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about the saacc

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.

Donate — you'll be matched!

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.

latest articles

Changing curriculum urges scholar to spark conversation

WUSF 89.7’s Kerry Sheridan interviews Sarasota resident and author James Stewart about Florida’s changing Advanced Placement Black History curriculum. On August 22, 2023 at 5:47 Pm WUSF Public Media published
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Rosalyn Howard Remembered

A committed scholar and amazing Friend. Dr. Rosalyn Howard is remembered by Vickie Oldham. SAAC President and CEO Vickie Oldham memorialized Dr. Rosalyn Howard recently in the Herald Tribune .
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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
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Vision of SAACC

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.

Staff and Board

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.

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.

vision and mission

Shared Vision

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.

Mission

Preserve, celebrate and share the cultural, artistic, and historical heritage of African Americans in Sarasota and beyond.

Guiding Principles

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

Goals:

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.

The Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and all contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law.

 

THE SARASOTA AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL COALITION, INC. MEETS ALL REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIED BY THE FLORIDA SOLICITATION OF CONTRIBUTIONS ACT. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) 850-410-3800 WHEN CALLING FROM OUTSIDE OF FLORIDA OR AT THE DIVISION’S WEBSITE WWW.FLORIDACONSUMERHELP.COMREGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. REGISTRATION NO. CH59886.