//Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition
Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition, Our Town Sarasota News Events
Our Town SarasotaApril 17, 2025

Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition
A Message from our CEO
Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition, Our Town Sarasota News Events
Pictured (from left to right): Freedom songs leader Brenda Watty, Sarasota School Superintendent Terry Conner, SAACC CEO Vickie Oldham and community scholar Walter Gilbert. 

Our work at SAACC is about more than preserving history—it’s about uplifting legacy. History calls us to act that the future is brighter for generations unborn. We’re here to tell the stories that textbooks and the media missed, the ones passed down through generations, full of faith, strength, and determination.

We recently learned that Lt. Col. George E. Hardy—the last living Tuskegee Airman fighter pilot from WWII—resides right here in our community. That’s the kind of history that surrounds us, waiting to be honored.

This weekend, we’re thrilled to welcome Nettie Washington Douglass to Sarasota. She is the great-great-granddaughter of both Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington, and the great-granddaughter of David T. Howard. Nettie continues her family’s legacy of education and empowerment by updating the seminal work, The Narrative Life of Frederick Douglass. It’s a first-hand account of slavery that exposes its brutality, its impact on the abolitionist movement, and its relevance as a literary work.

Our past is powerful—and our commitment is clear, to lift the voices of marginalized citizens.

-Vickie Oldham 
CEO, Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition (SAACC)
The Future of Black Medicine

When African American physicians, nurse practitioners, and midwives gather under one roof to discuss access to care, the impact is powerful. That’s exactly what happened recently at the historic Leonard Reid House, where members of the Gulf Coast Medical Society came together for an inspiring mixer.

The evening focused on building connections, sharing resources, and exploring ways to improve health outcomes through collaboration and mentorship. It was a meaningful step toward strengthening the local network of Black medical professionals and advancing equity in healthcare across our community.

Coming up, a listing of Black physicians who practice in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Dr. Yusif Addae is Gulf Coast’s president. For more information, contact Gulfcoastmedicalsociety@gmail.com. Website: Gulfcoastmedicalsociety.org.
New Exhibit Opens

The Photographic Art of Michael Kinsey

We are proud to present a new exhibit by popular artist, director, and storyteller Michael Kinsey, now on view at the historic Leonard Reid House. A founding member of the original WBTT troupe, Kinsey expresses his creative talents through black and white portraits in “Views from the New Horizon.”  With a Sony a7iii, images of African American influencers are captured in the powerful photographic collection. The individuals portrayed experienced careers highs and endured lows to make a significant impact across the nation and world. See Kinsey’s latest work that highlights community members who embody resilience, leadership, and service—offering a visual narrative of Black excellence in Sarasota.

Congrats are in order. Kinsey’s short film, Gloria 19  was selected for screening at this year’s Sarasota Film Festival.

Location: Historic Leonard Reid House
Open Now – Summer 2025
Visiting Hours: Tuesday–Saturday | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Come explore the faces and stories behind Sarasota’s cultural heartbeat.
Sarasota News Events

Can We Talk Session
Strikes a Chord
The stock market’s tumble, the impact of tariffs on family budgets, a measles outbreak, and threats to end Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid are a few issues that have us stressed out. “Can We Talk?” a community sharing and healing session couldn’t have come at a better time.  Dr. Janet Taylor outlined tips to navigate trauma in challenging times. Taylor was joined by the author of “No One Left Alone” Rev. Dr. Liz Walker. Walker, a former Boston television anchor, left a 6-figure salary to earn a degree at Harvard Divinity School. Next, she pastored a church. A few sessions to help members heal from secret pain morphed into a nationwide movement. The session sparked meaningful conversation and connection. The program is in 5 states, 22 churches/organizations, and 15 sites.

Learn more about Can We Talk community healing project and purchase Liz Walker’s latest book here.
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