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.
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.
Website by AAMSAZ
Logo Design by Felicia Penza -feliciapenza@gmail.com
Please note: No photos and no videos.
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