Michelle Brooks-Totress’s (1961-2022) long-time humanitarianism and advocacy for civil rights, social justice and volunteerism in Tempe is admired and known throughout the City of Tempe’s administration. In addition to working 30 years as a librarian in Scottsdale, Michelle devoted much of her life to volunteering for numerous organizations to help establish events celebrating Black history and life. She was among those in 2008 who founded the African American Advisory Committee of the Tempe History Museum and served on its board for well over a decade, including as its chair. Michelle helped to establish the Black History Month Faith in Action Prayer Breakfast – an inter-faith event with representatives from the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths – and the annual Juneteenth Celebration at Tempe History Museum.
Michelle also served as co-chair of the Sustainability Pillar for the Arizona Commission of African-American Affairs, and was a board member of the Arizona Career Development Center.
On March 2, 2023, in recognition of her contributions to the Tempe Community, Tempe City Council voted to approve a new name for a recently renovated park originally located in the Hallcraft Home Subdivision: Michelle Brooks-Totress Park.