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Who we are

The State of Black Arizona represents a bridge between the academy and the community initiated to explore and better understand the status, issues, and concerns of African Americans in Arizona. The documents produced as a result of this collaboration are intended to inform decision makers and the grassroots community alike; and to compel both toward more concerted action on solutions that improve the lives of all Arizonans. The State of Black Arizona is also a forum for discussion about the experiences of Blacks in Arizona to foster deeper ties to each other and the state we've chosen to call home. Upcoming Events:STEM Survey analysis presentation co-hosted with The Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce and APS, January 12, 2012Community Luminaries Recognition, Wednesday, March 7, 2012Key partnerships have made three years of the State of Black Arizona possible: The Arizona Community Foundation, Arizona Public Service, The Greater Phoenix Urban League, Arizona State University, and Rio Salado Community College.

Luminaries

Call for Nominations: 2012 Community LuminariesCommunity Luminaries are our friends, neighbors and co-workers who work tirelessly to make a difference in their communities. They volunteer at our local hospitals, schools, and churches; they are founders of community organizations, and more. Consistently, they selflessly devote their time and efforts to advancing their communities, going above and beyond without thought of reward or recognition. The State of Black Arizona strives to bring such devoted individuals to light through the Community Luminaries recognition celebration. This is your chance to nominate deserving individuals, between the ages of 16 and 55+ years, whom you view as an unsung heroes and sheroes. Nominate individuals you consider assets to the community who are affecting change and contributing to the quality of life in your community and the state of Arizona. Please help us acknowledge the Luminaries among us by submitting a nomination or nominations. Tell us about the work each person has done, or is currently doing, and why the nominee(s) should be recognized. Luminaries will be formally recognized at a ceremony on March 7, 2012. See the form attached for nomination instructions. hospitals, schools, churches and more. Consistently, they selflessly devote their time and efforts, going above and beyond without thought of reward or recognition.

Publications

The State of Black Arizona creates publications that reflect the data collection of the research team and it is designed to inform policy makers and promote growth within the Arizona region. State tuned for our third edition of The State of Black Arizona due out 2012.

SBAZ_Vol1 new.pdf

SBAZ Volume II new.pdf

Project History

The concept for the State of Black Arizona emerged out of a conversation between George Dean, President and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Urban League, and GPUL board member Virgil Renzulli, who is also Vice President for Public Affairs at Arizona State University. It was to be modeled after the National Urban League's State of Black America and bring to light the issues facing Arizona's Black population with ideas for solving these concerns. This volume was coordinated by Kenja Hassan, Assistant Director of ASU for Arizona, and Channetta Curtis, Senior Intern for ASU for Arizona. Michael Kelly, a State of Black Arizona Advisory Council Member, took the lead in garnering the support of the Arizona Community Foundation and Rio Salado Community College for the second and third year of the project. He also brought in nationally recognized education scholar, Dr. Kimberly Scott, to provide direction and leadership. During its second year, the State of Black Arizona has expanded to include community discussions on topics raised by essay authors. In addition to the National Urban League's work, the State of Black Arizona draws inspiration from other projects that have sought to understand the issues of Blacks in Arizona and inform those who can make change locally. Some examples include the African American Legislative Days at the Capitol, the current efforts of the Arizona Commission on African American Affairs, and the Arizona Black Town Halls supported by Arizona State University from the late 1980s to the late 1990s. The reports from the Black Town Halls are available for public viewing at ASU Hayden Library. The project continues to grow and adapt according to the input provided by interested community members. Please use this Web site as a way to find information, connect with other organizations, and propose your solutions.

About us

“Without an honest and open discussion of the past, the factors contributing to the current divide, and our current situation, it is impossible to move forward as a unified society that embraces the differences which make us America and make us great. " - Rodrick Miller “Arizona’s Black Economy”

About us

Who we are

Since 2008, the State of Black Arizona (SBAZ) has maintained a community commitment to facilitate a greater understanding among community stakeholders of the issues, concerns, and status of Blacks in Arizona in order to improve decision making as it affects the lives of all Arizonans. Our past efforts have resulted in the following successes: 2 published reports (Volumes 1 &2) Statewide call-to-action meetings (Phoenix, Tucson, Sierra Vista, Flagstaff) with over 200 participants & 14 hours of dialogue 2 Strategic Planning Meetings (Tucson & Phoenix) Annual Community Luminary Celebrations Website developed (stateofblackaz.org) Collaboration with other State of projects (e.g. State of Asian American Pacific Islanders AZ, State of Latino AZ) The State of Black Arizona represents a bridge between the academy and the community initiated to explore and better understand the status, issues, and concerns of African Americans in Arizona. The documents produced as a result of this collaboration are intended to inform decision makers and the grassroots community alike; and to compel both toward more concerted action on solutions that improve the lives of all Arizonans. The State of Black Arizona is also a forum for discussion about the experiences of Blacks in Arizona to foster deeper ties to each other and the state we've chosen to call home. Mission To facilitate a greater understanding among community stakeholders of the issues, concerns, and status of Blacks in Arizona in order to improve decision making as it affects the lives of all Arizonans. Values• Collaborative Effort and Thought • Community Advancement • Informed/Directed Action • Sustained Change Purpose To initiate statewide dialogues about pressing topics affecting African American communities.To foster new collaborative relationships that will lead to a statewide strategic plan for African American communities.PartnershipsKey partnerships have made three years of the State of Black Arizona possible: The Arizona Community Foundation, Arizona Public Service, The Greater Phoenix Urban League, Arizona State University, and Rio Salado Community College. We would like to that our current sponsors; Arizona Community Foundation, APS, Arizona State Univeresity, Vanguard, Wellsfargo, Greater Phoenix Urban League, Rio Salado College, and Arizona State University Applied Learning Technologies Institute.
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Board Members
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A call to action is required in order to help people move from the poverty wages to the living wages. In order to create healthy, vibrant communities where diversity is cherished and celebrated, the Black/African American people living below the poverty level need to be educated and trained for new jobs such as green jobs." - Rufus Glasper and Pushpa Ramakrishna

Board Members

Executive Editor
Managing Editor
Program Coordinator
Advisory Council

Executive Editor

Dr. Kimberly ScottAfter graduating with a BA from Smith College in Art History and French Literature, Kimberly A. Scott found herself in Chaing Mai, Thailand, teaching English in a rehabilitation center for female slaves and prostitutes. It was at this juncture, she developed a keen interest in race, ethnicity, social class, and gender issues as intersecting variables affecting children, in general, and girls of color, in particular. While working as a fourth-grade teacher in an urban New Jersey district, she routinely noticed teachers dismissing these features yet doing little to further certain children’s success. This realization motivated Dr. Scott to earn her Ed.D. from Rutgers University in the area of social and philosophical foundations of education with particular emphasis on sociology of children and childhoods. Currently, Dr. Scott is an Associate Professor in the College of Liberal Arts and Science’s School of Social Transformation at Arizona Sate University. Prior to ASU, she was on faculty in Hofstra University’s College of Education and Allied Human Services. While at Hofstra, Dr. Scott established the TLC program in which girls and their parents from surrounding, high-needs Long Island districts attended mentoring, technology, and parenting workshops. TLC served as the basis for her current National Science Foundation-funded program, COMPUGIRLS (www.compugirls.asu.edu). With more than 30 written articles, op-ed pieces, technical reports, and book chapters; three books; approximately 50 national and international conference presentations and/or invited addresses, Dr. Scott has received several awards and recognitions for her community work and scholarly activities.

Managing Editor

Kenja HassanKenja Hassan is Assistant Director of ASU for Arizona, which works towards developing a meaningful presence for Arizona State University in communities around Arizona, ranging from service to research, including the first State of Black Arizona publication. She holds a B.A. from Princeton University and an M.A. from Arizona State University both in Religious Studies with an emphasis on American Indian traditions. Her Master’s thesis explores Navajo identity and religious ties to land. While working for a lobbying firm in Washington, D.C., Ms. Hassan developed support documents on Navajo tradition for Congress illustrating their religious claims to their land. During this same period she coordinated a small non-profit, the Native American Library and Museum Project, providing materials for under-resourced libraries and museums on several reservations across the country. She is a member of the Black Board of Directors Project and currently serves on the board of Arizona Saves. Ms. Hassan has spent time studying and working in New Zealand, Egypt, and Thailand.

Program Coordinator

Regina E. Cameron, M.S.W.Regina Cameron has served as the Program Coordinator for the State of Black Arizona since the fall of 2010. Regina is also a Victim Advocate with CARE 7, the City of Tempe’ Crisis Response Team. The CARE 7 Crisis Response Team is a group of dedicated and professionally trained staff who provide 24 hour, on scene, crisis intervention services in Tempe when dispatched by Tempe Police and/or Fire. As a Victim Advocate she serves as a liaison between victims and Tempe Police and prosecutorial agencies, provides education on victims’ rights, assist them in accessing the criminal justice system and also provides follow-up resources such as assistance with filing for victim's financial compensation, protective orders and counseling referrals. Regina holds a Bachelors and Masters degree both in Social Work from Arizona State University.
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Advisory Council

Essen Otu, Chair Essen Otu currently serves as Diversity & Cultural Competency Director for Mountain Park Health Center (MPHC) in Phoenix, AZ. He is responsible for initiating, developing, and assessing internal and external diversity strategies as well as ensuring that the organization has clear, consistent, and effective diversity and inclusion goals ultimately geared at providing the best possible service at all five of MPHC’s Clinics. Previously, Essen served as the Special Assistant to Seattle City Light (SCL) Superintendent where he was instrumental in the development of the utility’s Executive Leadership Program and the City of Seattle’s Race and Social Justice Initiative (RSJI). In the Office of Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, Essen lead the charge to establish the Governor’s Cultural Competency Plan and accompanying training. He holds Master’s degree in Public Administration through the National Urban Fellows program.Pat Crowell, Co-ChairSerena Randolph-King, TreasurerSerena Randolph-King is a small business owner, active volunteer in both her community and Church, and the single mother of two. She has over 20yrs experience in customer service and leadership. Her business, “Especially for You Executive Services” (EF-YES) provides temporary clerical services, travel arrangements, mobile notary, and limited event planning services. Her clients consist of small businesses, corporations and individuals. She volunteers with many organizations including the Lions Club of Raleigh, N.C., the Boys & Girls Club Ladmo Branch- Westside Community Center in Tempe, AZ, and Fresh-Start Community Service of Arizona. She created “Girls Talk Fellowship”, where troubled girls from broken homes were able to overcome many negative influences through interaction and structured activities. Rod Ambrose, Member at Large Rod Ambrose serves as the Prevention Coordinator of Project BRAVE (Bringing the Reality about Violence Education to elementary, middle and High Schools) with the City of Phoenix. Rod is past Chairman of the Advisory Board to the Juvenile Court, Vice Chairman of the ‘Arizona Life Skills Center’, member of the City of Phoenix Ethnic Minority Leadership Branch, senior advisor to Black Poet Ventures and a “Peer Arts Consultant” with the Arizona Commission on the Arts. Best known for his powerful presence on stage at the Black Theater Troupe, Ambrose has received a ’Lifetime Achievement Award’ from the City of Phoenix Human Relations Commission and a ‘Living Legends Award’ from the Black Student Union and Alumnus at Phoenix College.Michael Kelly, Nominations Chair Michael Kelly is a founding board member of the Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce, the first President and Executive Director of the Arizona School Choice Trust, and Manager for Kelly Consulting Alliance, LLC. As a board member of the Arizona Community Foundation, he chairs the Distributions and Programs Committee. Kelly has served on numerous boards and commissions, and has raised millions of dollars over the years for non-profit organizations and public-service initiatives. He is a Co-Founder, President, and Chair of the Leadership Consortium and is also a behavioral health services expert with 20-plus years of experience in training, education, public relations, community organization, and development. From 1995 to 2004, Kelly was the Senior Policy Advisor to former Phoenix Mayor Skip Rimsza in economic development. Kelly matriculated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor's degree in sociology and Black studies and a Master's degree in teaching.Elsie G.J. Moore, Editorial Committee ChairElsie G.J. Moore is a professor in the ASU School of Social Transformation. She earned her B.A. degree in Psychology and Philosophy at Elmhurst College (Illinois); and her M.A. and Ph. D. degrees at the University of Chicago, Committee on Human Development, where she specialized in children’s cognitive and social development. Immediately after completing her doctorate, she worked as a post-doctoral fellow at Boys Town Research Center in Boys Town, Nebraska. Dr. Moore’s research focuses on family, community and school factors related to specific cognitive skill development and the educational achievement and attainment of ethnic minority children and youth.Wanda M. Thompson, Special Events Chair Wanda M. Thompson currently works for Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) as a Community Health Coordinator, developing the Center for African American Health Az (CAAHAz). She concentrates on assisting communities to develop asset based,(ABCD), health focused programs while utilizing statistical findings and recommendations. Previously, Wanda lived in Sierra Vista Arizona, where she worked as Executive Director of the Volunteer Interfaith Caregiver Program (VICaP) providing health and social service related assistance to the elderly. She has extensive experience in Program Development and Administration along with overseas work as an Education Technician in Karlsruhe, Germany. Wanda has a Bachelors Degree in Human Services, and is an Arizona State Certified Public Manager.
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"American talent, leadership, and genius. It is up to us to define our destiny more clearly. By summoning our collective intelligence, we promise a brighter Black Arizona." - Amy Freeman, African American Activism in Phoenix

Luminaries

About Luminaries
Call for Nominations

About Luminaries

Who are they.....

Community Luminaries work tirelessly to make a difference. They volunteer at our local

hospitals, schools, churches and more. Consistently, they selflessly devote their time and efforts, going above and beyond without thought of reward or recognition.

This is an opportunity for unsung Luminaries and community leaders to share the limelight and receive well-deserved recognition for their valuable contributions and positive impact regarding the African American Community in Arizona.

2011 Community LuminariesGladys Bradley, a teacher of thirty years, has influenced the lives of countless individuals in Flagstaff’s Southside Community. Her nominator says everyone there has been exposed to, knows of, or been taught by Ms. Bradley. One such person said she inspired him to take on tasks that he thought were beyond his abilities: “She believed in me when I had lost faith in myself and gave me constant reality checks, in a fashion that only she can.”Dr. George Brooks, Jr., is a visionary focused on helping society harness what the United Nations calls the most powerful economic force in the world today sustainable, or green, technology. He founded two of Phoenix’s first sustainability magazines and co-founded RightTrac, an urban aquaculture company as well as Green Revival, a program designed to save low-income families up to $1,000 year in energy costs. Mike and Sarah Cromer have been active in Flagstaff schools since 1947. Mike served as a teacher and later head master at South Beaver Elementary School, Sarah was also a teacher there for 27 years. The Cromers and their parents worked for racial justice long before the courts confirmed that segregation must be eliminated. They welcomed students and families from across Northern Arizona, and across the racial boundaries that separated Flagstaff. Since the school’s closing, they have remained committed to maintaining its history and legacy as a model for multicultural education and community building.Raymond Flemons has been sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ in cities across Northern Arizona since 1951. An active participant in the 1960’s civil rights movement, Pastor Flemons has provided vital services to his congregations through ministering to the poor, sick, lonely and imprisoned. He expands his work by inspiring members of his congregation to serve the community in soup kitchens, prison ministries, and youth outreach groups. Kenny W. Harris has worked for over two decades as key manager of city and county services in the Phoenix metro area. Today, he successfully oversees four separate and vital Maricopa County agencies: the Flood District, the Department of Transportation, Solid Waste Management, and Facilities Management. In his spare time, he contributes his organizational and management skills to numerous charities and organizations. Katherine Hickman, the mother of 14 children has been dedicated to supporting early childhood education and community building in Flagstaff for 60 years. She was heavily involved in the PTOs of the schools where her children attended; contributed to the founding one of Flagstaff’s first Black churches; and was a founding member of the original NAACP Flagstaff branch established in 1968.Reuben Miller, an executive at Intel, is shaping young African American men from raw and misguided to focused individuals with a purpose and a clear plan for their lives. At a time when highs school graduation rates are dismal, the Alpha Phi Psi Guide Right program, which Reuben directs, has seen a 100 % graduation rate among its participants with 90 percent going on to institutions of higher learning. Lakisa Muhammad is devoted to combating infant mortality and low birth weight in the African American community. She teaches women how to empower themselves with factual knowledge about pregnancy and childbirth so they can ask the right questions of doctors. As a coach with Girls for a Change she also empowers the next generation of potential mothers to be self-reliant and self-confident women. Channel Powe is not driven by titles, prestigious awards, or achieving rank. She is, in the words of her nominator, a “Servant Leader,” one whose primary desire is to serve and build community through awareness, foresight and stewardship. She delights in building community networks and relationships. Lawrence Robinson grew up in Phoenix surrounded by family members who taught him to stand up for the values of community and equality. At an early age, he involved himself in the fight for statewide recognition of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday and inclusive school curricula. Today, he serves as a staff attorney for the Arizona House of Representatives, Democratic Caucus. Nathan Smith serves those facing homelessness and poverty both locally and internationally. He is the founder of a new ministry called HOPE, Homeless Outreach Participation Endeavor, bringing food, clothing and other essential items to homeless people in Phoenix. Nathan’s paradigm of “HOPE” is to build a community where people don’t see the homeless as a “cause” to donate to, but as peers to connect to. Bertha Solomon, a teacher in the Roosevelt School District for nearly thirty years, was also appointed the first female Assistant Superintendent of Instruction in the District’s one hundred-year history. For over seven decades, she has been an active member of Tanner Chapel where, as the Chairperson of the Commission on Mission and Welfare, she has facilitated the distribution of 165,000 food boxes to the hungry. Dr. Miguel Vasquez uses his knowledge and advanced degree in applied anthropology to support grass-roots community empowerment across cultures, across international borders, and even right at home in Flagstaff. Recently, he trained several members of the Southside Community in strategic assessment, which enabled them to successfully apply for a one hundred thousand dollar grant from the Arizona Community Foundation for neighborhood revitalization. Dorothy Wellington has been ministering to the homeless and downtrodden since 1979. In 2006 she started the “once-a-month church” for the homeless of Phoenix. Today, she still gives powerful and inspirational sermons at these gatherings, with an average congregation of 200 homeless people. As her nominator says, “Dorothy deals with the dark world of homelessness and yet continues to shine a bright light of hope.”Andrew Wilson has taken his skills as a small business owner to exponentially expand the financial impact of other Phoenix area small businesses. Many people recognize small businesses as the building block of American commerce, but it takes special people to actually help them grow. Through his leadership, numerous small businesses have been able to become important revenue generators and employers for our community.
2009 Community LuminariesJoseph Blair reaches hundreds of at-risk youth through his free basketball camp in Tucson. He brings positive role models to the camp, such as former professional players and coaches, to inspire the kids to overcome their own struggles and have a successful life. Judith Blair continually inspires others to overcome barriers simply by giving of herself in small and large ways. As an advocate for living organ donors, she demonstrated true selflessness by donating a kidney to another community member in desperate need of a transplant. She volunteers extensively to help at-risk youth throughout Tucson. Reginald Bolding turned down an opportunity for a tuition-free law degree in order to pursue his passion for teaching and mentoring young people by joining Teach for America and working on the frontlines of educational inequality. He is currently a special education teacher at Percy Julian school in South Phoenix where he demands nothing short of excellence from his students. Rhoshawndra Carnes’ “passion for public service is so transparent and genuine that it inspires people around her to be better persons and to be more involved in the community,” her nominator wrote. On ASU’s campus she is the glue binding students to dozens of organizations and service opportunities throughout the community. Darren Chapman transforms lives one seed at a time. He has brought the gift of gardening to dozens of people of all ages in low income communities. Through his lessons on gardening and landscaping, he promotes community revitalization, sustainability and self-sufficiency. Bennie Hargrove. Under Mr. Hargrove’s leadership, the Friday Night Community Outreach Ministry offers the homeless both food and faith while treating them as honored guests. This honor goes to not just Bennie, but the dozens of volunteers who have chosen not to ignore ‘the least among us.’ Dr. Christa Johnson is an Obstetrician/Gynecologist with a passion for creating better systems of care for immigrant women, especially those affected by the practice known as female circumcision. She is currently the director of the Refugee Women’s Health Clinic in the Maricopa Integrated Health System. Frances B. Miller was the first African American principal of Buena Vista High School in Sierra Vista. She has served as an officer in the Sierra Vista NAACP, Rotary and as a Girl Scout’s Leader, but perhaps she’ll best be remembered by her students as the principal who got down in the dirt to help them plant trees on National Public Lands Day. L .Bruce Miller has served the community through leadership positions in the NAACP, Southwest Association of Buffalo Soldiers and as Grand Master of Prince Hall Masons of Arizona. His nominator declared that when he was not setting an inspiring example through leadership, he was a devoted and resourceful follower. Therman Stewart, Jr. and Dorrana Stewart were nominated as a team for their work on the Black Entrepreneur’s Association. Therman has worked for nearly three decades on reducing gang related violence in Phoenix and helps other community members discover their own ability for self-sufficiency and economic empowerment. Meanwhile, Dorrana has served the city of Phoenix as a key member of Councilman Michael Johnson’s office. Michael Williams has served Arizona through his guidance on many non-profit boards, and by playing a pivotal role in the campaigns of numerous transformative politicians on local, state and national levels. Now retired from Qwest Communications, he teaches Strategic planning for Ashford University. Dr. Traci Williams, the Lead Psychologist for the Tempe Elementary School District has gone beyond the call of duty to help parents learn to become more effective advocates for their children in the school system, enabling students and parents alike to improve students’ educational success.

Call for Nominations Call for Nominations2012 Community LuminariesCommunity Luminaries are our friends, neighbors and co-workers who work tirelessly to make a difference in their communities. They volunteer at our local hospitals, schools, and churches; they are founders of community organizations, and more. Consistently, they selflessly devote their time and efforts to advancing their communities, going above and beyond without thought of reward or recognition. The State of Black Arizona strives to bring such devoted individuals to light through the Community Luminaries recognition celebration. This is your chance to nominate deserving individuals, between the ages of 16 and 55+ years, whom you view as an unsung heroes and sheroes. Nominate individuals you consider assets to the community who are affecting change and contributing to the quality of life in your community and the state of Arizona. Please help us acknowledge the Luminaries among us by submitting a nomination or nominations. Tell us about the work each person has done, or is currently doing, and why the nominee(s) should be recognized. Luminaries will be formally recognized at a ceremony on March 7, 2012. The nomination process consists of two parts, the form and the narrative (Download Below). Only complete nominations will be considered. You may nominate as many individuals as you think appropriate. Submission deadline is: Midnight on Friday, November 18, 2011. To nominate: Download the document below and completely fill out the form and narrative and submit to stateofblackaz_gmail.com.You can also submit nominations by postal mail, fax, or Email to: • Kenja Hassan, Managing Editor 300 E. University Drive Fulton Center Room 345 Tempe, AZ 85287-7305 Attention: Luminary Selection Committee • Fax (480) 965-9233 • StateofBlackaz_gmail.com Sincerely, The 2012 State of Black Arizona Community Luminaries Selection CommitteeThe State of Black Arizona (SBAZ) represents a bridge between the academy and the community initiated to explore and better understand the status, issues, and concerns of African Americans in Arizona. The documents produced as a result of this collaboration are intended to inform decision makers and the grassroots community alike; and to compel both toward more concerted action on solutions that improve the lives of all Arizonans. The State of Black Arizona is also a forum for discussion about the experiences of Blacks in Arizona to foster deeper ties to each other and the state we have chosen to call home. For more information visit http://stateofblackaz.org

Community Luminary Nomination form 2012.docx

Publications
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“ ... we ask readers to look as much for what is included in the document as for what is missing. Then, speak out and participate in the community’s dialog about what African Americans need." - George Dean

Publications

The State of Black Arizona Volume I

The project represents the culmination of more than a years work gathering input and ideas from African-American community leaders, professionals and academicians. The Greater Phoenix Urban League extends truly heartfelt gratitude to the dozens of individuals who worked diligently to make this project a reality, in particular those who wrote essays for both this printed version of the report and the more expansive on- line version. While this document is not a definitive and comprehensive scientific analysis of the status of blacks in Arizona, it is a starting point from which the com- munity can determine what issues beg further research. It is aimed at everyone who is concerned about the equality of Arizonans.There are two major goals for the first edition of the State of Black Arizona.First, we sought to bring existing data on African-Americans in Arizona to one location.Second, and more importantly, we intend for the document to generate dialog among the African-American community. To this end, the essayists were encouraged to write from their own perspectives, while bringing forth factual information from the currently available data sources.The essays represent voices from myriad disciplines, back- grounds and experiences, as well as perspectives from both lifetime residents of Arizona and recent arrivals, all of whom are deeply committed to Arizona as their home. Where the authors express opinions, please note that these are their thoughts alone and do not represent any official stance of the Greater Phoenix Urban League or Arizona State University. The essays both here and on-line are designed to provide factual information about where this community stands and recommendations on what it needs to grow and prosper.The model for The State of Black Arizona is the National Urban Leagues pivotal annual report, The State of Black America. Each year the National Urban League calls upon African- American leaders from a variety of backgrounds and professions to provide analysis and commentary on a specific concern in African- American life, ranging from the black family to the populations economic status. The ongoing thread each year in the Stateof Black America is the equality index which compares African- Americans with whites in multiple indicators such as housing,educational attainment, health and political involvement.The State of Black Arizona replicates the National Urban Leagues format by including a cross-section of Arizonas black community, but deviates in two ways, particularly with regard to the data. First, the document provides a survey of several issues rather than a deep examination of a single issue. The other major difference is that it does not include an equality index for Arizona because of the pressing need to establish what data currently exist for African-Americans in Arizona and gather them in one place. During the early stages of The State of Black Arizona project it became apparent that a lot of data about this community is not readily available. Therefore, we hope this document contributes to the dialog about the ways in which Arizona gathers data and information for its citizens in general, while being a call for action to the state and its African-American citizens to clearly define the data and information that needs to be compiled about this community.The essays and data presented here reveal that African-Americans in Arizona do relatively well financially, but still have many challenges. For instance, while our median income is slightly higher than that of our brethren across the country, we rank lowest for overall health status according to Arizonas Department of Health Services. We share similar health concerns with African-Americans across the country, including high rates of hypertension, cancer, HIV and infant mortality. Problems with the education of African-American youth are a recurring theme among many essayists. Although African- American students are making progress in terms of graduation rates and test scores, they are not completing college degrees at rates commensurate with other races in Arizona. A significant concern that rings through many of the essays is the perceived lack of an African-American community in this state. Although the African- American population in Arizona has increased by 141 percent since 1980, the communities are so dispersed that many African- Americans feel disconnected from one another.Its been 10 years since the last major project was undertaken to gather data and analyze the cur- rent status of African-Americans in Arizona. It is my sincere hope that this project marks a major step toward restoring the dialog and research into African-Americans in Arizona.It is time for a revival of a forum such as the Black Town Hall, which ran from the early 1980s to 1997. During these years, we learned about issues concerning black men, women, children and families, and the effects of civil rights policies on them. The time has come again for continuing efforts to better understand this community and to level the playing field so that African-Americans in Arizona have the same status as all other Arizonans. We hope thisfirst State of Black Arizona project provides impetus for discussions among community members, to help us better understand where African-Americans stand today in Arizona. In addition, and most importantly, we want this project to reveal the gaps in our knowledge about African-Americans in Arizona and to serve as a starting point to begin the process of equality for all. To reach these goals, we ask readers to look as much for what is included in the document as for what is missing. Then, speak out and participate in the communitys dialog about what African-Americans need.

SBAZ_Vol1 new.pdf

Supplemental Essays

022808_SBAZ_SuppEssays_Comp4.pdf

The State of Black Arizona Volume II

Drawing on the superlative work from Volume I, this years project focuses on education. Clearly, education relates to various topics and cannot be divorced from discussions of law, economics, sustainability, health, immigration, and housing. Therefore, in this report and the essays that appear on our website, www.stateofblackaz.org, each author uses education as a lens to explore other issues relevant to our schools, youth, and society in general.The authors represent various geographic and professional perspectives. Importantly, each writer took seriously community insight. We hosted a series of community forums during which authors shared earlier drafts of their work to gain feedback prior to submitting final versions. As a statewide initiative, we want these essays to be accessible; use current research to inform educational policy; and initiate long-term discussions that will encourage positive changes to all of our communities.Although only four essays appear in this manuscript, the website hosts many other significant works. Set within each of these four are snippets of what appears on-line. We encourage you to peruse both the written and virtual publications. It is our hope that these essays will lead to collective action. As President Obama has said, We have an obligation and a responsibility to be investing in our students and our schools.Sincerely,Kelly Langford, President President, Tucson Urban LeagueKimberly A. Scott, Ed.D. Executive Editor, State of Black Arizona, Volume II

SBAZ Volume II new.pdf

Supplemental Essays

croninfinal120909.pdf

thompsonfinal.pdf

millerhudson-essay.pdf

brooksfinal120909.pdf

Research

As such, the new Diaspora includes refugees seeking asylum, such as the Lost Boys of Sudan, as well as immigrants including some of the most highly educated, professionally skilled, and accomplished Africans from the continent ... new Diasporans nationally are, in fact, touted to be the most highly educated immigrant group in U.S. society today." - Aubrey, Gallab, and Usman, Interrogating the African American Identity"

Research

Demographics
Households
Crime
Education
Health
Economics

Demographics

Households

Households by type
Marital Status
Family Households
Non Family Households

Households by type

Households by Type for African Americans in Arizona (Absolute Number)

Census Bureau, American Community Survey

Households by Type for African Americans in Arizona (Percentage)

Census Bureau, American Community Survey

Marital Status No Frame

Census Bureau, American Community Survey

Family Households

Family Households for African Americans in Arizona (Absolute number)

Family Households for African Americans in Arizona (Percentage)

Non Family Households

Nonfamily Households for African Americans in Arizona (Absolute number)

Nonfamily Households for African Americans in Arizona (Percentage)

Crime

Hate Crime
Offenses
Arrest
Murder

Hate Crime No Frame

(Source: Arizona Department of Public Safety)A bias (hate) crime is defined as a criminal offense committed against a person or property which is motivated, in whole or in part, by the offender’s bias against a race, religion, ethnic/national origin group, sexual orientation group, disability, or gender. The most frequently reported bias crime is racial bias crime, which accounts for 39.4% of the entire bias crime reports.
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(Source: Arizona Department of Public Safety)

Among all the racial bias crimes, anti-black crime is on the top with 71%, more than two thirds of the entire racial bias crime. This is disproportionally high considering the percentage of the number of blacks in the whole population in Arizona, which is only 4%.

White is defined as a person having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, North Africa or the Middle East. Black is defined as a person having origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa, characterized by dark skin pigmentation. Asian is defined as a person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, or the Pacific Islands. American Indian is defined as a person having origins in any of the original peoples of North America, and who maintains cultural identification through tribal affiliation or community recognition.

Offenses

In 2009, there were totally 226 bias offenses reported in Arizona. The top three counties with the most frequently reported bias offenses were Maricopa, Pima, and Pinal. Maricopa accounted for 185 offenses, or 81.9%, followed by Pima and Pinal with 24 offenses (or 10.6%) and 6 offenses (or 2.7%). Interestingly, Maricopa, Pima and Pinal also had the largest African American population in Arizona. Maricopa had 167,261 African Americans, followed by Pima with 33,194, and then Pinal with 10,339.

(Source: Arizona Department of Public Safety)

The percentages of African American arrests ranged from 6.1% (arson) to 20% (robbery), while the African American population accounted for about 4% of the entire population in Arizona. The percentages of white arrests ranged from 74.6% (robbery) to 86.9% (arson), while the white population accounted for about 78% of the entire population in Arizona. The average arrest percentage for African Americans was higher compared to white regarding their percentages in the population.

Arrest

(Source: Arizona Department of Public Safety)

Hispanic is defined as a person of Mexican, Cuban, Central or South American, or other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race. The percent of Hispanic arrests ranged from 25.3% (arson) to 45.5% (motor vehicle theft) in 2009.

Murder

(Source: Arizona Department of Public Safety)

The percentage of Hispanic victims was 40.4% in 2009, while the Hispanic population accounted for around 30% of the entire population in Arizona. The African American victims accounted for 13% of the total victims, while the black population accounted for 4% of the whole population.

Education

Higher Education
By Race
Drop Out Rate
Educational Attainment
Graduation Rate

Health

Economics

Gallery

"We want to build a green economy strong enough to lift people out of poverty. We want to create green pathways out of poverty and into great ca- reers for American children. We want this green wave to lift all boats. This country can save the polar bear and people, too." Van Jones, Environmental Lawyer and Activist

Gallery

Resources

Resources

"Black civic groups need to increase focus on economic prosperity by leveraging best practices nationally that do more than provide counsel, but actually have financial programs in place to raise people out of poverty, increase homeownership and launch minority enterprises." -Rodrick Miller

Resources

http://www.asu.edu/vppa/asuforaz/sbaz/SBAZ_index.html

Links

Education DataWebsite: Educational Information Arizona Dept. of Education Homepage Website: Statistics for the State Website: US Census Data Website: Health DataArizona Dept. of Health Homepage Website: National Center for Health Statistics Website: Office of Minority Health Website:Economics DataWebsite: US Census Data Website: Crime DataWebsite: