By Council Member Richard Fimbres
February marks the 96th anniversary of the creation of Black History Month.
Ward 5 Update. March 2022. From the struggles of Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglas and the Buffalo Soldiers to the victories in civil rights that were led years later by individuals such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, Black History Month has served as a time to remember those who fought hard to improve the condition of our great Nation, but to also preserve the rights and dignity for all of those who live in America.
Black History Month was created in 1926 in the United States. It was chosen because it marked the birthday of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.
Black History Month in Tucson is marked with virtual events, celebrations, discussions and symposiums across our community.
In Ward 5, is the Buffalo Soldiers Memorial Plaza at the Quincie Douglas Neighborhood Center. The Buffalo Soldiers Memorial was part of Proposition 407 Parks Bond Measure, which the good citizens of Tucson approved in 2018.
Mr. Charles Kendricks
Ward 5 is proud to have Mr. Charles Kendricks owner of “Mr. K’s” and his African-American History Museum, as well as Mr. James Christopher’s history collection and his work, creating the Pueblo Gardens Neighborhood Association Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast, the only neighborhood association in Tucson that honors the work and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, raising money for educational scholarships for neighborhood youth.
También puedes leer: Pueblo Gardens Neighborhood Association Ward 5 Update
The NAACP and the League of United Latin American Citizens created the Rosa Parks Awards to honor those in the community to help make lives better for everyone.
Another Ward 5 resident was Quincie Douglas, who was active in the Model Cities program that brought neighborhood centers, sidewalks, street lights, and food programs to the disadvantaged areas of Tucson. Douglas was a champion of the poor and the elderly, also spearheaded the Low Income Free Transportation Services (LIFTS) program, which is now known as the Sun Van transportation service. She was recognized for her work and commitment to help those in need, by having both the Library and Neighborhood Center named in her honor.
