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2/2/17 1:34 PM
Arizona Commission of African American Affairs Executive Tower, 1700 West Washington, Suite 300B Phoenix, Arizona 85007 O: 602-542-5484 C: 602-526-3073
Greetings to: Governor Ducey Representative Reginald Bolding Representative Gerae Peten Representative Walter Blackman State Representatives and Senators City and State Officials Clergy
Welcome to the 18th Annual Arizona African American Legislative Conference! This week we are coming together to have our voice heard at the Arizona State Capitol. This year’s theme Preparing Future Leaders was selected because it is a call for African-American community to ensure our legacy. As we continue to address issues that affect the Black community, we must also work to be included in the system that governs our lives. The conference this week will allow African-American citizens to meet their elected officials at the State Capitol and share our thoughts and concerns about what we believe to be important issues. Issues that relate to our six pillars – Economic Development, Education, Sustainability, Health, Justice and Youth. Together, we can make a difference!
Mel Hannah Commission Chair
www.azcaaa.az.gov
 
Arizona Commission of African American Affairs Executive Tower, 1700 West Washington, Suite 300B Phoenix, Arizona 85007 O: 602-542-5484 C: 602-526-3073
Greetings! I want to take this opportunity to welcome you to the 18th Annual Arizona African American Legislative Conference. This years’ theme Preparing Future Leaders underlines the importance of the Black community coming together to ensure that our voices are heard and our issues are addressed for years to come. Throughout last year we encouraged African Americans to get more involved in the political process. From our efforts we had record numbers of new African American candidates seeking offices throughout Arizona. Our citizens continue to compete for seats on school boards, city council seats, legislative seats and more. And we can work to encourage more to do so. This week we are meeting with legislators to share the Arizona African American Agenda with them and discuss our concerns and issues. The week includes a Prayer breakfast, legislative updates from our representatives, a keynote address from the Hon. Sandra Kennedy, as well as Youth Day at the Capitol on Friday. We hope you enjoy the conference this week and will continue to support the programs brought to you by the Arizona Commission of African American Affairs!
Yours in the Struggle,
! Cloves C. Campbell Jr. Executive Director Cloves.Campbell@azcaaa.gov
www.azcaaa.az.gov


REGINALD BOLDING
COMMITTEES:
MINORITY WHIP 1700 WEST WASHINGTON, SUITE H PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85007-2844 CAPITOL PHONE: (602) 926-3132 TOLL FREE: 1-800-352-8404
EDUCATION FEDERAL RELATIONS ______ LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
rbolding@azleg.gov ______ DISTRICT 27
February 12, 2020
Greetings Arizona Commission of African American Affairs! On behalf of the Democratic Caucus of the Arizona House of Representatives, it is my pleasure to extend a warm welcome to all those attending African American Legislative Day. As the ranking African American member in this body, it inspires me to see how far this event has come, and to be in the presence of so many accomplished community and elected leaders. This day always brings home the importance of inclusion, and why we work hard to continue a proud legacy of African American representation that has helped mold and shape our state's future for generations past, and for generations to come. Thank you and welcome to the People's House. Sincerely,
Reginald Bolding, Jr. Minority Whip Representative District 27


HISTORY OF THE COMMISSION The Arizona Commission on African American Affairs wed an idea birthed from a workshop during a Legislative Conference called “Delta Day,” hosted by Sen. Leah Landrum Taylor at the Arizona State Capitol in February 2002. The purpose of Delta Day was to educate people of color on the legislative process. Thanks to the hard work and tenacity of several constituents, organizations, agencies and legislator over the years, on May 10, 2010, the Arizona Commission on African American Affairs became one of only 10 Commissions in the United States to be legislated into state statue (A.R.S. 41-531-534). Our purpose is for many African-American leaders and communities throughout the state to join together as the voice of physical, emotional and spiritual realities facing Arizonans of AfricanAmerican descent expressing constructive concerns to the leaders of the great state of Arizona. There are nine Commissioners assigned to nine Arizona Quadrants. Their mission is to listen to constituent opinions and recommendations during town halls and other activities held throughout the year. Quarterly stakeholder meetings allow for the sharing of local concerns with Arizona leaders. The Commission on African American Affairs will give you tools to begin to discover solutions for our communities through articulating the needs and developing strategies. Together we can renew the dream, and with forethought and drive, orchestrate our destiny.
Jeffrey Glover Commissioner
Tonya Hamilton Commissioner
Mel Hannah Chair
Kim Dartez Vice Chair
Cloves C. Campbell Executive Director
Justin Bayless Commissioner
Victor Burrola Commissioner
Joe Delgado Commissioner
Sharon Jaycox Commissioner
Timothy Overton Commissioner
Wanda Wright Commissioner


AFRICAN-AMERICAN LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE
Mel Hannah Chair
Mike Williams
Jesse Ary
Education Pillar Co-Chair
Jeffrey Glover
Tonya Norwood Education Pillar Co-Chair
Kim Dartez
Dr. C. T. Wright Education Pillar Co-Chair
Bob Sherman
Education Pillar Co-Chair
Justice Pillar Co-Chair
Economic Development Pillar Co-Chair Justice Pillar Co-Chair
Economic Development Pillar Co-Chair
Dr. George B. Brooks, Jr.
JGail Gipson
Sharon Jaycox
Gloria A. Payne
Environment/Sustainability Pillar Chair
Health Pillar Co-Chair
Health Pillar Co-Chair
Michael Ingram Youth Pillar Co-Chair
Health Pillar Co-Chair
WEDNESDAY FEB 12 5:30-8:00pm
Welcome Reception | Legislative Update with Representatives Walter Blackman (Dist 6), Reginald Bolding (Dist 27) and Gerae Peten (Dist 4) Wells Fargo Museum & Conference Center 145 W Adams St 85003
THURSDAY FEB 13 7:00-9:00am
Prayer Breakfast First Institutional Baptist Church 1141 E Jefferson St 85034
Arizona State Capitol, 1700 W Washington St 85007 10:00-11:00am Press Conference Rose Garden 11:00-12:00pm Conference Ceremony House Floor Keynote by Hon. Sandra Kennedy Arizona Corporation Commission 12:00-2:00pm
Lunch With Legislators House Lawn
FRIDAY FEB 14
7:00am-2:00pm Youth Day at the Capitol 6:00-7:30pm
Unsung Hero Awards Reception Helen K Mason Performing Arts Center 1333 E Washington St 85034
7:30pm
Black Theatre Troupe’s Trouble In Mind
 
Keynote Speaker
Hon. Sandra Kennedy
Commissioner Arizona Corporation Commission Sandra Kennedy is a commissioner with the Arizona Corporation Commission, returning to the organization in the 2018 elections. She was first elected to the Arizona Corporation in 2008 on a platform of promoting solar energy in Arizona, and as a fierce consumer advocate. She was defeated for re-election in 2012; she ran again for the commission in 2014, but was defeated in the general election. She started her public service when she was elected to the Arizona House of Representatives in November 1986, where she served for six years before successfully becoming a state senator in 1992. She served three terms as state senator. Before her stint in the legislature, Sandra was elected to serve on the Phoenix Union High School Board for a four-year term in 1990. Gov. Mofford appointed her to the Arizona Employment and Training Council. Her many past and present community and civic projects include the following: Tutor for Valley Christian Center and Valle Del Sol, Board member of the Arizona Cactus Pine Girl Scout Council, exOfficio Member of Phoenix Community Alliance, and a former Board member of the Community Excellence Project. Ms. Kennedy was voted Outstanding Young Woman of America for 1984. She is a member of the National Association of Female Executives, was a delegate to the Foreign Relations Conference in June of 1988 from the American Council of Young Political Leaders in Washington, D.C., and also a member of the National Conference of State Legislators.
Unsung Heroes AWARDEES
Brenda Holt Health Pillar Unsung Hero Brenda Holt is senior program specialist for AARP. She is responsible for coordinating activities to support the various program initiatives, and events for AARP on a local, state and national level. Over the last 25-plus years, she has worked for such organizations as PetSmart Corporate Charities, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona, Dept. of Justice’s Weed & Seed Program, American Express, Mass Mutual Insurance, and Loctite Corporation. Brenda also was a three-year Tax-Aide Site Coordinator under the VITA program sponsored by the IRS. She holds a master’s in organizational management from University of Phoenix. She’s the past recipient of the Spirit of Detroit Award from the U.S. Dept. of Justice, the Accounting Aid Society’s TAP Award, and the Dept. of Treasury’s IRS Award. Most recently she was awarded the 2018 Black Board of Directors (BBOD) Dr. Charles R. Campbell Outstanding Alumna Award, and in 2017 Arizona Celebration of Women “Achieving My Purpose” Award. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Foundation for Senior Living, is a member of the Arizona Commission for African American Affairs, Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging, the Maricopa Elder Abuse Prevention Alliance, Arizona Myeloma NetworkCancer Caregivers Committee. She was recently invited to serve on the Attorney General’s African American Advisory Council and it’s Veteran’s Sub-Committee. Brenda is an 11-year resident of Avondale and formerly from the state of Michigan. Brenda is married and has two adult daughters, an avid reader and lover of animals.
 
Unsung Heroes AWARDEES
Dr. Joe McDonald Education Pillar Unsung Hero
Terrell Phabian Economic Pillar Unsung Hero
Dr. Joe McDonald a true Arizona hero who started out by molding young men, through providing coaching, and mentorship in life. He succeeded in establishing careers in the NFL. Joe or Doc as many called him took the skills that he developed and transferred them to a career in education, where he became teacher assistant principal and later principal. The measurement of Dr. McDonald’s success is evident by the number of diverse individuals serving as administrators here in the state of Arizona and the students who have gone on to start careers that are too many to include here. There have been six principals. Two of which have gone on to become assistant superintendents, and another who trains principals. Each of them is continuing to pass on those same life skills. You could actually say that Doc has transformed individuals to become transformational leaders.
As a Ames Construction superintendent with more than 15 years of industry experience, Terrell has a strong background in traffic control excellence. Terrell is responsible for managing field crews, preparing submittals, reviewing drawings, scheduling subcontractors, and all forms of jobsite coordination. His wide range of experience has equipped him with valuable knowledge and skills in nearly every aspect of traffic control, including expertise in interstate projects. Currently, Terrell oversees traffic operators for the Connect 202 Freeway Project. He manages communications, coordination, and responses to traffic incidents, ADOT personnel, AZ Highway Patrol, and emergency responses with continuous supervision of the 24/7 Connect 202 traffic operations Terrell is committed to all of the projects valued clients, industry partners, and employees.
Unsung Heroes AWARDEES
Commander Ed Upshaw Justice Pillar Unsung Hero Commander Upshaw traded in his seat in an Air Force jet to join the Chandler Police Department more than 28 years ago. He has been a Commander for nine years and held assignments in Criminal Investigations as well as acted as the Field Operations Commander for the Main Station, Chandler Heights and Desert Breeze Precincts. Commander Upshaw has attended numerous police investigative and management related seminars to include the Leading Educating and Developing Seminar held at the University of Virginia and the Chandler Chamber of Commerce Leadership Institute. He is a graduate of the DEA Drug Unit Commander School, the Federal Bureau of Investigations National Academy, and is a certified instructor with the Arizona Peace Officer Standards Training Board (AZPOST) for Defensive Tactics, High Risk Stops and Impact Weapons. He also is a graduate of Arizona Leadership Program taught by AZPOST. In 2010, Commander Upshaw received the Chandler Police Department Community Service Award and, in 2011, the Chandler Chamber of Commerce Jim Snedigar Award. He has been published in Police Chiefs magazine on Preventing Abuse and Violence through Education. Commander Upshaw has participated in National Public Radio segments and public service announcements alongside ICAN founder Henry Salinas. Commander Upshaw is past board chair for ICAN and one of its founding board members. He is very active in the community, serving as an executive board member for ICAN, the Chandler Kiwanis Club and Epiphany Lutheran Church. Commander Upshaw’s educational background includes a bachelor’s of science degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a master’s from Northern Arizona University.
Unsung Heroes AWARDEES
HEAAL Youth Pillar Unsung Hero
The vision of Help Enrich African American Lives Coalition is to promote a community that embodies every aspect of health and wellness in all communities, while its mission is to enrich the quality of AfricanAmerican lives through community engagement and collaboration. HEAAL works to identify needs and develop prevention strategies that support healthy decision making for better lifestyle outcomes. Among the organization’s goals are: to increase the adult and youth perception of harm of African American youth substance misuse of alcohol, marijuana, and prescription drugs; to identify the associated risk/ protective factors; and to increase awareness of suicide and available community mental health prevention and treatment services among African-American individuals and families in Maricopa County. The strategies that are implemented to achieve the goal are data driven to ensure that the coalition activities are relevant to the needs of the community. Data is collected through Community Assessment, annual Community Views Survey, and biannual Arizona Youth Survey. HEAAL uses the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Strategic Prevention Framework model which utilizes Community Assessment, Logic Model, Strategic Planning, Evaluation, and Sustainability Planning to keep the implementation of the coalition’s activities aligned with the needs of their target population and service area. These activities include: Community Education (youth peer/adult training); Community Action (forums, resource fair, youth camps, Rx Takeback); Marketing/Branding (billboards, radio, newspaper, social media, printed material); Environmental Change (legislative advocacy, policy change/retailer product placement); and Training (national, local conferences, monthly coalition meetings. The coalition’s membership represents 12 community sectors which helps to bring a diverse and wide range of resources to the group. The sectors, which are required by funders, are: Youth, Parents, Business, Media, School, Youth Serving Org., Law Enforcement, Religious/Fraternal Org., Civic/Volunteer Org., Healthcare Professional, State/Local/Tribal Govt., Other Org. involved in reducing substance misuse. One of the many successes of HEAAL is due to the involvement of the membership. The coalition is committee driven which is where most of the work and planning is done and promotes the engagement of the membership. Committees are: Community Education; Marketing; Membership; Suicide Awareness; Sustainability; and Youth Advisory Board. The Coalition also strives to collaborate with other organizations, churches, and agencies to build and maintain the relationships that are necessary to help our youth make healthy decisions and live drug-free lives. HEAAL Coalition is funded by Mercy Care, Drug Free Communities and The Governor’s Office on Youth, Faith and Family. Tanner Community Development Corporation is the fiscal agent.


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Unsung Heroes AWARDEES
Tameka Talise Spence Leah Landrum Taylor Founder’s & Mel Hannah Chairman’s Award
February 24, 1989, at 11:29am, was a memorable moment for Charmaine Blair and Courtney Spence as they welcomed their first child: Tameka Talise Spence. Tameka was born in Queens, New York, and since age 1, was raised in Phoenix, Arizona, with the support of her mother and father and stepdad, James Blair. Between her parents, Tameka was the eldest of three girls in the family. Tameka also was known by nicknames Meeks, Meka and Spence. By the time Tameka started grade school, her character already began to shine through. From a young age, she was very smart and made it a point to always score 100 percent on her school work… she was a perfectionist! During this time, Tameka’s creativity began to blossom. She developed a passion and skill for drawing, music, writing poetry and writing stories. These were ways she was able to express herself. From a really young age Tameka had an activist spirit and desired to see
racial, cultural, and gender equality within her community and throughout the world. As a child she would draw all Black female characters with superpowers because she never saw any characters that represented her, her sisters, her cousins or any of the strong women she was surrounded by. Growing up as the big sister to her younger sisters Jelise and Shannon, and then later to Taliyah, as well, Tameka felt that she had to set a great example for them to follow and she took her big sister role very seriously. She was a protective big sister who was quick to share any resources she had in a heartbeat, whether it be money, food or clothes, with her sisters. In elementary and middle school, her love for music shined as she played the violin and then later the clarinet. Tameka received a lot of inspiration from arts and music. In fact, she was a lover of arts – Harry Potter, Sailor Moon, and artists such as Lauryn Hill and India.Arie – as well as a lover of politics.
Tameka attended Deer Valley High School in Glendale, Arizona, where she took honors and advanced placement classes, ran on the track and field team as a sprinter, and was a part of the drill club dance group. During the summers Tameka would work jobs to help her, at the time, single mother and be able to treat her sisters to activities such as going to the movies. She was very family oriented and throughout her life would be the connection to extended relatives on both sides of her family. She was like the glue and knew the most about her lineage and family history. Once Tameka graduated high school she went straight to college and attended the University of Arizona where she majored in political science and Africana studies. In 2012, Tameka was the first in her family to graduate from a college university as she earned her Bachelor’s of Arts. Following graduation, she worked in Phoenix with the House of Representatives. There, she furthered her experience in politics and then decided to accept her offer from Columbia University to pursue her master’s in sociology and education. At Columbia, she completed her master’s thesis on cultural inclusion in school curriculums at the high school level and politics that were attempting to prevent this cultural inclusion. Throughout all of her accomplishments, Tameka remained very humble and was the last to boast about all she had achieved. Additionally, Tameka exuded unconditional kindness. She always put others before herself, and really thought deeply about how others felt, sometimes at the expense of her own feelings. She was quick to see the good in others and able to associate with almost anyone and see different points of view. She was sweet and gentle and at the same time throughout the years she learned how powerful her voice could be. Tameka was like a light that could brighten up any room or space that she walked into; her smile was contagious and she had a warm comforting energy and presence about her that could be felt.
After graduating from Columbia University and moving back to Phoenix, Tameka decided to seek ways that would allow her to positively contribute to her community. Tameka felt so proud to accept a research assistant position assisting a professor at Arizona State University with a research study that focused on ways to develop children’s literacy and comprehension levels. Following that position, she became a project coordinator for a study being done to support the growth and advancement of student entrepreneurs’ careers at the high school, community college and university level. Tameka was passionate about her work and making a difference in the lives she encountered. She had a big passion for reminding people about their voice, strength and power as well as their ability to make a difference in their own lives. Her latest position held was with the nonprofit organization, Arizona Coalition For Change, where she was the Black Census Organizer advocating and educating about the importance of Census 2020 and how it immensely impacts the black community. In this position, she was able to make an impact in the way she dreamed of by advocating for the equality of underrepresented racial and cultural groups and equal allocation of resources within her community. Tameka organized and participated in community events that brought people together for important causes. On the morning of Sunday, December 22, 2019, Tameka’s mom Charmaine Blair received news that Tameka had been involved in a tragic car accident in Phoenix, and departed from this life at the scene of the incident. As she rests in eternal peace, Tameka leaves to cherish her memory: her parents, Charmaine Blair, Courtney Spence and James Blair; sisters, Jelise, Shannon and Taliyah Spence; siblings by marriage, Chaneice, James Jr., and Katurah Blair; niece and nephew, Zora and Adonis; as well as her aunts, uncles, cousins and many amazing friends.
Unsung Heroes AWARDEES
Dennis Prince Executive Director’s Award Dennis E. Prince Sr. has been American Legion Post 65 S.A.L. Commander for 25 years. He is committed to helping our veterans and their families. Through his years of commitment, he has been able to reach and impact thousands of veterans through the programs he creates at the American Legion. Programs like Honoring our Fallen Heroes, which provides dinner and care packages during Veterans Day week to our homeless veterans who has come upon tough times or giving out Christmas baskets to veteran’s families during the holidays. He also is honored with the privilege of being the burial flag barrier in the annual Ahwatukee Easter Parade. Being part of the community does not end at the American Legion, Dennis is a door keeper for the Lord at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, Bishop Thomas Pastor. Dennis’ greatest attribute is his continuing drive to serve and help others. For him there is no greater glory then to serve your fellow man. Being a retired educator, Dennis has been a strong advocate for education and improving the quality of life. During his time as an educator, he initiated cultural and African-American history programs at Kyrene Akiemel A-al Middle School – including Patriotic Day, an annual event the school celebrates and honors all veterans. He was very instrumental in creating new and innovation programs for learning and achievement. Prior to being an educator, he worked in retail management throughout the Midwest, gaining valuable leadership and teamworking skills at companies like Sears, Zayre, Dayton’s and Marshalls. Dennis graduated from Upper Iowa University with degrees in business, sociology and education. He also received a master’s in education from University of Phoenix. Dennis is married to Linda and presides in Phoenix, Arizona. His greatest ambition is to leave a legacy which would make proud his grandkids, Dallas and Juel, son Dennis Jr., and daughter Dedtra.










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www.azcaaa.az.gov AZCAAA CommissionofAfricanAmericanAffairs