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Why Aren't Black People in Phoenix Supporting Black Events?

Click here to check out The Phoenix Black Professionals Meetup Group!

Why aren't African Americans in Phoenix supporting Black events and organizations?

That's the question that has been runnin' through my mind since I went to the AZ Black Expo on October 27.

I gotta admit that I was really disappointed in the turnout this year in spite of the fact that people warned me that there wasn't much interest from the African American community.

I've noticed for the last few years that we really don't come out and support our events the way we should - the annual MLK March in January is a prime example. I'm a member of several professional and community groups here and I'm usually surprised at the low numbers of African Americans who get involved. 

• Are Black people just not hearing about Black events in Phoenix? Do we have a communication problem here?
• Are Black people just too busy to attend Black events?
• Are Black people who have moved here from other places just not interested in investing in Phoenix?
• Are Black people in Phoenix disenchanted with each other? Hmmmm ...

As I've said before, I frequently hear complaints from African Americans that there aren't enough community and cultural events in the Phoenix area. I don't necessarily believe that to be true, but I do think that we don't have enough quality events here.

I had hope for the AZ Black Expo because it arranged for numerous African American businesses, entertainers, professionals and organizations to promote themselves to the community.

As I walked through the rows of booths, I came to realize one of the reasons why we avoided the AZ Black Expo - many of the booths were unimpressive! How many booths filled with body lotion and urban T-shirts do we need in one location?

I hope the AZ Black Expo is much more selective next year and considers recruiting businesses, professionals, celebrities and organizations that uplift and improve our community. There's definitely a need for the AZ Black Expo but the presentation needs improvement.

I'd love to read your Comments on this topic! Do I have a legitimate concern or am I way off-base? You're welcome to speak your mind - I want to get a good dialogue started!

Hey, at least I enjoyed the Fashion show!

Black Theatre Troupe - Home of African American Theatre in the Valley

The Black Theatre Troupe has been the crown jewel of African American professional theatre in the Valley since the 1970s.

I have many fond memories of visiting the Helen K. Mason Center for the Performing Arts on 333 E. Portland when I was a kid. I remember when the Black Theatre Troupe hosted the play "227" before it became a popular TV sitcom! The crowd laughed and hollered the whole night! Even back then, I was amazed at the talent of the actors on stage! I was filled with pride to see people on the stage who looked just like me!

I encourage all African Americans in the Phoenix area to support the Black Theatre Troupe!

Please visit BlackTheatreTroupe.org to find out about the current season of performances:

• April 23 to May 10: Revenge of a King

The Black Theatre Troupe also conducts educational workshops and produces quality plays which reflect the African-American experience and help to illuminate the culture to the Phoenix metropolitan area and throughout Arizona.

For more information, please visit BlackTheatreTroupe.org!

PhxSoul.com is not responsible or liable for any changes, misrepresentations or misleading information related to the performances and is in no way affiliated with the Black Theatre Troupe.

Visit the African American Multicultural Museum in Scottsdale

Did you know that Scottsdale is home to an African American museum? Yeah, I was shocked when I first heard about it too!

However, I finally made a visit in October 2007 to the African American Multicultural Museum, 617 N. Scottsdale Road, and my shock turned to pride after my experience there.

The African American Multicultural Museum offers an incredible opportunity to not only learn about African and African American culture, but you can also hear about and see the influences of all races and cultures on our world today. The numerous artifacts in the museum give you a glimpse into how our ancestors lived, hunted, made music and socialized thousands of years ago.

The African American Multicultural Museum's mission is "Fellowship through Education."

If you are involved with an organization that's looking for a unique environment to host a social event while learning about our history, I'd definitely recommend that you contact Ed Van Dyke and his staff. There is no fee to visit, but the museum gladly accepts donations.

Please click here to learn more about the African American Multicultural Museum today!

The Playing Field in Phoenix Is Equal When It Comes to Interracial Relationships!

We all know that the Phoenix area is a "hotbed" (forgive the pun) of opportunity for people who want to engage or are already engaged in interracial relationships.

The various cultures in the Valley of the Sun make it too easy for people of different backgrounds to intermingle, become friends and/or become more than friends.

Personally, I love and prefer to see black men and black women together, but I also support interracial relationships. I'd be a hypocrite if I didn't support interracial couples because I used to be an Equal Opportunity Dater back in the day!

But I've really noticed a striking trend in the world of interracial relationships (especially in the Phoenix area) ... more black women are finding love with men of other races! I was out on Sunday (won't say where) and noticed three interracial couples - all black women with white men. All the brothas I saw were with sistas!

Do I have a problem with black women dating or marrying men of other races? ... NO!

But I do have a problem with black women claiming that black men are the ONLY ones who are choosing to date outside of their race! Sorry black women, you can't play that victim role anymore! And please don't tell me you were forced to date outside of your race because ALL the BLACK MEN are taken! That's hogwash! You're developing meaningful relationships with men of other races and that's fine with me! Don't diminish your love by saying you had no other choice! BE REAL and BE HAPPY!

I'm thrilled for ANYONE who finds love! The couples could be green-and-red, yellow-and-blue, purple-and-orange ... it doesn't matter to me as long as the lovers treat each other (and other people) with respect!

So black men, as far as I'm concerned, you're off the hook! There's no reason for you to feel guilty when you find genuine love with other cultures - black women are doin' it too!

I'm not trying to start an Interracial Love Parade here, but it's clear to me that the playing field is equal in the Phoenix area!

You are welcome to COMMENT on this topic by clicking here!

I Love My Black People in Phoenix, No Matter What We Say and Do!

Like my boy "K" always says, "Black people in Phoenix are just different!"

I recently went to a club and noticed a brotha in his late 30s wearin' a Members Only jacket! What? It was obvious that this was his favorite jacket! He had some thick glasses and he looked nervous as hell! I think he overheard a few people clownin' him because he left early and in a hurry! I hope he went to the mall!

I recently went to a department store and saw a black woman in her 40s who had her hair styled (I think it was her hair) like a rooster! It was dyed blond in the front and the rest of her hair was black! Her hair stood straight up almost like feathers but she had this mullet thing happenin' near the back of her neck! Ooooo ... I wanted to say somethin' but she had one of those "don't-mess-with-me-or-I'll-cut-ya" looks on her face!   

I was walking in downtown Phoenix near the US Airways center last weekend and this tall brotha (he might've been in his 50s) greeted me with the following words, "Uh uh, what's happenin' cool daddy ..." When did we do the timewarp back to the 1970s? He was wearin' an old, beat-up fedora to match!

I don't care what y'all say, we may be different, but I still got nuthin' but love for my peoples!

Best Happy Hour Hangouts for Black People in Phoenix!

Ahhhhh … it’s 5 p.m. on Friday and for most of you, that means your work is done! But you and your friends aren’t ready to go home because it’s time for Happy Hour!

But where do you go? Here's my list of great happy hour joints for black people in the Valley of the Sun.

Club Central
3110 N. Central #140
Phoenix  AZ
(602) 200-8121

Club Central has stood the test of time as one of the best happy hour spots in Phoenix for African Americans! The DJ bangs hip hop and R&B on the upstairs level and if you think you can sing, you can do your thang in the karaoke downstairs. If you get there before 7 p.m., you don't have to pay cover! If you are in your late 20s to your 40s, Club Central is the place to be!

Z Tejas
7221 W Ray Road
Chandler, AZ 85226

From 7-10 PM this place is PACKED with 20- and 30-year-olds. Good place to hang out with friends or to meet cool, easygoing African Americans. No stress, no loud music.

Warren's Jazz Bistro
1451 East Williams Field Road, Suite 108
Gilbert, AZ
480-899-JAZZ(5299)

The East Valley is buzzin' about this spot! The motto is, "Where Great Food & Live Jazz Meet!" Live performances start at 6 p.m. on Friday. Don't be late!

Merc Bar
2501 E. Camelback Road
Phoenix
(602) 508-9449

I love it here because it’s classy, dark, centrally located and the people are easygoing! You’ll probably end up meeting somebody new here. The major drawbacks … the mixed drinks are not cheap and this place doesn’t have a dance floor. You probably won't see too many black people here but it shouldn't matter as long as you're with good friends.

Barcelona
15440 Greenway-Hayden Loop
Scottsdale, AZ
(480) 603-0370

Barcelona is one of the more impressive happy hour locations. It's beautiful inside and if you want to host a special event, check out La Rouge at Barcelona.

Barcelona seems to be a happy-hour favorite for black people in the Phoenix area. Later on in the night, the dance floor opens up and this place gets crazy!

Eli's American Grille
7000 E. Shea Blvd.
Scottsdale
(480) 948-9800

If you are 40 years and older, you’re gonna be at home here! You’ll get a chance to hear live music every night of the week and the people here are very friendly … maybe too friendly! A grandma tried to holla at me once at Eli’s! I gotta admit … she looked good! And hey … this spot has a dance floor!

If you think my happy-hour list is on-point or wack, let me know by clicking on the Comments link below!

Where do you go after Happy Hour is over?

• Click here to find out about the best NightClubs for Black People in the Phoenix metro area!

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