Where Are the Black People in Arizona? (Ep 25)

Send us Fan Mail “Where are the Black people in Arizona?” It’s one of the biggest questions people ask when they move to the Valley, but maybe the real question isn’t whether Black people are here. Maybe it’s whether we’ve created enough intentional spaces for us to actually find, support, and connect with each other. In this episode of the Thriving Loudly Podcast, we sit down with Chris Sumlin—media personality, radio host, author, marketing professional, content creator, and community builder—to talk about the reality of building Black community in Arizona. We get into Black-owned businesses and whether they receive enough visibility, supporting Black entrepreneurs beyond an Instagram repost, being a Black creator in Phoenix, collaboration vs. competition, and what Arizona still needs to create a stronger sense of community. Chris also takes us inside The Check-In, the intentional space he created for Black men to connect, build brotherhood, have honest conversations, and check in with each other beyond the surface. And we ask a bigger question: Do we spend enough time asking Black men how they’re actually doing, or do we mostly expect them to figure it out? From business and media to brotherhood and community, this conversation is about moving beyond representation and asking what it actually takes to create connection, opportunity, visibility, and spaces where Black people can thrive. Do you think Arizona has a strong Black community, or are we still building it? Let us know in the comments. Like this episode, leave a comment, and follow Thriving Loudly and Chris Sumlin on social media for more conversations around community, culture, business, and life in Arizona. Follow Chris Sumlin on Instagram: @thechrissumlin Support the show