Author: Jenny Li

Mildred Eveline Simpson

Written by Jenny Li on . Posted in Legacy Stories.

Legacy Stories

Legacy Stories

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A Legacy Story About Mildred Eveline Simpson Bennett

Narrated by Dene Wallace

Video by African American Museum of Southern Arizona

Dene Wallace is an Arizona native, born in Nogales, Arizona, in the 1950s. While Dene has her own compelling story, her passion lies in preserving the memory of her mother’s extraordinary life, that of Mildred Eveline Simpson Bennett. Mrs. Bennett was a distinguished educator, a tireless Civil Rights activist, and a revered leader in the Nogales community.

According to the photos generously provided by her daughter, Dene, it becomes evident that these young ladies, and many others, were fortunate students of Mrs. Bennett. These pictures were submitted during a 1994 reunion held in Nogales to honor the legacy of Mrs. Bennett. Notably, the majority of these photographs feature the children of Buffalo soldiers, reflecting their unique heritage as they had Black fathers and Hispanic mothers.
Among these cherished images, there are a few capturing children who were actually siblings of Mrs. Bennett herself, further highlighting the deep impact of her teaching legacy. Mrs. Bennett’s influence extended far and wide, leaving an indelible mark on the lives she touched.

  • Frank Reed School

Watch the Full Interview

Copyright © 2023, African American Museum of Southern Arizona. All Rights Reserved. No image, sound or text from this site can be used without the expressed written permission of the museum’s Board of Directors.

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The Award Presentation with Cox Communications

Written by Jenny Li on . Posted in Past Events.

The Award Presentation with
Cox Communications

The Award Presentation with
Cox Communications


On August 15, 2023, members from Cox Communications, who are one of our Legacy Founder Investors, were presented with a gift from the African American Museum of Southern Arizona. The Buffalo Soldier Statuette was designed by local artist Quin Davis. We are grateful to Lisa Lovallo, Alfredo Prince, Autumn Van Den Berg, Chris, Trevor, and Natasha Gamboa! You all are simply… talented, amazing, and so supportive. Thank you!

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Our ED, Beverely Elliott is being honored in October!

Written by Jenny Li on . Posted in Past Events, Upcoming Events.

Congratulations to our Executive Director, Beverely Elliott,
for being honored with the Lifetime Humanitarian Achievement Award!
We are delighted to invite you to join us at the award luncheon, which will take place on Thursday, October 26, 2023, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Tucson Convention Center. 

Beverely Elliott’s contributions to TUSD, and the community have been nothing short of extraordinary, and it is with great pride that we recognize her selfless efforts. Her dedication and passion for education have left a lasting impact on the lives of TUSD students and educators. This luncheon, organized by the Educational Enrichment Foundation, aims to raise funds that will further support TUSD students and teachers through various programs. 
This award is a prestigious honor presented by the Educational Enrichment Foundation and recognizes individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to the Southern Arizona community, particularly within the Tucson Unified School District (TUSD).

The criteria for the award are stringent and include the following:

● Member of Southern Arizona community with an upstanding reputation,
● Proven track record of impacting TUSD students/educators over the course of a lifetime,
● Personal passion for education is exemplified by …volunteerism, personal financial support, community projects, or collaborating in the community to further education or advocate for education,
● Ability to attract community support to benefit EEF programs in support of TUSD students and educators.
Ray Davies Lifetime HumanitarianAchievement Award Luncheon

LOCATION: Tucson Convention Center, 260 S Church Ave Tucson Arizona 85701 
DATE AND TIME: 10/26/23 11:00 am – 10/26/23 1:00 pm US/Arizona 

Seats for the luncheon are available for purchase . Early Bird Purchase individual seats ($80 each). July 1, 2023, through September 30, 2023, Online, by check, or by calling 520.325.8688

For more information and to make your contribution,

please visit EEF’s website at https://www.eeftucson.org/events

Educational Enrichment Foundation

Thank you, OneAZ Credit Union!

Written by Jenny Li on . Posted in Past Events.

AAMSAZ Receives Sponsorship from OneAZ Credit Union

Funding Tucson African American Children’s Swim Lessons

The AAMSAZ funds will go toward swim lessons by certified U of A teachers, swim essentials such as towels, goggles, swimsuits, flip flops, and a swim bag for African American children in the Tucson Community. There is a need: Fatality rates from drowning for African American children are staggering. Historically, African American children have not been taught to swim. Among the ages 5 to 19, African Americans drown in pools at a rate 5.5 times that of whites. When all age groups and venues are combined, the ratio is 3.2 to 1.0. That means that for every 100 white children who drown, 320 black children drown.  

Researchers at USA Swimming and the University of Memphis found that 70% of African American people cannot swim at all, while for Caucasians, it is 31%. This program will serve the Tucson African American community, in particular African American children. We will serve 50 to 75 children (ages 4 – 18). If you know of African American children in our community in the age range above, please have them contact aamuseumofsouthernaz@gmail.com

Read more at Arizona Daily Star

Johnny Bowens

Written by Jenny Li on . Posted in Oral Histories.

Oral Histories

Oral Histories

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An Oral History From Johnny Bowens

Video by African American Museum of Southern Arizona

Dr. Johnny Bowens is a Senior Lecturer in the Africana Studies Department at the University of Arizona.

He earned his B.A. degree in Sociology from Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1968. Continuing his academic journey, he obtained an M. Ed. Degree in Educational Administration from the University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, in 1973. Driven by his passion for community dynamics, he pursued a Ph.D. degree in Community Sociology from Union Institute in Cincinnati, Ohio, completing his doctorate in 1978.

Courses taught by Dr. Johnny Bowens include “African American Studies: A History of Ideas” and “Introduction to African American Studies.”

Through his dedication to learning and research, Dr. Bowens has honed his expertise in community organizations, making significant contributions to various civic and community initiatives and earning numerous special awards.

Information sourced from UA Africana Studies

Watch the Clip

Academics and Athletics in a Segregated Environment

Johnny Wesley Bowens was born on June 2nd, 1946, in Jacksonville, Florida. With over five decades of marriage, three children, and ten grandchildren, his life serves as a testament to the power of love, determination, and continuous learning.

Dr. Johnny Bowens’ dedication to social justice and equal rights guided him toward a career in urban planning and education administration, recognizing the profound impact of systemic racism on communities and seeking to create positive change. This commitment led him to actively engage in local politics actively, advocating for equal opportunities and social justice for all, even in the face of various instances of discrimination, including biased real estate practices. Dr. Bowens’ relentless pursuit of challenging the status quo and promoting understanding among diverse communities remains unwavering.

His inspiring journey teaches us about social justice and breaking barriers through advocacy and activism in local politics. From his childhood in segregated Hialeah to overcoming obstacles in academics and athletics, Dr. Johnny Bowens’ story exemplifies determination. Embracing education and social justice, he becomes a powerful advocate, engaging in local politics and shattering barriers. Dr. Bowens’ life demonstrates the power of continuous learning and challenging systemic racism, inspiring us to embrace change and foster understanding for a more inclusive society. His passion for education and community organizations has earned him numerous special awards, and he continues to make a positive impact in the lives of many.

Watch the Full Interview

Copyright © 2023, African American Museum of Southern Arizona. All Rights Reserved. No image, sound or text from this site can be used without the expressed written permission of the museum’s Board of Directors.

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Janet Harmon Bragg

Written by Jenny Li on . Posted in Legacy Stories.

Legacy Stories

Legacy Stories

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Janet Harmon Bragg portrait

Janet Harmon Bragg

Janet Harmon Bragg spent the major part of her life encouraging blacks to become active in aviation. She was an active pilot for over 35 years, earned a Commercial Pilot License and logged over 2,000 flying hours. In 1984, Bragg was honored by the University of Arizona Black Alumni Association as the first black woman to receive a commercial pilot’s license in the USA. She also was presented the Certificate of Appreciation by the FAA and was awarded the Bishop Wright Air Industry Award for her contributions to aviation by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Janet Bragg is part of the Women in Flight Exhibit in Hangar 1.

A Legacy Story About Janet Harmon Bragg

Narrated by her nephews, The Harper Family

Video by African American Museum of Southern Arizona

Clarence Harper – Clip

Clarence Harper – Full Interview

Copyright © 2023, African American Museum of Southern Arizona. All Rights Reserved. No image, sound or text from this site can be used without the expressed written permission of the museum’s Board of Directors.

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Jackie Robinson

Written by Jenny Li on . Posted in Legacy Stories.

Legacy Stories

Legacy Stories

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photo provided by Irma Sherwood Moran

Jackie Robinson

Jack Roosevelt Robinson (January 31, 1919 – October 24, 1972), the first African American Major League Baseball (MLB) player, broke the color barrier in 1947.
His impact on and off the field inspired the civil rights movement. In 1997, MLB retired his No. 42 jersey across all teams – the first athlete in any sport to receive this honor. They also established “Jackie Robinson Day,” observed annually on April 15, where all players wear No. 42 to commemorate his legacy.
He was a trailblazer, winning prestigious awards and contributing to the Dodgers’ World Series victory. His legacy continues to be celebrated for breaking racial barriers in sports and society. 

photo provided by Irma Sherwood Moran

A Legacy Story About Jackie Robinson

Narrated by Irma Sherwood Moran

Video by African American Museum of Southern Arizona

Irma Sherwood Moran – Clip

Irma Sherwood Moran – Full Interview

Copyright © 2023, African American Museum of Southern Arizona. All Rights Reserved. No image, sound or text from this site can be used without the expressed written permission of the museum’s Board of Directors.

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Logo Design by Felicia Penza -feliciapenza@gmail.com

Site
Museum Location

  • Museum is located on the Campus of the University of Arizona
    Student Union Room 244

    (1303 E University Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85719)
    Park in the 2nd Street Garage

Business Office

Copyright © , African American Museum of Southern Arizona. All Rights Reserved. No image, sound or text from this site can be used without the expressed written permission of the museum’s Board of Directors.