Street Art

One of our favorite things to share is the ever-growing collection of street art in Phoenix. While work by many talented artists decorates the streets of our city, countless noteworthy pieces have added Black narratives to the landscape in the past couple years.

Black History Month Mural Project

As part of Black History Month, nearly 30 walls in downtown and central Phoenix received meaningful makeovers. For each day in February, a mural celebrating Black heroes, icons, activists, athletes, musicians and more, was added to the city's vibrant collection of street art. Check out our guide to this collection of work and head out on a self-guided mural tour.

Calvin C. Goode

In 2021, Isaac Caruso and Jesse Yazzie teamed up to pay tribute to Phoenix civil rights icon Calvin C. Goode, who passed away in 2020. Goode served on Phoenix City Council from 1972 to 1994, making him the longest-tenured person in that body's history. Additionally, he was the second Black person elected to council and served as vice mayor in 1974 and 1984. This mural wall features the affordable housing and underserved youth advocate overlooking the Phoenix skyline against an iconic sunset in the background, with the words "The Conscious of the Council."

918 N. Second St., Phoenix

James Baldwin

Downtown Phoenix also welcomed a nine-story installation of author and civil rights activist James Baldwin. Created by the talented local artist Antoinette Cauley, this piece features the bust of the "Notes of a Native Son" author surrounded by his words: "Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced. (Header image by Biannca Dominguez, True North Studios.)

1001 N. Central Ave., Phoenix 

More Murals

For tributes ranging from Prince and Nipsey Hussle to Kobe Bryant and Malinda Curtis, check out these larger-than-life mural walls around the city. 

Events & More

While Phoenix routinely hosts visitors for pro sports, lively outdoor concerts and delicious food festivals, there is a lot more going on throughout the city — including pop-up events, holiday observations, and more — you just have to know where to look. Here are a few wats to stay in touch with what's going on.

Archwood Exchange

As the host and organizer of the Buy Black Marketplace, Archwood Exchange is dubbed a hub for Black business in Phoenix. Thanks to its cooperative-inspired setup, this is where businesses can sell their products in a pop-up, brick-and-mortar environment without the high costs of overhead. The online shop also offers an eclectic mix of fashion and accessories, such as graphic T-shirts and straw hats. Follow Archwood Exchange on Facebook for vendor information and future event details.

facebook.com/ArchwoodExchange

Arizona Informant

Since 1971, the Arizona Informant has provided an important voice for the Black community throughout the state. Fifty years later, the family owned and operated newspaper continues to capture the attention of the Black community and others. Published every Wednesday, this is the only Black-owned weekly newspaper in the state. Follow Arizona Informant on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest news and community coverage.

1301 E. Washington St., Suite 101, Phoenix
602-257-9300

George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center (Temporarily Closed)

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1991, this building once housed Phoenix Union Colored High School, a segregated school that opened in 1926. Today, it is the home of the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, a historical preservation site that is dedicated to the collection, documentation, preservation, study, and dissemination of the history and culture of Africans and Americans of African descent in Arizona. This mission is carried out through exhibitions, archives, collections and a variety of community educational programs — some of which are available online here.

415 E. Grant St., Phoenix

Eastlake Park

"Phoenix Park," as it was called back in the 1890s, was developed by Moses Sherman, specifically to give passengers a pleasant place to wait for the next tram. Booker T. Washington spoke here in 1911 at the Great Emancipation Jubilee and W. E. B. DuBois also addressed a crowd at the park at a later date after attending a reception held in his honor by members of the Second Colored Baptist Church.

In 1914, the park was purchased by the City of Phoenix and became Eastlake Park. And, in more recent history, it has served as the home of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday celebration (until it outgrew the space), the annual Juneteenth celebration, many civil rights rallies and a starting point for marches to the Capitol.

Pictured above: The park's centerpiece is the Phoenix Arts Commission's Civil Rights Memorial, located at 16th and Jefferson streets. 

1501 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix

Eat & Drink 

"Eating is so intimate. It's very sensual. When you invite someone to sit at your table and you want to cook for them, you're inviting a person into your life."

— Maya Angelou, "Great Food, All Day Long"

Mrs. White's Golden Rule Cafe

When Elizabeth White opened her landmark restaurant in 1964, parts of the city were segregated. Unfazed, she was determined to provide for her family by welcoming everyone into her soul food establishment, which turned out to be her recipe for success. This Phoenix culinary legend has not only been serving up soul food in downtown Phoenix for nearly 60 years, but she's also paved the way for her family's booming chicken empire.

808 E. Jefferson St, Phoenix | 602-262-9256
 

Chip Mulala, Huss Brewing Company

Meet the self-proclaimed Minister of Craft Beer who's been saving souls one pint at a time for more than 13 years. According to Chip Mulala, craft beer from Arizona is filled with inspiration and a sense of place. Read the rest in our interview here.

Uptown: 100 E. Camelback Road, #160, Phoenix | 602-441-4677

Tempe: 1520 W. Mineral Road, Ste. 102, Tempe | 480-264-7611

Stephen Jones of The Larder + The Delta (now closed)

Chef Stephen Jones shares why he opened his latest venture, The Larder + The Delta (now closed), for Southern cooking on downtown Phoenix's burgeoning Portland Street. Jones was a 2020 James Beard Award semifinalist in the Best Chef: Southwest category.

200 W. Portland St., Phoenix
480-409-8520

Phil Johnson of Trapp Haus BBQ 

Trapp Haus BBQ's Phil Johnson brings his free-styling, interpretative take on BBQ to downtown Phoenix's Roosevelt Row. Find out more about his recipe for success in our interview here.

511 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix
602-466-5462

Larry White, Lo-Lo's Chicken & Waffles

Restaurateur Larry White paired his love of Phoenix and passion for cooking to put down his own roots and carry on his family's fried chicken empire.

Central: 1220 S. Central Ave., Phoenix | 602-340-1304
Scottsdale: 3133 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale | 480-945-1920
Sky Harbor: 3400 E. Sky Harbor Blvd., Phoenix | Terminal 4 (B Wing, pre-security)

Retail 

Shopping Black-owned businesses just became more convenient. With the resources below, you'll be able to find what you're looking for in advance and, in some cases, order it online. If there's a visitor-facing Black-owned business in Phoenix that you would like to see in our listing, don't hesitate to drop us a line here (and thanks in advance).

Cutino Sauce Co.

No stranger to the Phoenix food scene, Jacob Cutino has spent his fair share of time in some of the Valley’s top restaurants, including Fox Restaurant Concepts and Bootleggers, working both the front and back of the house. In 2015, he took that experience and launched his company, Cutino’s Sauce Co., recognizable by the signature habanero pepper on its packaging. Find out more about how this flavor curator is heating up the Phoenix restaurant scene in our interview with him here.

cutinosauce.com

The Chic Chef Sets Up Shop In Phoenix

Nik Fields brings the flavor — as well as a working event space for local events and entrepreneurs — to new midtown Phoenix kitchen. Building on her experience as a celebrity chef, author, philanthropist, event producer, this entrepreneur is creating a space (coming soon) where her line of artisanal seasonings, olive oils and more will be showcased in the her new dishes. Find out more in our interview with the chic chef herself here. 

1-866-799-1177 
chicchefco.com 

Where To Shop Black-Owned Fashion Businesses in Phoenix

Check out local stores and online shops specializing in everything from sustainable clothing and vintage accessories to hats and African-inspired jewelry here.

Black-Owned Businesses in Phoenix 

If you're looking to support the Black community, here's a list of Black-owned restaurants, shops, and more in Greater Phoenix.

Entertainment 

From local stages to the silver screen, Phoenix has contributed talent (and backdrops) to the entertainment industry for decades. If you're looking to become better acquainted with some of the talented individuals who hail from this city, you've come to the right place. Although most venues are not currently hosting live events, here's some history — as well as some digital options — to hold you over until our lively entertainment and nightlife returns in full force.

Black Theatre Troupe

Operating steadfastly for the past 51 years, Black Theatre Troupe (BTT) has been chugging along, building up its own head of artistic steam as it determinedly tracks its founder’s vision to enhance the arts for the Phoenix's underrepresented communities. Today, BTT is one of the most enduring and celebrated Black theater organizations in the country, and a vital component of this city’s burgeoning performing arts profile.

1333 E. Washington St., Phoenix | 602-258-8129

The Nash 

When you think of major jazz destinations in the country, Phoenix may not be an obvious choice. But Jazz clubs flourished here in the ’70s, but they all but fell off the entertainment radar for decades. Since opening in 2012, The Nash has helped reignite interest in the smooth, cool innovative sounds of jazz and for its efforts, has garnered national accolades. Find out more about the venue named after Lewis Nash, an internationally acclaimed jazz drummer and Phoenix native, here.

110 E Roosevelt St., Phoenix
602-795-0464 

The Womack

The Womack is a dimly-lit, retro cocktail lounge that celebrates the soul of a bygone era with classic cocktails and soulful musical stylings, including those of the Roscoe Taylor Band. Taylor, an R&B, soul and funk powerhouse who once opened for the Temptations, covers musical selections by Marvin Gaye, Barry White, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and even Aretha Franklin. These days, he regularly shares the stage with keyboardist Jimmie McElroy. Find out how this musical mecca is preserving Phoenix history in out interview here.

5749 N. Seventh St., Phoenix
602-283-5232

Music and Musicians from Greater Phoenix

Phoenix has had its fair share of breakout musicians over the years, including "American Idol" Season 6 winner Jordin Sparks and Miss Black Arizona 1989, better known as the dance diva CeCe Peniston, to name a few.  Check out dozens of songs made by artists who call Phoenix home — ranging from Brockhampton to Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra — and the playlists to enjoy them all here. 

Greater Phoenix on the Big Screen

If you’re the type of movie buff who spotted the Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort (pictured above) in your first time watching "Waiting To Exhale," this is the info for you. Check out our favorite movies filmed in Phoenix — starring Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Queen Latifah and more — and retrace their steps on your next visit here.