Tucson's Jewish History Museum

The Jewish History Museum was built in 1910 as the first Jewish house of worship established in the Arizona territory.  It served as an important center of Jewish community for the southwest before Arizona achieved statehood.  Click on the links below to learn about various Jewish influences in Tucson. (Read more about the building's history: "The Saving of a Treasure".)

Part 1: Who is Eileen Warshaw?

Part 2: The University of Arizona was started by 3 Jewish men

Part 3: The story of Nogales, once a small village called Isaacson

Part 4: Holocaust Remembrance Month

By Jamie Turow 18 April 2012

UA Decathlete Strives to Make the Most of Life in the US

Keegan Cooke is a 23-year-old international athlete at the University of Arizona.  The Harare, Zimbabwe native came to the United States to pursue higher education after high school and advance himself as a decathlete.  Though Cooke is often found on the track or in the McKale Memorial Center twice a day, he also dedicates time to his studies and friends.

By Written by Shannon Maule, Video by Lauren Sokol 18 April 2012 Read Article

The Life and Legend of Ted DeGrazia

For nearly 70 years, Tucson has been home to one of the most inspiring artists of the desert’s time. Ettore ‘Ted’ DeGrazia opened his own art studio on the outskirts of Tucson near the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains in 1944 after the public had rejected his work. However, some believe the artist still lacks the appreciation he deserves.

Here you can view the life and legend of Ted DeGrazia, listen to interviews with the retail specialist of the DeGrazia Gallery and watch a visual slideshow of the Gallery as it stands today.

By Chelsey Barthel 17 April 2012 Read Article

Con-Nichiwa is more than just an Anime Convention

Border Beat takes a more in-depth look on the subculture of cosplay, a Japanese-based performance art of costume and role play, as well as how anime conventions like Con-Nichiwa help small anime businesses and artists.

By Melissa Guz 18 April 2012 Read Article

Tucson Human Rights Watch Film Festival

The Tucson Human Rights Watch Film Festival brings to light human rights violations throughout the world.

By Emily Kjesbo and Lauren Urratio 18 April 2012 Read Article

ARC Changes the Lives of Refugees and Makes a Difference in the Community

University of Arizona students are transforming refugees' lives through extensive volunteer work, workshops, and events in the Arizona Resource Connection.

By Lauren Inouye 04 April 2012 Read Article

A Sit Down with One of the Many Minds Behind BorderLinks

BorderLinks is a local non-profit organization aiming to expose the cruel reality in the life of migrants and the reasons why they come to this country. Scott Nicholson has been the development coordinator for approximately two years, but before joining the organization, Nicholson traveled throughout Latin America, and learned about the poor living conditions that push millions of people to emigrate.

By Maria Taracena 03 April 2012 Read Article

UA Medical Student Works to Create Change in Africa

After seeing a disturbing video on the Internet about a hospital in her homeland, Charity Adusei, a first-year medical student at the University of Arizona College of Medicine — Tucson was determined to make a difference. Along with two other individuals, she created The Beds For Life Project to create awareness and fundraise in order to better the facilities at Ridge Hospital in Ghana, Africa.

By Written by Shannon Maule, Video by Lauren Sokol 04 April 2012 Read Article

UA Senior Plans to Teach in Mexico After Graduation

Andrea Mee is a University of Arizona senior preparing to move to Miacatlán, Mexico after graduation in May.  While her friends are solidifying future careers in the United States, Mee plans to teach special education and act as a youth program coordinator at a Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos orphanage for one year.

By Shannon Maule 16 April 2012 Read Article

From Cuban Refugee to Family Man: Randolfo Parrado's Story

Randolfo Parrado is one of 125,000 Cuban refugees who boarded El Mariel boats to escape Communism under Fidel Castro in 1980. Today, the 84-year-old reflects back on his journey. This is his story.

By Rachel Kolinoski and Chelsey Barthel 04 April 2012 Read Article

Exhibit Honors Emerging Mexican Artists

Learn about the exhibit, Apariciones Apparitions, and the artists, Adriana Gallego and Claudio Dicochea.

By Hope Jamieson 04 April 2012 Read Article

Burundi Refugee Drummers Visit Tucson School Children

Children at First Southern Christian School in Tucson, Ariz. experienced the drumming and dancing of Komezakaranga, a group of Inkomezakaranga refugees, united by an instrument.

By Audrey A. Fitzsimmons 04 April 2012 Read Article

Cafe on 4th Makes Crepes for a Sweet Escape

Cafe Marcel Creperie & Espresso Bar is a cafe nestled in the heart of Tucson’s 4th Avenue. Their cuisine, filled with Swedish and French influence, draws customers from around town to a quiet breakfast environment.

By Charles Misra 04 April 2012 Read Article

Navajo Man Happy With Himself

Sometimes it can be difficult to be gay in a conservative area. Try being gay, black, Navajo and German. Michael Robinson talks about his experiences with discrimination, financial hardships and trying to maintain his identity in a place where people judged him for being who he was.

By Steven Schiraldi 04 April 2012 Read Article