About Us

Established in 2015, The State of Black Arizona is 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization.

According to the 2015 census, there are more than 6 million people living in Arizona. The median household income for Arizona was $49,928 in 2014. The Arizona Minority Student Progress Report (AMEPAC) Progress Report for 2016 states “Median household income for Maricopa County is generally above the state median household income for all race/ethnicity categories with the exception of Blacks, whose median household incomes were $600 below the state level. “In Pima County, the situation is slightly more equalized: “Median household income for Pima County, on average, is slightly below the state level across all racial/ethnic groups (Ibid, c-14)”

Across Arizona, the greatest number of Blacks (i.e. population greater than 4%; the statewide average is 4.7%, 2015 Census) is to be found in Maricopa County (Phoenix Metropolitan) and in Pima County (Tucson).

Our research shows nearly 700 schools (K-12) statewide with a concentration of Black students greater than 5%. Unsurprisingly, all 700 schools are found in two counties, Maricopa, and Pima.

Twenty-five percent of Arizona African Americans live in poverty and 15 percent have not obtained a high school diploma. While more than 25 percent have completed high school, and have taken some college courses, less than 13 percent have earned anything higher than an associated degree.

Understanding this data analysis, the future of the black community is dissolving and its future depends on a concerted effort to come together in both meaningful and productive ways. We lack a clear identifiable community with a voice for greater interaction and leadership development. The State of Black Arizona (SBAZ) aims to spark interest of the African American communities and increase efforts for change. The State of Black Arizona has relationships in all communities above (see graph) working to further our mission through providing reports, publication, and leadership intiatives.