Ruby Bridges will be inducted to the National Women’s Hall Of Fame!

We at AAMSAZ are so proud to have had Ruby Bridges visit Tucson as our guest!

The induction of Ruby Bridges and Serena Williams into the National Women’s Hall of Fame is a well-deserved honor, recognizing their immense contributions to society in their respective fields. The 2024 class is truly a diverse group of women from various backgrounds. The women will be honored during Women’s History Month in March. The fact that the induction ceremony will be broadcast nationally in prime time from New York City indicates the significance of this recognition and provides a platform to celebrate and honor these remarkable women.

A Walk with Ruby!

November 14th, 2023: Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day

This year, schools throughout Southern Arizona, including TUSD’s Robbins K8 and Principal Chandra Thomas, supported the Walk with Ruby! Steve Freeman and Shakenya Humphries did as well and they invited us to speak at Holladay Elementary in honor of the walk. Executive Director, Beverely Elliott, helped to pass out stickers, string packs, and wristbands to the students along with their student ambassadors! Thanks Steve and Shakenya!

Ruby Bridges holds a significant place in American history for her bravery and contribution to the civil rights movement. Her integration into an elementary school in New Orleans marked a pivotal moment in the fight against segregation.

The painting by Norman Rockwell, ‘The Problem We All Live With,’ immortalizes that historic moment and continues to serve as a powerful symbol of the struggle for equality. It’s fantastic that we have a copy of this iconic piece at the museum.

The establishment of the Ruby Bridges Foundation speaks volumes about her commitment to promoting tolerance and change through education, emphasizing the importance of fostering understanding and acceptance among diverse communities.

We had a wonderful time at our 1^st gala fundraiser! We are delighted that some of you took the time to join us and contribute to the success and sustainability of the museum. For those who attended, your presence added immense joy and significance to the evening. For those who were unable to attend, we hope that you will enjoy the photos. We missed you! Please try to make it to our next event!

We had an enchanting time, filled with memorable moments and enjoyable conversations. Your support means so much to us, as it directly aids our research and exhibitions, supports our educational programs, and allows us to continue offering free admission, a free informative newsletter, announcements to our community, and information on upcoming events and workshops.

Together, we can strive for greater heights. Thank you once again for being a part of this extraordinary evening.

Our presenters were the stars of the evening!

Before Beverely embarked on her journey to establish the African American Museum of Southern Arizona, she dedicated her heart and soul to education as a High School Counselor in the Tucson Unified School District (TUSD) for over 20 years. During her tenure, she not only educated but also inspired, cared for, and nurtured countless students, leaving an indelible mark on their lives.

On October 26th, 2023, the Educational Enrichment Foundation (EEF) honored Beverely as the recipient of the Ray Davis Lifetime Humanitarian Award at the Tucson Convention Center. The event was attended by almost 400 people who came together to celebrate her extraordinary contributions to our community. Together, the attendees generously donated over $160,000 to the EEF to address the needs of students in TUSD. This heartwarming act of generosity reinforces our shared commitment to educational excellence.

We would like to extend our gratitude to all who attended and encourage those who weren’t able to participate to consider contributing to the EEF, TUSD, and AAMSAZ. Your support is vital to advancing the mission of education, cultural preservation, and community development.

Today, as we all witnessed, Beverely continues her unwavering commitment to our community. She is not a curator, historian, or docent; she has dedicated herself to our museum as a Volunteer Executive Director, working more than double-digit hours every day, including weekends. She is making an incredible gift to Tucson and the Arizona community. It’s challenging for me to find words that do justice to her, but she truly deserves all the accolades. She is creating a beacon of knowledge and culture in the form of the African American Museum. It’s always a pleasure and honor to work with her!

Sincerely,

Jenny Li, Digital Curator