Influential Black Arizonans that you need to know
It’s Black History Month, when we pay tribute to national figures who have inspired positive change and notable Arizonans like Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams, Colleen Jennings Roggensack of ASU Gammage and the Rev. Warren Stewart.
But many other Black Arizonans should also be recognized.
Here are just a few: Calvin C. Goode: Arizonans may have only recently learned of Mr. Goode when he passed away in December. But it’s important to understand the impact of this iconic man who never left his barrio in Eastlake Park. The former Phoenix councilman was slight but lived with a large presence that inspired all who encountered him.
Art Hamilton: What a powerful figure he has been in the Arizona political
landscape. He served as an elected state representative, giving voice to his community, and continues to form sound policy as he consults among some of the largest Arizona corporations. His voice and laugh live large wherever you find him.
Cloves Campbell Jr.: Another former member of the Arizona House of Representatives and long-time publisher of the African American newspaper, The Arizona Informant. Campbell is a constant voice for positive change in Arizona.
Coral Evans: The first African American mayor of Flagstaff now serves on U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly’s team. Evans is a fourth-generation Arizonan. She’s made a significant impact within that region and now will expand her work throughout Arizona.
The Reeds: Francine and Margo Reed are among the pioneers of jazz music in Arizona. Francine appeared with Miles Davis, Stanley Jordan, Smokey Robinson, Etta James and The Crusaders. There are so many incredible Black Arizona musicians to note, but this family is legendary.
Speaking of music: Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church needs to be mentioned. While it’s not a person, the impact this church and its leadership has had in Arizona cannot be overstated. It’s where many of the political and social discussions are held and has one of the best choirs in Arizona bar none.
Dr. Matthew Whitaker: Dr. Whitaker, an Arizona native and former professor of history at Arizona State University, has taken Arizonans to new heights in our understanding of race and civil rights. As the founder ASU’s Center for the Study of Race and Democracy, Dr. Whitaker exposed Arizonans to internationally acclaimed authors like Ta-Nehisi Coates. Dr. Whitaker continues to educate us with his own consulting work and in his book, “Race Work: The Rise of Civil Rights in the Urban West.” Tempe Mayor Corey Woods and State House Democratic Leader Reginald Bolding: Elected leadership, while lagging in numbers, remains strong in representation. These young, next-gen leaders are proving that point. Woods was elected Tempe’s first African American mayor in March after serving as COO of the Urban League and as a member of the Tempe City Council. Much like his predecessors, his leadership in Tempe is proving to be visionary. House Leader Reginald Bolding rose to the leadership post amid some turmoil in the Democratic Party. He too, is proving to be a bridge builder with a steady eye toward improving the needs of all Arizonans.
Dr. Quintin Boyce and Lawrence Robinson: Dr. Boyce and Robinson are two powerhouse leaders advancing education for historically underserved students in Phoenix’s Roosevelt School District. Dr. Boyce serves as superintendent and Robinson is the board chair. Their Reimagine Roosevelt work is leading the way, showing us what it takes to ensure we’re providing all students with the opportunity to succeed.
Robbin Coulon and Kim Covington: These two powerhouse women serve as incoming board chair and senior director of community initiatives for the Arizona Community Foundation, respectively. Coulon is an attorney who has made a significant impact working with Covington and the ACF team to ensure Arizona’s largest foundation makes decisions that directly support the equitable distribution of funds within diverse Arizona communities.
Essen and Allison Otu: This powerhouse couple exemplifies business and community success. Essen Otu is the manager of diversity and inclusion at Salt River Project, and Allison Otu serves as executive director for corporate and community relations at University of Arizona Health Sciences. Perhaps more importantly, they are the among the founders of the Black Philanthropy Initiative’s Giving Circles at ACF that have raised significant funds for Black non-profits throughout Arizona. Their commitment to changing Arizona communities makes them a noteworthy couple.
Greg Moore: We’ve missed former columnist Jennifer Dokes. But adding Moore’s voice to The Arizona Republic editorial section – particularly through this challenging time — has given us context and enlightenment. His column on Black athletes was among the finest pieces I read last year.
Janelle Wood: I only went to one Black Lives Matter protest during the pandemic, and that was in Eastlake Park with Wood — founder of the Black Mothers Forum — leading the event. And wow, what a powerful event it was. Not just because of the people who were there, but because of the beautifully choreographed, powerful message she delivered. She signs her emails, “A Concerned Black Mother,” and gives all of us an understanding of what mothers of Black children face every day.