How to Honor Black History in Arizona
February is Black History Month; it’s a time to educate ourselves about the deep-rooted racism in our country’s history, and more importantly, commit ourselves to build a more just and equitable world for all. This year’s BHM comes after a year of protest and a public health crisis that disproportionately affected businesses and people of color. Here at Local First, we’ve seen how local ownership and entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool to combat the wealth gap, build a diverse economy, and vitalize communities who have too often been left behind. So we’ve put together a guide to help you honor black history, build awareness, and find your role in the local movement.
Honor Black History
Research black history in your area. In the age of the internet, you’ll be surprised to find the many names of people that mainstream history has chosen to forget. Please tune in to our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to learn about a few responsible for incredible progress in our state and many doing the work now.
Here are some links to get you started:
The Arizona Informant: The Campbells - founded Arizona’s black-owned newspaper
The Arizona Mirror: The ‘historical silence’ of the Black workers who made Phoenix prosperous
Tucson.com: Tucson's Black History Month events aim to honor past, prepare for the future
12 News: In Their Own Words: Being Black in Arizona (video series)
Photo Credit: Blax Friday
Build Awareness: Shop Black and Support Local Initiatives
Where you find black businesses, virtual events, and meaningful, black-led conversations across Arizona? There are amazing leaders in our state who have led the charge to make it as easy as possible to find these opportunities. Consider following, donating, and sharing a few of these resources with your friends:
Blax Friday, started by Tucson-based event management company Roux Events LLC, is a statewide directory of Black-owned businesses across Arizona. From hair to food to nonprofits, discover someone new to support.
The Phoenix Black Collective is another incredible group that is dedicated to bringing together Black-owned businesses across Greater Phoenix in an easy-to-read annual guide. You might have seen their Black-owned restaurant list on our social channels.
Archwood Exchange was founded in 2016 with the goal of creating a hub for black businesses in Phoenix. They host annual Buy Black Marketplace events and are throwing their First Annual Black History Event on Feb. 20, 2021.
We Rise Business Accelerator: Local First’s newest initiative tailored to business owners who identify as Black, at all stages of development and all sectors, is working to equip businesses with the entrepreneurial environment and resources to thrive in Arizona. You can meet the inaugural 14 businesses here.
Photo Credit: @thedatadoc | BLM March in Downtown Phoenix on June 5, 2020.
Find Your Role In The Local Movement
WITH YOUR DOLLARS: One of the most impactful ways to support the Black community is to move your money from large, nationwide banks to local banks and credit unions. Big banks have historically and consistently red-lined black families from receiving home loans and have invested in private prisons and detention centers. When you move your money to a local bank, you are sending the message that you don’t support these practices and believe everyone deserves an equal opportunity for success.
LEARN: It’s important to take on the responsibility of educating ourselves. Read about Black history in the United States and read books written by black authors. Do so by purchasing books from local bookstores like Grassrootz Books and Juice Bar. Another great learning opportunity is presented by Diamond Strategies, LLC, a local organization that focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion training. While the training is specifically for groups or businesses, individuals can sign up for webinars and other events. The Local First team has particularly enjoyed the current series about Black history called “More Than a Month.”
SEE FOR YOURSELF: There are two art installations coming to Phoenix to honor Black History Month. The first is part of the Phoenix Mural Project, sponsored by RESHOEVN8R, called Love Fights Back on February 20th from 10 am - 3 pm. This mural will be put together by HOUSE, an ASU professor, Phoenix Hip Hop historian and graffiti artist and the LOVE FIGHTS BACK team. The Black History Mural Project will also add 28 new murals, one for each day of February, to the walls of Phoenix businesses including Hotel San Carlos and Carly’s Bistro. They are hosting a mural hunt and raffle for participants; you can learn more on their Facebook page.