Our Origin/Our History
In February 2021 Jeremiah “Jody”, our seven-year-old grandson, was assigned to complete a report during Black History month on an African American Hero. He went online and then asked, “Nanu (that’s what our grandchildren call me) don’t you help people with a museum in Michigan?” I said, “Yes, I do.” Then he went on to say, “So, where is the museum I can go to here in Tucson to learn about African American people who lived around here?”
I told him I would look into it and found what I already knew would probably be the case. The history of African American people, particularly around the country, is more like collections of artifacts, hearsay, documents, and things in trunks, garages, basements, and attics. Jody wanted me to know that we should have an official museum in Tucson and I agreed! So, on April 15, 2021 I began my research.
– Beverely Elliott
Our Collections
The AAMSAZ museum is a collective home for stories, artifacts, culture, genealogical data, and how it speaks to the African American human condition. AAMSAZ wants to expand its collections to represent the African American community in Southern Arizona. The collections are held in trust for the Southern Arizona community and for the world and are curated in perpetuity for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of current and future generations.
Photographed here: Fred “The Fox” Snowden – University of Arizona Head Basketball Coach 1972- 1982. First African American Basketball Coach for a Division I Major University. Taken in front of the newly built McKale Center.
Our Programs
