How to celebrate Black History Month 2021 across Phoenix: 8 virtual and in-person events KiMi Robinson, Arizona Republic
In honor of Black History Month, organizations, activists and businesses in metro Phoenix are hosting virtual and in-person events throughout the month that recognize works in arts and music, historical figures and contemporary issues.
This year’s theme, chosen by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, is “The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity.” ASALH will offer virtual programming throughout the month “in observance and celebration of the strengths, struggles, resistance and the sheer perseverance of the Black family.”
New West Valley Arts Council show featuring Black artists hopes to encourage conversations Elizabeth Montgomery, Arizona Republic
In celebration of Black History Month, West Valley Arts Council will host an art exhibition showcasing the work of metro Phoenix African American artists.
“Imprint: African Americans in the Arts” opens Jan. 22 and includes the artwork of sculptors Joe Willie Smith and Gedion Nyanhongo, photographer Alvin Galloway, painters Phalen Booker, Wanda King and John Neville and owner of Onyx Art Gallery Kathi Williams.
“We felt this was important because, throughout history, the most impressionable and long-lasting things in the arts have been started, implemented and supported by African Americans, West Valley Arts Council president and CEO Sandra Bassett said. We also know that a lot of that has expanded to be more culturally inclusive, and not just reserved for those of color, but inclusive to all Americans to participate in.”
Lynn Trimble
New Xico Board Members
Xico Inc. has three new board members, including Jacob Moore, Maria Elena Coronado-Sutter, and Robert Booker. Moore is an associate vice president in ASU’s tribal relations office, Sutter works in grants administration and strategic development for a small business division at Chicanos Por La Causa, and Robert Booker is a former head of Arizona Commission on the Arts. Xico is working to open its new Roosevelt Row location in 2021. The date has not been announced.
Arizona Arts Budget
Every year, state agencies submit their annual budget requests to the governor’s office as part of the state’s budget process. Arizona Commission on the Arts, the state agency charged with making the arts accessible for all community members, has requested $5 million for the arts in the state’s fiscal year 2022 budget, which covers the period between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022. The amount agencies receive will depend on the final budget approved by the