The African American Legacy Fund (AALF), an initiative of the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona (CFSA), is proud to announce $50,000 total was granted to six local organizations in their 2022 grant round to address the educational and economic disparities faced by African Americans living in Southern Arizona.
Founded in 2013 by esteemed educator, philanthropist, and civic leader Dr. Anna Jolivet, Ph.D., AALF has a vision of what Southern Arizona can be when we bring together people, money, and goodwill to make sure all our children, youth, and families have the opportunities and resources to prosper. Since 2015, AALF has granted a total of $235,661 to organizations serving African American communities in Southern Arizona.
AALF 2022 Grantees
- African American Museum of Southern Arizona
- Barbea Williams Performing Company
- Books for Classrooms
- Diversity in Dentistry Mentorships
- Sickle Cell Foundation of Southern Arizona
- Tucson Educational Empowerment for Minorities (TEEM)
CFSA is also excited to share that the Connie Hillman Family Foundation has generously offered to match any new contributions to support the African American Legacy Fund. For every two hundred dollars of support we receive, they will contribute one hundred dollars. Click here to donate today!
AAMSAZ is a platform where people can learn and be inspired through updated narratives of African Americans and Blacks who came before them, and by those who currently stand with them. We are sincerely thankful for this opportunity of collaboration with CFSA and the Southern Arizona community that is in alignment with our goals and mission of educational and cultural awareness.
— Beverley Elliott, Executive Director, African American Museum of Southern Arizona
Kuumba in Afrikan Arts and funding from the African American Fund Legacy grant allow us to continue a multigenerational program during the summer months. Delivering a non-traditional STEAM based curriculum, including language, healthy cooking, West African drum and dance, law/civics, art and culture, sewing, guest speakers and so much more.
— Beah Williams, Camp Director, Barbea Williams Performing Company
This AALF grant will help us change the face of dentistry and improve oral health outcomes for everyone. The Diversify Dentistry Youth Summit empowers our youth to embrace the possibility of becoming a dentist. This generous grant will allow us to reach African American middle and high school students early to expose them to the dental profession and equip them with a support system of mentors who will nurture and guide them on the best pathway to dental school. This grant will plant a seed of hope for our future African American leaders in dentistry and our community.
— Laila Hishaw, Founder & Executive Director, Diversity in Dentistry Mentorships
