50 Years: Tucson’s African American Community

Former Tucson vice mayor and retired Tucson Unified School District principal Charles Ford, Ph.D.; and Native Tucsonan and former president of the Dunbar Coalition and Cressworth Lander weighed in on the civil rights movement in Tucson.

On January 15, 2013, The University of Arizona Library Special collections unveiled an exhibition that reflected on 50 years of civil rights in Tucson communities. “50 Years: Civil Rights in Arizona from 1963 to Today” was on display through August 30th, 2013. This exhibit was curated by Librarian Bob Diaz who is also the host of KXCI’s Chicano Connections.

The exhibition was also accompanied by a lecture series featuring local leaders, scholars and educators. The first in the series was entitled “50 Years: Tucson’s African American Community“. 30 Minutes presents remarks made at a panel discussion by Charles Ford, Ph.D., former Tucson Vice Mayor and retired Tucson Unified School District principal; and Cressworth Lander, native Tucsonan and former president of the Dunbar Coalition. Charles Ford passed away on November 1, 2019, and Cress Lander passed away on February 7, 2015. A version of this program was originally broadcast in January 2013. Recorded and produced by Amanda Shauger.