Author: Newtown Alive

Sarasota artist celebrates history of Newtown with new quilt

Vickie Oldham initially learned about Peg Green’s new art quilt but only truly felt its emotional impact when she visited Green’s home to see it in person. The quilt, titled “Leadership: Vickie Oldham, Newtown Alive,” symbolized progress in Oldham’s work in preserving the history of Newtown, a predominantly Black community in Sarasota. Oldham, the president and CEO of the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition and the leader of the Newtown Alive project, was deeply moved by the quilt’s depiction of various locations in Newtown and its central portrayal of herself.

Peg Green, an artist specializing in art quilts, found inspiration for the Newtown quilt after taking a trolley tour of Newtown with Newtown Alive. She was drawn to the neighborhood’s sense of community and its rich history within the Sarasota area. Green’s exhibition featuring the Newtown quilt, “Witness!” at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota, reflects her commitment to social justice and making untold stories public.

Green’s meticulous process involved extensive research, photography, and the use of thousands of different fabrics to bring the quilt to life. The quilt includes significant aspects of Newtown’s history, such as the desegregation of Sarasota’s beaches and important community landmarks. The creation of the quilt took approximately one-and-a-half months, and its future placement is still being determined.

Oldham expressed gratitude for Green’s contribution to telling the community’s story through her art, emphasizing the powerful impact of the quilt in sharing the history of Newtown. The quilt serves as a testament to the vision of engaging individuals like Green to use their talents to preserve and celebrate the community’s heritage.

Sarasota’s Black History of Newtown

In this episode, we are honored to be joined by two distinguished guests, Vickie Oldham and Brenda Watty, who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in the realm of African American history in Sarasota. Vickie Oldham, the esteemed president and CEO of the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition, has played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the African American community in Sarasota. Her remarkable contribution includes the founding of the Newtown Alive trolley tours, a captivating initiative that offers a compelling exploration of the historical and cultural significance of Sarasota’s African American neighborhood, Newtown.

Accompanying Vickie Oldham is Brenda Watty, a revered member of the Marvelettes Motown group, whose passion for music and history has led her to become an integral part of the Newtown Alive trolley tours. Brenda Watty, a Sarasota resident, not only shares her musical talents but also contributes her insights into the vibrant cultural tapestry of Sarasota’s African American community.

Together, our guests delve into the compelling narrative of African American history in Sarasota, shedding light on the rich tapestry of experiences, struggles, and triumphs that have shaped the community. Their invaluable perspectives offer a profound understanding of the significant contributions made by the African American population to the cultural and historical landscape of Sarasota.

As we embark on this enlightening conversation, we extend our gratitude to Windstorm Products for their support in presenting this episode of “Welcome to Florida.” With their expertise in providing essential hardware and knowledge to safeguard homes from the destructive impact of hurricane wind damage, Windstorm Products exemplifies a commitment to the safety and resilience of Florida’s residents. We encourage our listeners to visit www.windstormproducts.com to discover the comprehensive resources available to fortify their homes and protect their loved ones from the potential devastation of hurricane winds.

In this episode, we invite you to join us in exploring the captivating narrative of African American history in Sarasota, guided by the profound insights and experiences of our esteemed guests, Vickie Oldham and Brenda Watty.

Newtown Women Leaders in Community Engagement in Preservation and Heritage Tourism

Newtown Women Leaders: Community Engagement in Preservation and Heritage Tourism

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County recently published an insightful blog post titled “Women Leaders in Community Engagement in Preservation and Heritage Tourism.” The article highlights the significant contributions of women leaders in preserving and promoting heritage tourism within the Sarasota community.

The blog post delves into the pivotal role of women in driving community engagement and fostering a deep appreciation for local heritage. It emphasizes the diverse initiatives spearheaded by these women, ranging from historic preservation efforts to the development of heritage tourism experiences that showcase the rich cultural tapestry of Sarasota.

Readers will gain valuable insights into the innovative strategies employed by these women leaders to cultivate a sense of pride and connection to Sarasota’s heritage. The article also underscores the collaborative nature of these endeavors, emphasizing the importance of partnerships and community involvement in preserving and promoting the region’s cultural legacy.

With a focus on empowerment and inclusivity, the blog post celebrates the achievements of women leaders in heritage tourism and preservation, shedding light on their unwavering dedication to preserving Sarasota’s unique history and cultural heritage.

To read the full blog post and learn more about the impactful contributions of women leaders in community engagement in preservation and heritage tourism, visit https://www.cfsarasota.org/blog-post/Women-Leaders-Community-Engagement-in-Preservation-and-Heritage-Tourism

Ringling Museum celebrates Newtown Community Artist

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is hosting a new exhibition, “Glimpse of the Artist: A Community Celebration,” highlighting the cultural diversity and artistic output of Sarasota’s predominantly African American Newtown community.

The exhibition, on view at The Ringling’s Community Gallery, is presented by the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition and is co-curated by La’Tiara Love and Lauren David. The artworks include QR-code interactive experiences that will immerse visitors in the lives of Sarasota artists.

“We are thrilled to partner with the SAACC, not only on this exhibition but on their larger vision to create an arts and cultural center in the Newtown community as well,” Ringling’s executive director Steven High said. “Our Community Gallery is always free and open to the public and we hope that many members of our community will take the opportunity to visit this fantastic exhibition.”

The impetus for Glimpse of the Artist was to connect artists and art enthusiasts during a period of uncertainty during the pandemic. “Glimpse of the Artist is very special to me,” Love said. “I’m grateful for all the artist and community members that are a part of this project. They inspire me to do this work.”

"Buck" by Clifford McDonald is part of a new exhibition at The Ringling’s Community Gallery highlighting the artistic output of Sarasota’s Newtown community.

The exhibition showcases works by multiple artists, including Sean Presley, Gregory Rumph, and Clifford McDonald.

“I’m grateful to be a part of this exhibit. I remember going on field trips to The Ringling and never imagined having my work displayed there,” McDonald said. “It’s amazing that The Ringling and SAACC came together to create an opportunity for local artists.”

Fox13:Home carrying legacy of Sarasota’s first Black community to be relocated, transformed for cultural center

SARASOTA, Fla. – A home in Sarasota‘s Rosemary District will soon carry the legacy of the city’s first Black community. Plans are in the works to transform it into an African American cultural arts center and history museum, but first the home has to be relocated.

“This house was the homestead of Mr. Leonard Reid who was a pioneer in the Sarasota Black community, and Sarasota in general,” explained Walter Gilbert, the senior director of diversity and inclusion at Selby Gardens.

Leonard Reid helped establish and settle the area, once called Overtown. His daughters would grow up, working to educate the children of the community.

As downtown Sarasota grew, developments pushed into Overtown, which pushed residents move north to Newtown.

“They need to know the history behind it. We have had to fight for everything that we have gotten,” said Odessa C. Butler, a Newtown resident.

The city will lease it to the African American Cultural Coalition for the Sarasota African American Art Center and History Museum.

“It’s important because of the activities we are going to have here. Many activities for the entire Sarasota community that celebrate African American history,” said Vickie Oldham, the CEO and president of Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition.

The coalition will continue to tell the history of those who formed Overtown and Newtown within the home’s walls.
They have plans to expand into a larger facility.

SUNDAY ‘NOIRE: Black Historian Shares The Hidden History Of Newtown, A Historically Black Neighborhood In Florida

Deep within Sarasota, Florida lies the historic neighborhood of Newtown, a community where thousands of African American residents flocked in the early 1900s. The Black community built their own safe haven in the quaint seaside town after Jim Crow Laws enforced racial segregation throughout the South. Formed in 1914, the neighborhood was once home to a number of bustling Black entrepreneurs who unified to develop Newtown’s thriving business district, allowing the community to become self-sustaining. When segregation and racism posed a threat to the Black community’s education and their ability to receive crucial social services, Newtownites banded together to build their own schools, churches, grocery stores and social systems, boldly reclaiming their freedom. Resilience and faith were undoubtedly at the core of Newtown’s indomitable spirit.

While the legacy of Sarasota’s forgotten Black mecca has largely been hidden from history and textbooks, one cultural historian is on a mission to document Newtown’s rich past and uncover the neighborhood heroes who stood on the front lines of freedom to ensure a better future for the next generation.

The story of Newtown started with a segregated community called Overtown, Sarasota’s first Black hub filled with flourishing entrepreneurs, said the CEO and President of Sarasota’s African American Cultural Coalition, Vickie Oldham, who has been stitching together Newtown’s history piece by piece.

“It was located near the downtown area. Our people were the early pioneers who worked in the homes of the wealthy as domestics, as cooks, as gardeners, so there was already a self-sustaining community in Overtown,” she told MADAMENOIRE over zoom.

Located on Central Avenue and today’s Sixth Street, Overtown swelled with Black-owned markets, a busy movie theater, and merchandise stores that provided the community with everything they needed to survive. However, sadly, because of Jim Crow Laws, the residents of Overtown were pushed to the north side of Sarasota, but they used their skills as cooks, developers, and harvesters to build up the community of Newtown, and they worked tirelessly to keep the neighborhood thriving.

USAToday: Sun, sand and civil rights: Uncovering Black history at the beach and beyond

Sarasota, Florida’s white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters draw visitors from far and wide, but they weren’t always so welcoming.

“Few of our guests, our international and domestic tourists who come here, understand why these beaches are open to Black and brown people from everywhere in the world,” said Vickie Oldham, who chronicled 100 years of local Black history for her hometown.

Read More Here

Herald Tribune: “A coalition is teaching Sarasotans about African American history, as it waits to open a museum”

Vickie Oldham wants Sarasotans to understand the courage and dignity of the African American residents who built Sarasota’s infrastructure.

Black laborers built the railroad that ran through downtown Sarasota, Oldham noted. They helped clear snake-infested land on the barrier islands to ready it for development. And some worked for John Ringling’s circus.

Such stories will be featured in the upcoming Sarasota African American Art Center and History Museum.

“I feel that in sharing these stories, certainly through a museum, it boosts my pride level in my community,” said Oldham, who is leading the effort to build the museum. “It gives me a sense of pride and place. It lets me know what our ancestors and the pioneers did.”

Sarasota County Schools Unveils Statue of Groundbreaking Educator

Newtown Alive and Sarasota County Schools this weekend unveiled a bronze plaque cast in the likeness of Mrs. Dorothye Smith that will adorn the front of Southside Elementary School for generations to come. After completing her education at Bethune-Cookman University, Smith began her career in Sarasota teaching African-American fourth graders at Emma E. Booker Elementary School’s original campus in Overtown, the first enclave of the Newtown community. She taught there for 15 years before relocating to Venice Elementary School in the late 1960s during the integration of schools. Smith also spent time teaching at Phillippi Shores Elementary School before becoming the first Black principal hired within the integrated school system in Sarasota County when she assumed leadership of Southside Elementary School. She later served as a reading specialist for the district as well as an administrator at Venice Elementary School before retiring.

https://www.mysuncoast.com/2021/02/06/happening-saturday-sarasota-county-schools-honoring-counties-first-post-segregation-african-american-principal/

My hobby became a Black history calling

My Black History after-hours hobby, moonlighting gig and weekend obsession is taking over. What was an occasional Saturday and Sunday fascination has morphed into a 24/7/365 fixation. It’s a good addiction though. To engage in meaningful work that endures for generations is not a bad thing.

When did the script flip and the channel switch in a 20+ year journalism career spent asking what, why, who and where questions? At some point, the train I rode — confident about its destination to an on-air news job in a larger city — jumped tracks. How it happened is something I’m thinking about.

Pictured: Mr. Jenkins’ gas station and auto repair shop in Newtown.

Pictured: Booker Elementary School third grade teacher Mamie Faulk.

The Newtown community of my youth was filled with African American teachers, preachers, nurses, day laborers, dentists and many Black small business owners. I was enamored with educators such as Quessie Hall, Mamie Faulk and Jean Crayton. I interviewed Mrs. Hall about her life on weekends. She told amusing stories about her mentor, Mrs. Emma E. Booker. History was my favorite subject at Brookside Middle School. Social studies teacher Jerry Brookbank was a good guy who recognized my keen interest and gave me gift books about U.S. presidents. From middle school to high school, I watched national political conventions way past my bedtime.

My mother and aunt attended historically Black colleges during Jim Crow segregation, Talladega College in Alabama and Kentucky State University in Frankfort. In photos, the sisters are well-dressed and surrounded by friends against a backdrop of historic campus buildings. Some of their books were left at our house. I picked up one entitled, “Black Voices: An Anthology of Afro-American Literature.” Inside were essays, poetry and autobiographies about Black life. I devoured the works of Langston Hughes, James Baldwin, W. E. B. DuBois, Richard Wright and their contemporaries.

Pictured: Booker Elementary School third grade teacher Mamie Faulk.

Pictured: At top, Oldham’s mother on the campus of Kentucky State University. At bottom, Oldham’s mother’s classmates on the Kentucky State University campus. It’s winter!

Pictured: Oldham’s production crew documents the almost forgotten “Looking for Angola” story in East Bradenton.

I earned a University of Florida bachelor’s degree and an M.F.A. at Florida State University. A small circle of Black friends in Gainesville clung together to study, eat, socialize, travel, pray and survive. I received an excellent education at UF and FSU, but the experiences were different from the HBCUs where I worked as a college administrator from 2005 to 2014. Albany State University and Fort Valley State University were led by African-American presidents, one a distinguished historian. Black students learned leadership. Each freshman class attended orientation to register and learn about the founders’ history and campus culture. It was drilled, not a casual elective. Homecoming Week was epic, attracting thousands of Black alumni and families for the annual pilgrimage to enjoy campus parties, pageantry, food and football, with history tastefully sprinkled in.

Pictured from top: Oldham with Dr. Larry E. Rivers, Fort Valley State’s eighth president and a preeminent history scholar. At middle, Rivers is featured on a TV spot. At right, freshman orientation at Fort Valley State University.

The date, time and place of my career transformation from journalism to marketing to historic preservation aren’t apparent. No single or several incidents pointed me in the preservation direction. What seems to have happened is an embrace of the past and present — the culture, creativity and heritage that were inherently a part of my life. The people met during this journey of discovery pushed me along, and I eagerly, willingly, without reservation or hesitation participated in the exploration of a resilient, courageous, determined group of people who never took “no” as the final say and always looked for ways to survive.

Today, I write, post, pitch, present, launch and promote Newtown history relentlessly because it’s powerful and fills a gap. An encounter with the stories of Black folk touch, change and uplift. Newtown Alive and SAACC are a melding of the jobs I’ve held and an amalgamation of many experiences.

I saw the confidence and the comportment of HBCU graduates who became career climbers. An understanding about history made a huge difference in their lives.

History did the same for me! There’s a swag that comes with it, a certain assurance. I’m convinced that if community children are provided encounters with history and historymakers, they’d experience this “Aha!” transformation too. In this era of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, history cannot be overlooked. Grasping it promotes pride in place, confidence and the words stamped in Newtown Alive’s logo: Courage. Dignity. Determination.

A Newly Excavated Settlement Highlights Florida’s History as a Haven for Escaped Slaves

“Called one of the most significant historical sites in Florida and perhaps the U.S. by Florida historian Canter Brown Jr., Angola is a story of struggle, tragedy and, ultimately, survival in the quest for freedom.”

Seidman: An idea long overdue

“St. Petersburg has one. So does Fort Myers, Punta Gorda, Manatee County and (soon) Longboat Key. Tampa has two. And though it took decades to realize, one finally opened in the nation’s capital two years ago. But Sarasota, whose racial history is as rich and influential as what you’ll find in any of those places, does not have a center devoted to preserving the heritage of its longstanding and vibrant African American community. “

Students volunteer for Newtown trolley tours

Read the latest about Newtown from the Herald Tribute

http://www.heraldtribune.com/news/20170407/students-volunteer-for-newtown-trolley-tours

First African-American to serve as a City of Sarasota Commissioner

In 1985, Fredd Atkins was elected the first African-American to serve as a City of Sarasota Commissioner. He served as mayor from 2006 to 2007.

Riverview’s First African American Commencement Speaker

In the 1970s Walter Reid, Jr presented a farewell to his high school by becoming the first African American to give the graduating speech to the then recently integrated Riverview High School. Reid’s presentation was so dynamic the he received a standing ovation from the crowd in attendance, and the media coverage the next day filled with accolades.

In his years at the integrated Riverview High School, he was the only African American that was a member of the National Honor Society, and graduated with High Honors.

African American