Who said Phoenix doesn’t have culture?
- An Account of the AZ Black History Month Expo 2010

Written By  Kathryn McKinney

“Bringing the gifts that our ancestors gave, we are the hope and the dream
of the slave.”
  ~Maya Angelou

History Unveiled On Stage
The George Washington Carver Museum set the stage for the Black History Month Expo, themed “Conquering our Communities, While Uplifting Our Minds”, on Saturday, February 13th, 2010. This sight created a backdrop and memorialized the “History Meets Future” moment, as never before depicted in Phoenix, Arizona.

Divisions of Faith and social status were obsolete as African Americans from all walks of life bonded to witness culture expressed at its greatest.  From the Fabric of Fashion to the Feasts of Food, he Flood of the Faces of Freedom, reveled in the culture of legends, heroes, chefs, stylists, and entertainers as the captivating beauty of the African American art was conveyed.

The Color Guard from Luke Air Force Base opened the floor to honor  and present the historical military figures, The Tuskegee Airmen,  and the only Living black survivor of Pearl Harbor that were present.  The audience was emotionally moved during the interview of the legends hosted by John of Hot Chocolate Media, as they shared their stories of triumphancy, and victory. Little hands held history as they were bestowed with the opportunities to shake the hands of our country’s heroes.

A Family Affair
You would have thought you were at a family reunion;  the rustles of children running around laughing, music playing, food cooking, gift giving, and living legends telling stories from times afore. All senses were sure to be satisfied.
The smell of bar-b-q, fried fish, and peach cobbler tantalized the rooms as locally black owned restaurants like Restaurant 28 and London’s  fed the masses of people their soul fully cooked recipes.

These restaurants competed in the first ever, People’s Choice Award of “Best Peach Cobbler in Phoenix” contest. They offered all present a free taste of their secret ingredients. The winner chosen was Karim’s Cobbler Shop and Deli of Phoenix, Arizona.

Sounds of harmony filled the space as artists like Shatera Williams, and others bellowed, and instruments sounded. The Dj’s and Emcee’s kept records spinning and patrons participating in dances like the two step, soul train and electric slide.

An avid array of African American entrepreneurs like You Go Boy Marketing, 2 Cute Shoes, ACN, and Curreg Men’s Clothing, displayed viability as they proved that one can survive and flourish in the midst of an intimidating environment. Local community and business leader’s awarded educational scholarships to encourage children to continue in studies.

Beauty….Something Expressed From the Soul
The audience was captivated as armies of majesty were soldiered in by more than 25 participating stylists that expressed their art and crowned the floor with glory, only the way an African American could do it. From Madam CJ Walker and the pressing comb, to the freedom of expression and color, one by one they paraded to express their individual distinct and uniqueness of beauty.

We watched as 2 barbers, Jay from French Quarterz, of Phoenix, AZ, and Paier from SonPier of Peoria AZ,  battled blow by blow to compete for the title , “Baddest Barber in Phoenix”.

The Sunny’s Hair & Wig Shop of Avondale showcased the floors of the museum with hairstyle alternatives and fashions of centuries past and present. Local designers and clothiers like SheGetDoe, Haute C Boutique, Salon Blue Jeans, and Urban Wear, displayed their fashion sense and flair on the runway.  From huts and quarters, came out tapestries of color and personalized style. 

Ms. Black Arizona and her entire court were present to usher in the significance of abilities and skills that are inside, that others know that beauty is more than just what people see on the outside.

Herald of Events
These events this day deployed and commissioned   African Americans to no longer be intimidated by the generic idea of beauty, but to know that they are what beauty is meant to be, stylish, diverse, fashionable, creative, positive, dignified, and most of all free. 

People were inspired to walk with their head up, be proud of who they are, and encouraged to never be ashamed of who God created them to be.

Many left with a renewed and renowned sense of culture and a newfound awareness of self.

The thread of the community was evident as the halls of the George Washington Carver Museum rang justice and the walls enclosed the peace and fulfillment of a new time. This day will be monumental and cemented in the minds of many for years to come.

Who said Phoenix doesn’t have culture?