Sunrise -  April 1938

Sunset   -  January 8, 2023

Mel played for ASC from 1958-60.

He dedicated his life to public service. From elected office, to activist and mentor, he helped pave the way for so many people of color to become our leaders of today and tomorrow. Arizona’s Family caught up with family, friends, and mentees who hope to carry on the spirit of his legacy.

Born in Winslow, Ariz., Hannah stayed true to his roots, always fighting for rural representation. He was the first African American on the Flagstaff City Council & Coconino County Board of Supervisors. He moved to Phoenix as director of community outreach with the Greater Phoenix Urban League, helping inmates transition to meaningful jobs and was one of the first to lead the Arizona Commission on African American Affairs.

A few statements of remembrance:

Homer Townsend, one of Hannah’s oldest and dearest friends, remembers him being a voice of peace at the peak of the civil rights movement. 

Niece Anna Battle says she is humbled by his legacy. “Uncle Mel had a pure heart. He could reach out and work with different people, different eras of life and periods of time and find a way to weave through, in the midst of mess ... love, laughter, joking, encouragement, and growth,” Battle said.

Friend Landrum Taylor said, “In that spirit, and in his honor, those whose lives were touched by Mel Hannah are now taking a collective vow to continue his legacy. And if we could carry on with that ... wow, what a place, what a place we would have,”