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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 to complete the repairs and renovations to the Leonard Reid House is growing. This effort is possible because of the commitment of multiple Sarasota philanthropists. Because of their kind donations and their belief that Black history is American history –– not only in February, but yearlong. We send them and all of our supporters our heart felt gratitude. The lights are on now and contractors have been landscaping and mulching the exterior of the building. Soon other renovations such as a new restroom will be coming soon as well. We also thank our partners, particularly the Amaryllis Park Neighborhood Association and their president Mary Butler. Together, we’ll work magic in Newtown. The Reid Family’s impact and influence remains. SAACC is

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. Self became involved with the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition, the nonprofit organization behind the center, in 2019. Since then, he’s assisted with designing the museum that aims to highlight and amplify both the achievements and history of Sarasota’s Black pioneers. Set to open in early 2023, the museum also serves as a gathering place for community members to share stories, learn the history of Sarasota’s Civil Rights activists and leaders and connect past with present through arts and culture. Click here to read the full article Submitted by Samantha Choler and published by Sarasota Herald Tribune

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 Hall of Fame. The key, commemorating O’Neil’s powerful history in the community, will be donated to the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition to be displayed at the future Sarasota African American Arts and Cultural Center located in Newtown. “Buck O’Neil has made countless contributions to the City of Sarasota and has had a profound impact on the African American community,” Sarasota Vice Mayor Kyle Battie said. “He serves as a shining example of strength, and has broken down barriers for children and adults alike. It’s a humbling privilege to celebrate his well-deserved induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame and bestow him the Key to the City.” Click here to read the full article Submitted by Julia Groom and published by

After it arrives from the Rosemary District to its new site in Newtown, the home of the “right-hand man” to Sarasota’s first mayor will become home to a new Sarasota African American cultural center. A piece of Sarasota history will be loaded onto a flatbed and moved more than 2 miles in the early morning hours on Friday when the historic Leonard Reid House will be relocated to city-owned property in North Sarasota. There it will become home to a new Sarasota African American cultural center. The house will be moved from its location at 1435 Seventh St. in the Rosemary District to 2529 N. Orange Ave. in Newtown. Click here to read the full article by Andrew Warfield and published by YourObserver.com.