With New Land Deal, Sarasota African American Cultural Center Moves Closer to Becoming Reality
City of Sarasota commissioners approved an “option to purchase” deal this week, paving the way for the long-awaited museum and arts hub.
Former Sarasota mayor recalls family's history of military service
Willie Charles Shaw has worn many hats. He’s served in the U.S. Air Force, an employee of the U.S. Postal Service and a city commissioner and mayor of Sarasota, and he is a reverend at Mount Tabor Missionary Baptist Church.
BayFirst, SCORE Manasota team up to train entrepreneurs in Sarasota's Newtown
A new initiative aims to equip Black and marginalized entrepreneurs in Sarasota's Newtown community with essential tools for success.
Renée James Gilmore on Continuing Her Family’s Historic Local Legacy
Gilmore is the daughter of the late activist Dr. Ed James and the great-granddaughter of Mary Emma Jones, who led the 1955 wade-in efforts to desegregate Sarasota beaches.
Walter Gilbert on Growing up in Newtown, Community Activism and the State of DEI
“Everyone should have an opportunity to be as good as they can be. We all have to be willing to stand up and say some things out loud.”
Newtown Historic District listed in the National Register of Historic Place
The Newtown Historic District is officially listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the City of Sarasota was recently notified. With over 700 contributing resources, the Newtown Historic District is now the single largest historic district within Sarasota and the largest Black historic district in the state of Florida, based on the number of contributing resources.
Women Leaders: Community Engagement in Preservation and Heritage Tourism
“This project has turned my life upside down,” Vickie Oldham says with a huge smile and eyes sparkling.
Jetson Grimes on Sarasota’s Black History and the Importance of Community Activism
Jetson Grimes has been a Sarasotan all his life. He was born and raised in Newtown, where he’s spent his life as a changemaker and community visionary.