Events

Upcoming Events

There are no upcoming events scheduled at this time.

Past Events

On Our Journey Together - February 21 and 22, 2025

A Black History Celebration

In a joint collaboration, The Douglas Oral History Project and Write to Change presented “On Our Journey Together” an incredible celebration of the Black History Experience in Douglas, AZ and Orangeburg, South Carolina. The celebration began wi6h a private dinner at Cilantros, the former home of the Horace Davis Post #46, also known as the “Colored American Legion.” Dinner, dancing, and a silent auction filled out the evening.

On Saturday, Feb 22nd, the celebration continued with a guided tour of “The History of the Black Community in Douglas during the 20th Century.” The City of Douglas, the Visitor’s Center, the Douglas Oral History Project sponsored this tour with vans provided by the City of Douglas and hosted by Robert Cannon.

In the afternoon, we all met back at the Gadsden Hotel Lobby we hosted a Q and A about the Black Experience in Douglas and in Orangeburg. The participants included Les Pollard and Robert Cannon from Douglas, and Dr. Yvette McDaniel, Pr3scott, Myron Booker, and Glyshae, the UMACS. After the panel discussion, the UMACs entertained us with lively music and soulful hymns. Please click on the links for samples of the music.

This celebration was a success due to the generous support of Write to Change, a non-profit dedicated to youth engagement. Addionally, we would like to thank Douglas High School’s History Club and Skills USA Club. Additionally, we would like to thank the Gadsden Hotel for providing us the beautiful venue for Saturday’s event.

On Saturday, October 19th, 2024, the Douglas Oral History Project hosted an event “Dancing with Douglas: The Bands, The Musicians, and the Music.” We honored Rudy Bernal and Tony Bracamonte for the gift they gave Douglas in researching, documenting, and putting together a film of our music/musicians’ history.

The City of Douglas, represented by Councilmen Baldenegro and Montano, presented Tony and Rudy with a special award for the amazing work they did in preserving our music and musicians history. Other Douglas musicians present included: Pie Escarcega, Ruben “Pinky” Vasquez, and Ricky Hernandez. We were grateful for all the joy and

Thank you to all of the Douglas Bands. Your stories are truly a testimony of how special Douglas is and how special it was to grow up here! The video created by Rudy Bernal and Tony Bracamonte can be seen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWJLWActGLY

Rudy Bernal and Tony Bracamonte introducing their film in the Gadsden Hotel Lobby.

On February 10th, 2024, The Douglas Oral History Project was fortunate to hold the first ever Black History Month discussion in the Gadsden Hotel. The panel consisted of Moderator: Lemuel Cannon, Robert Cannon, Robert Uribe, Doris Webb Ford, Carl Steward, and Tyrone W. Gray. Although the snowy weather kept many from attending, the event was presented on Facebook Live and over 1,500 views were recorded! Thank you to all who attended either physically or virtually!

Left: Photo shows Robert Cannon, Robert Uribe, Les Pollard, and Doris Ford sharing their experiences growing up in Douglas.

Center: A grateful gathering of individuals who came together to honor the Black community of Douglas, AZ.

Right: Lemuel Cannon (moderator), Robert Cannon, Robert Uribe, Les Pollard, and Doris Ford fielding questions from the audience.

Douglas Oral History Project in partnership with Write to Change, hosted the premiere of On Ma’ Journey Now: A Family Journey from Slavery to Artivism: Featuring Dr. Yvette McDaniel’s Oral History. The event took place in Orangeburg, South Carolina at the historic Holy Trinity Church on October 21st, 2023. Approximately 75 individuals were in attendance.

We learned about Dr. McDaniel’s family and personal journey, and we celebrated with music, desserts, and much laughter!

An Afternoon with author Robert “Danny” Velasco

On Saturday, the 15th of July, 2023, the Douglas Oral History Project was honored to host a book reading by Robert “Danny” Velasco. We were treated to a funny and thought provoking reading about growing up in Pirtleville, incredible music by Danny and his daughter, and delicious cheesecake and flan made by the author. This day was a virtual feast for our senses! Thank you!

We would also like to thank the Historic Gadsden Hotel for the beautiful venue and setup.‍ ‍

On October 1, 2022, Luciano Ramirez presented his book, One Boy’s Life, at the Obrero’s Hall in Douglas . The event was celebrated with a full house. Approximately 75 people attended and were regaled with Luciano’s stories. It was a wonderful reopening of the Obrero’s Hall and a trip down memory lane for those of us who recognized the people and places about which Luciano writes. For those who don’t, Ramirez is a gifted storyteller and this book will capture every reader’s imagination.

Bulldogs for Life - Mike Castro and George Velasquez

One Night Stand - (r-l) Angel Medeguari, Ruben “Pinky” Vasquez, Ricky Hernandez, and Manuel “Bear” Eubanks

Ginny Jordan on the run, while Hector “Pato” Leon sells raffle tickets

One Thousand Years of Love in Douglas - February 2021

This retrospective of love in Douglas, hosted by the Douglas Oral History Project, and housed at the Douglas Art Gallery, featured stories and photos of Douglas couples.

Carlos Valenzuela Book Signing

On August 21, 2021

History of the Borderlands

Dear Ginny:

I loved the presentation tonight. So nice to see you! So much to learn and discover and re-discover!

I haven’t been out very much in a year and a half. I did attend a softball game in Douglas 2 weeks ago. My daughter coaches a travel team. And, on May 30 I attended a re-opening for in-person services at First Presbyterian Church.

My first trip to Douglas was in 1956 with my parents for a police convention at the Gadsden. We lived in Lukeville at that time and moved to Naco in 1957.

Blessings to you, Ginny, for all you do.

Chris Rhodes

Workers of Douglas 1901 - 1987

There are no upcoming events at this time.