In honor of Black History Month, the Community for Southern Arizona celebrated the African American Legacy Fund‘s 2022 grantees in the month of February. We are so proud to support organizations that are doing such important work in our community.
Linda Laird, President/Coordinator at Books for Classrooms shared, “A generous African American Legacy Fund grant was one of the first received by Books for Classrooms after becoming a nonprofit in 2019. Three years later, with AALF’s continuing support, we have provided 32,568 books on diversity, peace, bullying, social justice and the environment to 596 teachers and school libraries whose 16,772 students now see themselves in books in their classrooms.”
“Our mission is to strengthen the diversity pathway from middle school to dental school for Black, Latinx, and American Indian youth to strike more of a balance in our profession and improve oral health outcomes for all communities.” Says Dr. Laila Hishaw, Founder and President of Diversity in Dentistry Mentorships. “Our Youth Summit helps us plant the seed into the bright minds of our youth to consider dentistry. Last year we hosted nearly 50 students to an exciting day full of education, hands-on experience, patient clinic and dental school tour, panel discussion with dental students and mentor dentists. And of course, the highlight of the day, our White Coat Ceremony! The kids went home with their arms full of their mentorship handbook, tooth models, new electric toothbrushes and proudly wore their White Coats to the bus for the long trip home. The AALF grant changed how they saw themselves.”
“We are sincerely thankful for this opportunity that is in alignment with our goals and mission of educational and cultural awareness in collaboration with the CFSA and the Southern Arizona Community. The CFSA African American Legacy Fund grant helps the African American Museum of Southern Arizona (AAMSAZ) continue to exhibit the impact, history, contributions, and legacies of African Americans and Blacks in our community.” says Beverely Elliot, Executive Director at the African American Museum of Southern Arizona.
Beah Williams, Camp Director of the Barbea Williams Performing Company states, “”Kuumba in Afrikan Arts and funding from the African American Fund Legacy grant allows 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.”
“The support that the African American Legacy Fund provides means a lot to the SCFSA organization and the community.” says Moses Akpan, President & Project Director of the Sickle Cell Foundation of Arizona. “It allows us to connect with the individuals and families we serve and the community at large. It gives the community the opportunity to meet and share their stories, encouraging and empowering one another.”
Marie Cephers, President of TEEM (Tucson Educational Empowerment for Minorities) shares, “Receiving the CFSA African American Legacy Fund grant means a great deal to TEEM (Tucson Educational Empowerment for Minorities) and more importantly to the youth and families we serve. This grant provides an opportunity for TEEM to administer vital educational programming to those most in need. Our programming and tours have transformed lives, and we are grateful to the CFSA African American Legacy Fund for joining this wave of success.”
Founded in 2013 by esteemed educator, philanthropist, and civic leader Dr. Anna Jolivet, Ph.D., the African American Legacy Fund (AALF) works to address the educational and economic disparities faced by African Americans who call Southern Arizona home.
AALF has a vision of what Southern Arizona can be when we bring together people, money, and goodwill to make sure all of our children, youth, and families have the opportunities and resources to prosper.
Learn more about and support the African American Legacy Fund (AALF).