African Diaspora Stories Matter.
We gather, preserve and share stories from across the African diaspora because they deepen our understanding of the past and help imagine more just futures.
My Black River Life
Our first original storytelling series explores the migration stories that connect us all. Through street interviews across Phoenix, we invite everyday people to share the journeys that have shaped them.
From Detroit to Santo Domingo, every story offers a window into the ties that connect us—if we're willing to listen.
ON WHY PHOENIX ISN'T THE "WEST COAST"
ON GROWING UP IN A NEW PLACEMeet Your Neighbors
Meet Your Neighbor is Black River Life's original interview series highlighting remarkable people across the Phoenix area. Reporter Tobe Okeke sits down with everyone from egg farmers and fitness trainers to natural hair stylists, sharing the stories of shining stars among us.
Meet Your Neighbor:
Meet Justin
"SEW USED" VINTAGE CLOTHING & DECOR
Meet Your Neighbor:
Meet Arlette
"HAIRLOKS" NATURAL HAIR CARE & EDUCATION
Every Arizonan should know the name “Helen K. Mason.” Here’s why—
Ever heard of a town called “Randolph?” Find out about one of Arizona’s first historically Black communities—
Meet Arizona-based smooth jazz star J. White
Arizonans rally at the State House for reproductive rights
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INTERVIEW
Meet Brotha Anthony and hear about his family’s journey through the Black Southwest
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REFLECTION
Andra explains how art makes room for joy at “Living Black Worlds” arts festival, presented by Black River Life at Phoenix Center for the Arts.
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INTERVIEW
Meet our first artist-in-residence Sean Avery Medlin (they/them), a poet and emcee exploring Blackness and masculinity.