PHOENIX — The first official Black History Month was celebrated in 1970, but the idea has been around since the 1920s. February itself is especially significant as it marks the birthdays of former President Abraham Lincoln and Abolitionist leader Frederick Douglass, both who were important to the African American community.
ABC15 is highlighting interesting Black History Month stories around the Valley throughout the month. A 30-minute special can be seen on streaming devices and on the ABC15 app, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7 p.m., until the end of February.
Below are some of the stories featured in the special this month.
- Breaking barriers: The first Black students to integrate Chandler High School
- First Arizona Black-owned wine bar to open in Tempe
- New Chic Chef 77 wine bar closed after hit-and-run crash damages restaurant
- Black Theatre Troupe has historic Arizona ties
- A look at the history of Phoenix's Carver school, Arizona's first school built entirely for students of color
- Swindall Tourist Inn served as safe haven for Black travelers facing segregated societies
- Local professor, Dr. Sian Proctor, was the first Black woman to pilot a spacecraft
- Former inmate finds a fresh start helping others start over
- As the festival grows, 'Doc' helps keep jazz music flowing through the Valley
- Celebrating Dress for Success Phoenix CEO, Tamala McBath, as an Extraordinary Woman of Color
- Sonoran Living honors Black History Month by naming Phoenix Mercury forward Brianna Turner
- Sonoran Living honors Black History Month by celebrating Arizona PBS General Manager, Adrienne Fairwell
