nonprofit dedicated to recognizing outstanding American women, proudly unveils its 2024 class of Inductees. These remarkable women, set to join the esteemed company of the 302 previous Hall Inductees, will include none other than Ms. Ruby Bridges. We are most proud to say that Ruby Bridges was here in Tucson, and we are even prouder that her presenter will be Ms. Carlotta Walls LaNier, who was just in Tucson as we hosted her in 2 book signings and a Fireside Chat last month (February 9, 2024). |  |
- Ms. Walls shared with us that she knew Ruby’s mother and that she will be honored and delighted to share the stage with her and the other honorable inductees including Serena Williams.
In a historic move, the Women’s Hall of Honor will elevate these trailblazers at its 31st Induction Ceremony later this month, coinciding with
Women’s History Month,
in New York City. Notably, this will be the first time in the
National Women’s Hall of Fame's history that the Induction Ceremony will be nationally televised during primetime.
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In this video, we have the privilidge of hearing from Mrs. Mildred Wilson, a retired educator from Tucson Unified School District, as she takes us back to the monumental year of 1957 in Little Rock, AR.
Mrs. Wilson graced us with her presence and shared her experience, as an adult, during that pivotal time. She vividly recounts being a part of that community during the integration of Little Rock Central High School.
| Video production by COX and Jenny Li (AAMSAZ) | | |
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Join us for our upcoming Read Black Book Club gathering on
Saturday, March 23, at 1 pm, conducted over Zoom.
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Secure your spot by registering to receive the meeting link. |
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We're diving into "The Monsters We Defy" by Leslye Penelope, a captivating historical novel infused with magic, set in 1925 in Washington, DC.
- Expect a thrilling blend of heist, jazz, and mystery!
- Print copies are ready for checkout or to be reserved, alongside digital copies (available in both e-book and e-audio formats).
- Don't miss out on this exciting discussion!
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Our New Community Partner!
ARIZONA THEATRE COMPANY (ATC)
Theater Artists - This is a MUST!
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Master Class, the Tony-winning play by Terrence McNally, tells the story of the uncompromising Opera Diva Maria Callas as she delivers a life-altering master class to students at an elite opera training program. During the class, she encounters three vastly different students who are by turns hilariously crushed, soulfully uplifted, and profoundly inspired by her singular artistry.
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Based on a series of real-life classes Callas delivered at Juilliard, Master Class inspires us, transports us, and transforms us by carving a window into the soul of one of the most complicated and celebrated artists of the 20th century who pushed the boundaries of artistic sacrifice and quality.
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Author, Community Activist, AAMSAZ Board Member
Daisy Jenkins
| Daisy Jenkins, an author, community activist, and valued member of the AAMSAZ Board, has dedicated her life to empowering others through her writing and community engagement. Her impactful books, covering a range of topics, are available for purchase on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Explore Daisy's insightful narratives and contributions to our community today! | |
Professional Museum Memberships
We have learned so much from our Memberships of many professional associations. We are truly grateful for their guidance regarding museum protocol and procedures.
Thank you:
- American Association of State and Local History (AASLH)
- Arizona Historical Society (Tucson & Phoenix)
- Museum Association of Arizona (MAA)
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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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I AM NOT one to critque!
However, I must say if you missed "Dad and Me," crafted (written and directed) by Tucson’s own Anita Smith, you missed out on a profound life lesson! life! The remarkably skilled cast breathed life into the complexities of aging and dementia, a journey many of us may undertake or witness someday!
This production strikes deep chords, resonating with themes of race, life, death, caregiving, laughter (even the uneasy kind), grief, family dynamics, and love! Anita Smith, alongside Director Regina Ford and the entire cast, masterfully weaved these elements into a compelling narrative in a short time. A heartfelt thank you is owed to the cast, crew, Pima Council on Aging, and Pastor Grady Scott, with special appearances by Joe Bourne and Master of Ceremonies Clarence Boykins.
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Join us for
Black Excellence Tucson,
a college planning event designed for the whole family!
Quick facts:
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The event will be held at the University of Arizona College of Education on Saturday, March 23, from 9 AM to 2 PM.
- This college planning event is for the whole family (students, K-12, and their parents).
- Free breakfast and lunch
- You will have a tour of U of A!
- Families receive free U of A swag
- Raffles, prizes, and resources
- Free entrance into the Flandro Science Center and Planetarium
- SHE PHI step team will perform
- AAMSAZ will be open!
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Register now at eao.arizona.edu/bet
For any questions, contact:
Susan Towne at 520-626-2350 or
Dr. Tonya Strozier at 520-225-3640.
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Unveiling the Wonders: Behind BIO5's Meet the Scientists Event
Save the date for an upcoming event, "Behind BIO5: Meet the Scientists," hosted by the UArizona BIO5 Institute. On Wednesday, April 3, from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., this event promises to be a unique opportunity for our community to immerse themselves in the dynamic world of scientific exploration. Have a junior scientist in your home? Bring them!
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We encourage you to join UArizona BIO5 Institute for the KEYS Alumni Showcase and Fireside Chats (5-6:30 p.m.), where you can engage with our vibrant community of scientists. They will also be hosting laboratory tours with our BIO5 researchers. | |
Tour spots are limited to ensure a memorable experience. To secure your place on one of our lab tours, you can register at https://bio5.org/behind-bio5
Registration is not required for the KEYS showcase or fireside chats
| We look forward to welcoming you for an unforgettable BIO5 Experience and an evening of scientific excellence with our community! | |
Black Rodeo USA
Get ready for an unforgettable rodeo experience in 2024!
SAVE THE DATE!
Put on your boots and Join us!
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Mark your calendars for these exciting Rodeos:
- Jun 8: Jacksonville, Florida
Come on out:
- Aug 30-31: Scottsdale, Arizona
- Oct 11-12: Las Vegas, Nevada
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But wait, there's more! If you want to travel...Here are additional rodeo dates:
- May 25: Jackson, Mississippi
- Jul 12: Bakersfield, California
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The Dunbar Coalition is hosting a Golf Tournament in Honor of
Cressworth C. Lander
Saturday, May 18, 2024
Tucson's Dell Urich Golf Course
Seeking Sponsors and Door Prizes
Call 520-406-4633
Traci Hockett
Or visit:
https://thedunbartucson.org/events/2024/5/18/cresswo
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Historic Milestone at Howard University
Launches the First HBCU Figure Skating Team
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In a bold effort to change stereotypes, Howard University students Maya James and Cheyenne Walker have shattered barriers by founding America's inaugural Historically Black College and University (HBCU) figure skating team. Their pioneering initiative, the Howard University Ice Skating Organization, marks a monumental step forward for diversity and inclusion in the world of collegiate sports.
Their journey to establish this groundbreaking club is underscored by the words of their figure skating coach, Jordan McCreary Graham, who faced skepticism and disbelief when she attempted to form a similar club during her time at North Carolina Central University. However, undeterred by naysayers, James and Walker have embraced the challenge, determined to carve out a space for Black excellence in the realm of figure skating.
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As co-founders of the Howard University Ice Skating Organization, James and Walker are poised to make history as they prepare to represent their university at collegiate competitions across the nation. In an interview with NPR's Morning Edition, Walker, also serving as the club's vice president and a political science major, expressed a profound awareness of the historic significance of their accomplishment, recognizing the cultural and symbolic weight of their endeavor. | |
Meet Jonah Larson: Crochet Prodigy Defying Stereotypes | |
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Here’s a remarkable 15-year-old. His name is Jonah Larson, and he is a crochet prodigy defying stereotypes—gender and color—with his exceptional skills. From the tender age of 5, he embarked on his crocheting journey, envisioning it as a pathway to his future aspiration of becoming a surgeon. Hailing from Wisconsin, Jonah, already in a business known as "Jonah’s Hands" in the online sphere, has cultivated a significant following on social media, showcasing his talent to the world.
In a 2019 interview with NPR, Jonah share they WHY crocheting amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, cherishing moments spent in his cozy corner at home, accompanied by his beloved mother.
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What truly sets Jonah apart is his altruistic nature. He channels his talent and earnings toward a noble cause, donating a portion of his creations and sales profits to Roots Ethiopia, a Wisconsin-based nonprofit aiding the Ethiopian orphanage from which he was adopted at the age of 5 months. With his GoFundMe campaign surpassing $48,000, half of the proceeds are earmarked for Roots Ethiopia, supporting its mission of enhancing education, livelihoods, and community welfare in Ethiopia. | |
The remaining funds will facilitate Jonah's journey back to his birth village, fuel his burgeoning crochet business, and contribute to his future educational endeavors. His initiative exemplifies his remarkable talent and entrepreneurial spirit, showcasing a heartwarming commitment to giving back to his roots and positively impacting the world. Truly inspirational! | |
Our Legacy Founder Investors | | |
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Our Legacy Founder Investors (LFI)
COX, TEP,
Elliott Family Charity,
Zuckerman Family Foundation,
We welcome
Mooney Foundation /The Lohse Family as a new LFI
For you for your
unwavering support!
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AAMSAZ
in Collaboration with
Women and Gender Studies(WGS)
are raising funds for bench to be placed on the
Women’s Plaza of Honor
in tribute to
Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson!
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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. 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
Tours or visits to the African American Museum of Southern Arizona are by appointment only
Wednesday through Saturday
10 AM – 4 PM.
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. | | | | |
