Vertie Sparks

Written by Jenny Li on June 18, 2023. Posted in Oral Histories.

Oral Histories

A Legacy Story in Honor of Dr. Ed Sparks by Wife Vertie Sparks

Ed Sparks pictured here front-right, was serving in the United State Air Force and this photo was taken somewhere in Japan. Dr. Ed Sparks, a longtime Tucson Dentist, was from a military family and they were dedicated to the health and welfare of others. His uncle Dr. Martin Edwards was drafted and fought in World War I before graduating from medical school. Dr. Ed Sparks’ grandfather Simon Edwards served in the 8th U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery Unit for the Union Army during the Civil War.

Ed’s Daughter Robin says, “We are as American as Peach Cobbler.” Happy Father’s Day, Happy 4th!

Ed Sparks group photo

Richard Davis

Written by Jenny Li on June 18, 2023. Posted in Oral Histories.

Oral Histories

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Richard Davis

Family love, Understanding with a healthy dose that respects history!

Richard made options to help his family and has continued with this love and respect for them and everyone he cares about. He came to Tucson and was stationed at Davis Monthan Air Force Base and married Doreen Douglas.

See Full Interview

Video production by Ken Roth Associates

Pat Hopkins

Written by Jenny Li on June 18, 2023. Posted in Oral Histories.

Oral Histories

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Pat Hopkins

With information on Gayle Hopkins

You couldn’t catch him! Gayle Hopkins was an outstanding track athlete at the University of Arizona! He stayed in Arizona and became the Associate Athletic Director for the U of A in Tucson.

See Full Interview

Video production by Ken Roth Associates

Lou Beaty

Written by Jenny Li on June 18, 2023. Posted in Oral Histories.

Oral Histories

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From Detroit to Arizona…
An Actor for All!

Listen to the following audio interview or watch his performance on ER Quintessence of Dust to learn more about Lou Beaty.

View His Performance

Dr. Laura Banks-Reed

Written by Jenny Li on June 18, 2023. Posted in Oral Histories.

Oral Histories

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Dr. Laura Banks-Reed

A Tucson Icon…Outstanding in everything she touched!

Laura born in 1921 in Tucson and has more awards than we can name. She has a love story, a story of loss and resilience and many stories of love for family, friends and God.

Watch the Clip

Watch the Full Interview

Recorded by AAMSAZ

TUSD “Pillars of the Tucson Unified Community”

To learn more about Dr. Laura Banks-Reed’s remarkable journey, we also welcome you to visit this page from Tucson Unified School District (TUSD). Dr. Banks-Reed, with too many awards to list, transitioned from being a student in a segregated school to a leader in the fight for integration. Raised in the Barrio Anita neighborhood, she dedicated 39 years of her career to TUSD, with Banks Elementary named in her honor.

Pillars of the Tucson Unified Community

Jon Covington

Written by Jenny Li on June 18, 2023. Posted in Oral Histories.

Oral Histories

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Video production by Ken Roth Associates

Jon Covington

Service to his family, the Tucson Community, and our Country!

Jon came to Tucson from Detroit as a proud service man at Davis Monthan Air Force Base. He left moved but never left behind his family who he loves. He also learned to love the history of servicemen and has been dedicated to the Buffalo Soldiers in the Southern Arizona community

See Full Interview

Jacque Price

Written by Jenny Li on June 18, 2023. Posted in Oral Histories.

Oral Histories

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Jacque Price

The First African American Pom at the UA!

A native Tucsonan who has seen the City Grow! She was U of A’s first African American to participate on the Pom Line! She and her family have a long history at Mount Calvary Church and the University of Arizona that spans over 100 Years!

See Full Interview

Video production by Ken Roth Associates

Gary L. Harrison

Written by Jenny Li on June 18, 2023. Posted in Oral Histories.

Oral Histories

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Gary Harrison

Hard Work and the First Elected County Official!

Gary Harrison worked hard at basketball for the First African American Coach in a Division 1 School under Fred Snowden but he learned about hard work and many of life’s lessons early on!

See Full Interview

Video production by Ken Roth Associates

Ernie McCray

Written by Jenny Li on June 18, 2023. Posted in Oral Histories.

Oral Histories

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In His Own Words – Part 1
In His Own Words – Part 2

*With permission from and Produced by Charles Landon. Published by Frank Gormlie for the OB Rag in San Diego, California

Dolores Townsend

Written by Jenny Li on June 18, 2023. Posted in Oral Histories.

Oral Histories

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Dolores Townsend

Family Socialites, education, and MLB Baseball!

Dolores grew up in a loving family surrounded by parents who were involved in church, social groups and housed “Negro” MLB players when they could not stay with their teams.

Recorded by AAMSAZ

Author: Jenny Li

Oral Histories

Oral Histories

A Legacy Story in Honor of Dr. Ed Sparks by Wife Vertie Sparks

Oral Histories

Oral Histories

Richard Davis

Oral Histories

Oral Histories

Pat Hopkins

Oral Histories

Oral Histories

From Detroit to Arizona… An Actor for All!

Oral Histories

Oral Histories

Dr. Laura Banks-Reed

Watch the Clip

Watch the Full Interview

TUSD “Pillars of the Tucson Unified Community”

Oral Histories

Oral Histories

Jon Covington

Oral Histories

Oral Histories

Jacque Price

Oral Histories

Oral Histories

Gary Harrison

Oral Histories

Oral Histories

In His Own Words – Part 1

In His Own Words – Part 2

Oral Histories

Oral Histories

Dolores Townsend

Please note: No photos and no videos.

Site

Museum Location

Business Office

From Detroit to Arizona…
An Actor for All!