The Community-Driven Archives (CDA) Initiative has four unique areas of focus. Our team of curators and archivists are actively overseeing existing archival collections and seeking new donations to preserve an accurate representation of Arizona history. If you have any questions about the donation process, please contact us.
Black Collections
Black Collections, a new archival collection within the Community-Driven Archives Initiative, is focused on creating a robust community resource dedicated to documenting the lived experiences of Black and African American people living and thriving in Arizona and the Southwest.
This collection is curated and managed by Jessica Salow.
Collection highlight
J. Eugene Grigsby Jr. Papers
Documents the work and legacy of artist, educator and mentor of generations of young artists.
Chicano/a Research Collection
Arizona’s largest archival repository that preserves Latino/x history. Established in 1970 by Dr. Christine Marin, the Chicano/a Research Collection contains unique manuscripts, ephemera, photographs, and publications that document labor, activism, politics, culture and family history.
This collection is curated and managed by Nancy Godoy.
Collection highlights
Graciela Gil Olivarez Photographs
Documents the life and work of Graciela, a Chicana community activist and organizer, between 1951 and 1982.
Valley Friends of the Farm Workers Photographs
Documents Arizona farm worker history and Cesar Chavez's "Fast of Love" in 1972.
Greater Arizona
The Greater Arizona Collection offers and contributes to an understanding of the diverse cultural and political history of the region through the preservation and access to essential and important documentation of events, people, and communities. With over five hundred collections, the Greater Arizona Collection not only documents and preserves key facets of Arizona history, but also serves as a significant and essential resource for scholars, students and Arizona’s diverse communities.
This collection is curated and managed by Renee James.
Collection highlights
Bj Bud Memorial Archives
Largest Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) collection in Arizona.
Ohnick Family Papers
Documents the experience of an Arizona Japanese American family from 1848-1997.
University Archives
Documenting the history and evolution of Arizona State University, from 1885 to present day, University Archives works to acquire, preserve and make publicly available the historical records of the university, including publications, administrative records, manuscripts, theses and dissertations, photographs and negatives, video and audio recordings, oral histories and news-clipping files. As a part of the Community-Driven Archives team, we are making a conscious effort to capture all voices at ASU, especially marginalized communities.
This collection is curated and managed by Shannon Walker.
Collection highlights
View the ASU Student Newspapers (1906-2014) digital collection
View the Office of the President Records (1963-1981) finding aid
View the ASU Photograph Collection: Buildings and Grounds (1886-1984) finding aid
View the Intercollegiate Athletics Film and Video Collection (1971-2014) digital collection
Black Collections is the first collection dedicated to ‘uncovering’ the Black and African American history of Arizona State University and of the Black and African American communities that surround our campuses. It is critical we understand the impact Black and African American people have had on shaping the history of the Southwest.
Jessica SalowAssistant Archivist of Black Collections