Arizona Black History: Legacy, Impact & Influence

Arizona has a rich and often overlooked Black history, filled with remarkable individuals, historic sites, and transformative events that have shaped the state’s cultural, social, and economic landscape. From pioneers and civil rights activists to thriving Black communities, Arizona’s Black history is a testament to resilience, innovation, and leadership.

Trailblazers and Influential Figures
‍Arizona has been home to many Black leaders, activists, artists, and entrepreneurs who have left an enduring legacy.

Some of the key historical figures include:
‍Lincoln J. Ragsdale, Sr. – A Tuskegee Airman, civil rights leader, and entrepreneur who fought for desegregation in Phoenix.
‍Dr. Winston Clifton Hackett – Arizona’s first licensed Black physician, dedicated to providing healthcare to the Black community.
‍Coy Payne – Arizona’s first Black mayor, serving Chandler and advocating for diversity in leadership.
‍Big Pete Pearson – A legendary blues musician and one of the most influential artists in Arizona’s music scene.
‍Dom Flemons – Grammy-winning musician and historian, preserving and promoting Black American folk music.

‍Activists and Civil Rights Leaders
‍Black Arizonans played a critical role in civil rights movements, advocating for desegregation, equality in education, and fair housing laws. Pioneers such as Cloves C. Campbell, Sr., Calvin C. Goode, and Lincoln Ragsdale fought tirelessly to improve the lives of African Americans in Arizona.

‍Historic Black Communities and Landmarks
‍Throughout Arizona’s history, Black communities and businesses thrived despite segregation and systemic racism. Some key locations include:
‍The George Washington Carver Museum & Cultural Center – Formerly Phoenix’s segregated high school, now a museum dedicated to African American history.
‍Eastlake Park – A historic gathering place for Phoenix’s Black community, hosting civil rights events, celebrations, and social activism.
‍Swindall Tourist Inn – One of the few remaining Black-owned hotels from the segregation era, providing a safe haven for Black travelers listed in The Green Book.
‍South Park Neighborhood in Tucson – One of Arizona’s earliest Black communities, built by railroad workers and business owners.
‍Phoenix Union High School – A key battleground in Arizona’s desegregation efforts.

‍Major Events in Arizona Black History
Desegregation of Phoenix Schools (1953) – Years before Brown v. Board of Education, Black activists fought to integrate Arizona’s public schools.
‍The Rise of Black Businesses in Phoenix (1960s-1980s) – Black entrepreneurs created thriving business districts, contributing to the economic growth of Arizona.
‍Juneteenth Celebrations – A long-standing tradition in Arizona, honoring the emancipation of enslaved African Americans with festivals, cultural performances, and educational events.
‍Arizona’s Civil Rights Movement – Leaders like Lincoln Ragsdale and the NAACP led protests, boycotts, and legal battles to end segregation in Arizona.

‍Cultural Impact: Music, Arts, and Literature
‍Arizona’s Black artists and musicians have played an essential role in shaping the state’s cultural identity. From jazz and blues to folk and hip-hop, Black musicians have used their craft to tell powerful stories of struggle, triumph, and identity.
‍Big Pete Pearson – Known as "Arizona’s King of the Blues," influencing the blues scene nationwide.
‍Dom Flemons – A Grammy-winning musician preserving Black cowboy and folk traditions.
‍Aaron Coleman – A visual artist whose work explores race, identity, and power structures.
Arizona’s Black poets, authors, and playwrights have also made significant contributions to literature and the arts, ensuring that the stories of Black Arizonans are preserved and shared for future generations.

‍Honoring the Legacy & Moving Forward
‍The history of Black Arizonans is a testament to strength, perseverance, and community-building. By acknowledging and celebrating these contributions, we not only honor the past but also inspire future generations to continue the fight for justice, equality, and representation.

We invite you to explore historical landmarks, attend cultural events, and support local Black-owned businesses and organizations that continue to uplift and empower the Black community in Arizona.

Lincoln J. Ragsdale: A Civil Rights Champion and Business Pioneer

Lincoln J. Ragsdale, Sr. was a trailblazer in Arizona’s civil rights movement, a successful entrepreneur, and a proud Tuskegee Airman who played a pivotal role in dismantling racial barriers in Phoenix and beyond.

Coy Payne: Arizona’s First Black Mayor

Coy Payne made history as Arizona’s first Black mayor, serving as the Mayor of Chandler from 1990 to 1994. His election was a groundbreaking moment in Arizona’s political landscape, paving the way for greater African American representation in leadership roles.

Phyllis Elaine Saunders: Dedicated Librarian and Community Advocate

Phyllis Elaine Saunders was a passionate librarian known for her innovative programs and commitment to fostering a love of reading, especially among children.

Aaron Coleman

Aaron Coleman is a distinguished artist and educator based in Arizona, renowned for his impactful work in printmaking and mixed-media art that delves into sociopolitical themes, particularly those concerning race and identity.

Dr. Winston Clifton Hackett: Arizona’s First Black Physician

Dr. Winston Clifton Hackett was a pioneering African American doctor in Arizona, known for breaking racial barriers in medicine and providing critical healthcare to Phoenix’s Black community during the early 20th century.

Big Pete Pearson, "Arizona's King of the Blues"

Big Pete Pearson, often hailed as "Arizona's King of the Blues," has been a central figure in the Phoenix blues scene since the late 1950s. Born on October 4, 1936, in Kingston, Jamaica, he was raised by his grandparents in St. John's, Texas, near Austin. Pearson's musical journey began early; by the age of nine, he was performing in Austin bars, laying the foundation for a prolific career.

George Benson: Jazz Legend with Arizona Roots

George Benson is a world-renowned jazz guitarist, singer, and composer with deep ties to Arizona. Known for his smooth blend of jazz, R&B, and pop, Benson has influenced generations of musicians with his signature style and timeless hits.

Elgie Mike Batteau: Pioneering Educator and Civil Rights Advocate in Arizona

Elgie Mike Batteau was a trailblazing African American educator and civil rights leader whose dedication to social justice and education significantly impacted Arizona's history.

Phoenix Union High School: A Landmark in Arizona’s Education & Civil Rights History

Phoenix Union High School, once one of the largest high schools in Arizona, played a significant role in the state’s educational development and civil rights movement. It was a center for academic achievement, sports, and activism, leaving a lasting impact on Arizona’s history.

Don Flemons

Dom Flemons, known as "The American Songster," is a Grammy Award-winning musician, historian, and multi-instrumentalist hailing from Phoenix, Arizona. Born on August 30, 1982, Flemons has dedicated his career to exploring and preserving over a century of American roots music, encompassing genres such as country, folk, bluegrass, Americana, and blues.

Vincent Collin Beach

Vincent Collin Beach (1924–2010) was a Jamaican-born musician, educator, and author who made significant contributions to Arizona's cultural and educational landscape. His life's journey, marked by resilience and dedication, serves as an inspiring testament to overcoming adversity.

Phillip V. Westbrooks

Phillip V. Westbrooks is a multifaceted professional known for his extensive contributions in entrepreneurship, public service, modeling, and community advocacy within Arizona.