The Documentary

2032 South Park Avenue is an hour-long documentary born from a granddaughter’s desire to preserve her family’s story—and with it, a vital piece of Tucson’s Black history. Shot entirely on an iPhone, the film offers an intimate, personal lens on legacy and community.

Narrated by the granddaughter of founders Walter Hopkins and Lula Hunter, the film follows Hopkins Fashions & Sounds, a shop that grew from a barbershop into a haberdashery, record store, malt shop, and cultural hub for Tucson’s South Park neighborhood between the 1960s and 1980s. Blending archival materials with conversations from family and longtime patrons, the film reflects on memory, resilience, and the importance of joy.

Today, Walter—now in his 80s—still cuts hair at the same address, a living testament to the lasting vision he and Lula built together.

The Legacy of South Park

From the 1940s through the 1980s, Tucson’s South Park Avenue thrived as a hub of Black-owned businesses—churches, cafés, grocery stores, beauty shops, credit unions, and social clubs that made the neighborhood a center of commerce, culture, and connection.

Among these was Hopkins Fashions & Sounds, a barbershop that grew into a record store, malt shop, and gathering place. Like so many businesses along South Park, it reflected the pride, resilience, and self-sufficiency that defined the community.

Though many of the storefronts are gone, their legacy endures. With gratitude to the Black-owned businesses of South Park—past, present, and future—the avenue remains a testament to entrepreneurship and lasting community strength.

About the Filmmakers

2032 South Park Avenue marks the directorial debut of Shanda Pierce, granddaughter of Walter Hopkins and Lula Hunter. As both filmmaker and producer, Shanda felt a responsibility to capture her family’s story and preserve a legacy that many in the new generations might not know. Her perspective is rooted in love, memory, and the desire to honor the community that shaped South Park Avenue.

The film is executive produced by Gwen Pierce, daughter of Walter and Lula. Together, Shanda and Gwen bridge two generations—working side by side to bring this story to the screen and ensure that the history of Hopkins Fashions & Sounds, and the wider South Park community, is not forgotten.

Contact Us

Have a question or comment? Send it below! We'd love to hear from you!