While it may not be the state first thought of when considering Black history, Arizona has a diverse and rich history of African American stories dating back to the 1800s. Yet most of the archives, stories and icons are not being preserved or celebrated.

Today, about 5% of Arizonans are Black and some community leaders and activists are working to ensure the buried history is uncovered. From academics to faith leaders, a new generation of voices are speaking up about the truth in Arizona's Black history.

This week on Valley 101, Pastor Warren Stewart of the First Institutional Baptist Church, equality consultant Channel Powe, Assistant Archivist of Black Collections at ASU Jessica Salow and ethnic studies professor Anthony Pratcher II are joined together in a round table discussion on the under-acknowledgement of the state's Black history.

Valley 101 is an Arizona Republic and azcentral.com podcast about metro Phoenix and beyond.

Some past Valley 101 episodes about Black history and leaders in Arizona:

Lincoln Ragsdale Sr revolutionized Phoenix

Ayra Hackett: founder of the first Black woman-owned newspaper

Phoenix's history with redlining

Richard E Harris: Arizona's first Black reporter

Arizona's fight for MLK Day recognition

For more, please check out our archives.

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