Head indoors this summer to learn about African American culture, art and stories in the desert southwest and Arizona’s racial history at the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, downtown. The 501c3 non-profit casts a critical, thoughtful and compassionate eye on Arizona’s treatment of Black Americans 100 years ago. By preserving the legacy of their unique history and the original school building, the curators and visionaries at GWCMCC teach visitors through open dialogue and emotional tribute about all the civic leaders, teachers, students and other stakeholders in this important place.

It is true that unsavory attitudes of Blacks by some local gentry after World War One led to the construction of a ‘separate but equal’ school in the growing town of Phoenix. It wasn’t illegal. Fair to say that the privileged Whites thought it best that African American youths be taught off on their own. Today, of course, we realize the ridiculousness in this thinking, so the old school now stands as a testament to uplifting the significance of African Americans contributions in Arizona and the southwest. George Washington Carver Musuem upholds the torch to a man of great character and knowledge, one who overcame significant obstacles himself, one who subsequently sought to share his wisdom with others, creating a better future for even the lowliest amongst us.

Mr. Carver himself was not a historical Arizona figure necessarily, because when Carver was alive Arizona was hardly a blip on statehood radar yet. However, besides the changes for Blacks in what has become Arizona’s largest city, the school named after him in Phoenix honors Carver’s contributions to post civil-war agriculture/horticultural sciences, his art and educational highlights. Carver’s story is told alongside the exhibits of GWCMCC’s other Black families of central Arizona and their fight for brighter horizons.

Nearly a century later, what can I say about The Carver that they cannot better say about themselves? Next time in the area, schedule a couple hours to visit this uplifting museum and surrounding grounds. Check out a virtual tour before you go. 415 East Grant Street, (602) 675-4755. This link will connect you with a vitally important cultural touchstone and resource center. Closed weekends.