The Phoenix Convention Center is proud to host for the month of February an exhibit from the Arizona Black History Museum honoring the trailblazing Black women of Arizona.
District 8 Councilwoman Kesha Hodge Washington is among the pioneering women highlighted in the exhibit as the first Black woman to serve on the Phoenix City Council.
“It is an honor to be the first Black woman elected to this role and to be included in this exhibit,” said Councilwoman Hodge Washington. “I hope visitors understand that these achievements are a testament to the power of resilience, unity, and the unwavering belief that our voices matter and our presence is necessary.”
The exhibit will remain up for the remainder of the month of February and stems from the newly-formed Arizona Black History Museum, which does not yet have a physical location. The exhibit, titled “Notable Women in Arizona Black History,” includes women from various arenas including medicine, politics, social work and education who all had a positive impact on the community and broke barriers by being the first in what they do.
“We are honored to host this important tribute to these notable and inspiring women,” said Phoenix Convention Center Director Jerry Harper. “The Phoenix Convention Center is proud to support the Arizona Black History Museum and its efforts to shine a light on the important contributions of Black men and women in our community.”
The exhibit includes tributes to Ethel Reed Maynard, the first Black woman elected to the Arizona Legislature and Diana Gregory, who founded Gregory’s Fresh Market which delivers fresh produce to more than 30,000 seniors and veterans in Greater Phoenix.
Fannie McClendon is also recognized in the exhibit. McClendon was a trailblazing military officer and World War II veteran. She served in the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the first all Black, all female unit of the U.S. Army. Her life and contribution were honored in the film “Six Triple Eight.”
See the exhibit and learn more about these notable women in the Phoenix Convention Center’s West Building, located at 2nd Street and Adams Street through the end of February.