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Does the Phoenix Area Need an All-Black Neighborhood?

In the past I've written about African Americans and how we are spread throughout the Valley of the Sun.

We live in Phoenix, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Peoria, Glendale, Chandler, Goodyear ... we live in the big city and all the suburbs!

But the whining from people who move here from "black" cities continues ... why doesn't Phoenix have a "black" side of town?! Why don't we have much culture?

I've been a longtime supporter of our ability to live in all parts of the Valley of the Sun. Phoenix is great because African Americans have a great opportunity to thrive professionally, educationally, socially and financially!

You can buy homes on the cheap, find a good job or establish your own business and college tuition is still low compared to other areas of the country.

But maybe, just maybe, some of the whiners are right!

Maybe we need to concentrate on claiming one part of the Valley as our own! A place where we can always go to feel that sense of unity. We'll have thousands of people just excited to be amongst each other - that would be a beautiful sight to see!

We'll have museums, theatre, restaurants, barber shops, hair salons, churches, schools, nightclubs ... black culture all in one area! I have to admit that in theory, it sounds wonderful. It really does!

But we already have all these things and more in Phoenix! It would take millions and millions of dollars to uproot what we've currently established all over the Valley and move it all to one section!

And where in the Phoenix area would we create our "Negroville?"

Back in the day, we used to have south Phoenix locked down! African Americans still have large numbers on the southside ... would it be easier for us to pack up our things and take over all the homes and businesses south of Broadway Road?

I don't know Phoenix ... I'm more in favor of us continuing to live and do business in ALL parts of the Valley. We are being exposed to many different cultures and lifestyles and I think this presents wonderful opportunities for our children.

What are your thoughts PhxSoul.com readers?

Should we set up shop in one area of the Valley or should we reside wherever we decide? What would make you feel more at home in the Phoenix area?

Click HERE to share your Comments!

Obama Supporters Celebrate Presidential Victory at Phoenix Black Chamber Party

Editor's Note: The Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce Election Watch Party was an incredible event! It was absolutely amazing to see hundreds of Obama supporters of all races there to support him and his efforts to help the United States get back on its feet! Kudos to the Black Chamber and all who attended!

PHOENIX (November 5, 2008) - The Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce celebrated the historic victory of Barack Obama with a monumental Watch Party at Stoudemire's Downtown Phoenix!

History unfolded last night as the 44th president of the United States, Barack Obama, was elected the first black President of the United States.

The celebration was seen all around the world in cites such as Obama's own Chicago, to his father's country of Kenya and even Obama, Japan, and the moment was felt amongst the African-American guests who packed Stoudamiere's  downtown Phoenix, AZ to join the Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce (GPBCC) and elected hosts to witness this moment. 

The Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce created an opportunity for Arizona residents to not only witness the change and celebrate the success of Obama, but also interact with African-American local and state newly elected officials in the community including: Rep. Cloves Campbell, Hon. Sandra Kennedy, Councilman Michael Johnson, Sen. Leah Landrum-Taylor an Judge Cody Williams.

The esteemed event which began at 6 PM, filled up quickly as people in their Obama attire filled the room for the countdown to history. Signage of Obama, Campbell, Kennedy and Landrum surrounded the building and the party began as CNN counted down the race to 270 with cheers from the crowd, each time Obama won a state.

However, no cheers were as loud or as memorable as those the moment, Obama was pronounced President-Elect. The crowd erupted, in cheers and tears as the DJ played the classic Stevie Wonder hit, Signed, Sealed, and Delivered. 

Obama signs became a hot commodity at that point and were ripped off of the walls and pumped in the air by many happy supporters. A quiet room followed as Obama gave his acceptance speech at Giant Park in Chicago, Illinois to silent tears of joy and happiness from the many attendees. Black Poet Ventures, delivered several powerful poetic pieces as Councilman Johnson and GPBCC President Ron Busby gave memorable speeches to commemorate that moment.

"This is one of the greatest moments of my life, I am speechless really, but filled with joy that the world can't take away," said Cloves Campbell, newly re- elected House Representative.

Busby stated, "This is a very exciting time for the African-American community, we've already made history with Barack Obama becoming the first African-American presidential nominee, and we are ready for change. Forty years after the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. the reality is real, he not only stands for African-American success, but for change the world so desperately needs. We as an African-American community are celebrating his rise to success and we plan to celebrate this monumental time with him." 

The change has come, a new day has begun and in the words of Barack Obama and his many supporters, "Yes We Did!"

Submit Your Photos: Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce Election Watch Party

PhxSoul.com would like to commemorate the Black Chamber of Commerce Election Watch Party with a Photo Slideshow! If you were in attendance on Tuesday night, PhxSoul.com invites you to send an e-mail to info@phxsoul.com with ONE or TWO photos of yourself. If multiple individuals are featured in your photo(s), your submission affirms that all individuals have given you permission to use their likeness on PhxSoul.com. By sending your photo to info@phxsoul.com, you are giving PhxSoul.com full, legal permission to use your likeness and the likeness of all individuals featured in your photo(s). Thank you for your cooperation. PhxSoul.com reserves the right to reject submitted photos.

President-Elect Barack Obama - Such a Refreshing Change!

As I celebrated Barack Obama's presidential election victory during the Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce Watch Party at Stoudemire's Downtown, I couldn't help but to think about our ancestors.

Our ancestors truly paved the way for this incredible moment in our nation's history! They fought against and risked their lives to end slavery, racism, voting disenfranchisement and so many other injustices.

There is no way that a President Barack Obama could ever be possible without the strength, courage and vision displayed by our forefathers and predecessors. For that, I will be eternally grateful!

However, it is my sincere hope that people realize that Obama's election is a win for ALL of America - not just African Americans.

After the eight years of ineptness under George W. Bush's administration, I am fully confident that Obama will get our nation back on track.

It's a lot to ask but I have full faith that Obama's administration will develop systems and strategies to improve our economy, end the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, enhance our health care system and provide a quality education for all youth. Again, these are tall orders but I have doubt Obama will do what he has been promising during his campaign.

I urge the American people to have patience because as Obama said during his speech in Chicago's Grant Park, it's going to take many years for him to rectify the damage Bush and Dick Cheney have done. We can't be foolish enough to think that he'll fix all of our problems overnight.

Furthermore, I encourage African Americans to understand that Obama must be a president who serves ALL people, not just our race's needs. If he can unite a vast majority of the citizens in our great country, Obama will succeed!

Yes We Can!

PhxSoul.com wants to know your thoughts on Barack Obama's election to the Presidential Office of the United States! What are your hopes for the future?

Click HERE to leave your Comments!

ABC 15 Jumps on the Black Community Bandwagon

Boy oh boy! We negroes are in vogue now!

Channel 15 recently came up with a TV report about the Black Community's feelings about Obama and his run for the presidential office!

I'm a journalist by trade and I have to say that it makes me laugh that we're getting all of this coverage.

It's a double-edged sword because on one hand, it's great that we're finally receiving some primetime attention. However, it bothers me because many media members want you to believe that RACE is NOT an issue in this election!

If race is NOT an issue, then why are WE in the spotlight all of a sudden?

Makes you wanna say hmmmmm ...

Well, I am hoping that we'll continue to receive increased, positive coverage from the Valley media that seek our opinions on local and national issues after the election.

Channel 12 News Report Focuses on the Valley's Black Community

Take time to view this interesting report from Channel 12 News reporter Kim Covington about the Black Community in the Phoenix area.

The report backs up my sentiments about the small but strong African American Community in the Valley of the Sun and how we are spread out all over the place. Because we make up 3 to 5 percent of the total population here, we have to work harder to interact with each other socially and professionally.

Although a TV news report about our Black Community is LONG overdue, it goes to show that if Barack Obama is elected as President of the United States, we will gain some of the spotlight too! The winds of change are coming!

Gotta admit that I was a little disappointed that PhxSoul.com wasn't mentioned but I'll get over it ...

What do you think about the Channel 12 News Report? Click on the Comment link to share your opinions with PhxSoul.com readers!