Category: Podcast

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.

Fredd Atkins on Changing Education in Sarasota

Fredd Atkins’ story is a testament to the power that teenagers have to shake up institutional systems. He was reared in an Augustine Quarters “shotgun shack” located behind Horn’s Grocery Store on 6thStreet in Overtown. For fun, Atkins played football and baseball on sandlots and dirt courts.

A Booker High School teacher Rubin Mays, reassigned to SHS during integration was Atkins’ lifesaver. Sarasota High students from Newtown successfully changed the lunch menu, added African American cheerleaders to the squad and pushed school administrators to recognize African American history for a week.

As a member of the NAACP’s youth council, Atkins registered voters in high school, and attended school board meetings. Activism continued in college. He conducted research for the Miami attorney who filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Sarasota. Atkins’ trajectory was established early. He is one of Sarasota’s longest serving city commissioners, having spent 18 years in public service. He was Sarasota’s mayor three times.

Vickie Oldham is leading a groundbreaking historic preservation project called “Newtown Alive.” In 2015, her team of scholars and volunteers began tracing the 100-year history of the African American community of Newtown. The project expanded into a cultural heritage tourism initiative. Oldham is a journalist, marketer and chief motivation officer.

Funding for this program was provided through a grant from the Florida Humanities Council with funds from the national endowment for the humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the Florida Humanities Council or the national endowment for the humanities.