New SAAC Updates for Reid House and more!
Here are some SAAC updates about our current programs, events, and efforts to convert a historic house into an African American arts, culture, and history center in Sarasota. Our momentum
The Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition, Inc. is a tax-exempt organization in the development stage of opening a facility that brings diverse people together and invites residents and visitors to explore and celebrate African American art, culture, history and entrepreneurship.
It will be accessible to all and provide a safe space for discussions about race, identity, class, social justice, history and culture.
We have the green light to receive matching donations through the Louis & Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic Trust. The organization will provide matching donations of 100% between $5 and $500 from each household per month. For instance, if you give $100, SAACC will receive a total of $200. The donation is tax deductible.
Mail a check to the Louis & Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic Trust, 1266 First Street, Suite 1, Sarasota, FL 34239. Note in the memo: SAACC.
If you prefer donating online, follow the instructions at this link: https://flanzertrust.
org/make-a-donation/. Select “Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition” under “Choose your recipient.” Enter contact information. Select the charity from the drop down menu. Click “Submit Your Information to Proceed” then “click here” to finalize the donation through PayPal. Enter the amount — if it’s a monthly donation, check the box. Enter the donate with PayPal bar or donate with Debit or Credit Card. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
Sarasota African American Arts and Cultural Center designer receives unique donation
Sarasota Herald-Tribune Juan Self is the designer and architect for the Sarasota African American Cultural Center (SAACC), a center and museum planned for the heart of Sarasota’s historically Black neighborhood of Newtown.
Baseball Hall of Famer Buck O’Neil’s legacy honored with Key to the City of Sarasota
Sarasota Herald-Tribune The enduring legacy of John “Buck” O’Neil was honored with the Key to the City of Sarasota on July 24 to celebrate his induction into the National Baseball
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The creation of a physical center in or near Newtown is a central component of SAACC’s vision. This center will be the hub from which the organization will develop programs that promote and celebrate the creative and cultural assets of Sarasota’s African American community. We envision collaborative partnerships with local, regional, state and national arts, history and cultural institutions.
VICKIE OLDHAM M.F.A.
President and CEO
Vickie Oldham M.F.A. is president and CEO of the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition, Inc. SAACC’s goal is to open an art center and history museum. The precursor of this historic preservation initiative is “Newtown Alive.”
WASHINGTON HILL, M.D.
Chairman of the Board
Dr. Hill is Founder of the High Risk Pregnancy Program at SMH and Chair of the Sarasota African American Cultural Center, Inc. (SAACC) Board of Directors.
JETSON GRIMES
Board Member
Newtown native Jetson Grimes is an entrepreneur, activist and community organizer in business for over 40 years. Sarasota is his hometown.
REV. BROCK H. LEACH
Board member
Rev. Brock H. Leach, an ordained Unitarian Universalist minister who works for the Unitarian Universalist Association as Executive Consultant for Emerging Ministries helps to develop and lead denominational efforts to support religious innovators.
LAWRENCE A. MILLER, PH.D.
Board Member
Dr. Lawrence Miller is the former city manager for the City of Arcadia, the first African American to hold the position there. He was also the assistant city manager for the City of Sarasota.
THE HONORABLE
CHARLES E. WILLIAMS
Board Member
Charles E. Williams is a circuit judge for the 12th Judicial Circuit of Florida. The 12th Judicial Circuit covers Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties.
Newtown is a thriving, culturally and economically vibrant community that cherishes the African American experience and where people come to live, learn, work, invest and play.
Preserve, celebrate and share the cultural, artistic, and historical heritage of African Americans in Sarasota and beyond.
In making decisions, we will strive for actions that will:
- be consistent with our Vision, Mission and Values
- leverage our considerable community resources and partnership opportunities
- contribute to improving the economic vitality and livability of Newtown
- contribute to the preservation and sharing of African American history and culture in Newtown and beyond
- create opportunities for enlightenment and learning
- create entrepreneurial opportunities
- empower the community to actively participate
- sustain and perpetuate current achievements and future successes
GOAL 1: Establish a historical and cultural center in or near Newtown that will contribute to revitalizing the community.
Objective 1: Establish a temporary site initially.
Objective 2: Establish a permanent site.
GOAL 2: Establish a range of programs that celebrate the longstanding African American presence in Newtown, Overtown and Sarasota, that facilitates learning, and encourages a shared experience.
Objective 1: Develop a programming and exhibits plan for the initial year.
Objective 2: Develop long-range programming and an exhibits plan.
GOAL 3: Increase community awareness about Newtown, Overtown and the efforts to preserve its history and culture.
GOAL 4: Establish lasting and sustainable collaborations and partnerships with arts, historical and cultural organizations that will support continued success of the coalition and its work for the Newtown community.
GOAL 5: Develop a long range, sustainable funding strategy that will include business revenues, fundraising events, grants, earned income and donations.