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.
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.”
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.