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March 12, 2025 | SAACC

Closer to Becoming Reality in Sarasota, African American Cultural Center gets New Land Deal – Sarasota Magazine.

The Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition was approved for an “option to purchase” agreement this week. The long-anticipated History Museum and African American Art Center moves closer to becoming reality now after many years of planning and negotiations with The Sarasota City Commission. The SAACC now has a three years to purchase city-owned land at $201,000 with an initial $5,000 nonrefundable deposit as well as an added refundable payment of $25,000 upon the utilization of the option.This a 0.86-acre property located at 1556, 1560 and 1580 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, in Newtown is next door to the historic Leonard Reid house, The SAACC’s current home. This center will become a landmark for African American history and culture in Sarasota. Current plans include housing permanent exhibits on the African American experience. There will also be space for traveling exhibitions, and a performance venue. Local artists, poets and musicians will
August 7, 2024 | Vickie Oldham

Now Hiring! Sarasota African American Cultural Center Director of Development​

The Director of Development will be responsible for creating and implementing a comprehensive development strategy to support SAACC’s mission and growth. This role involves cultivating and stewarding relationships with donors, securing major gifts, planning fundraising events, developing and overseeing an annual fund program, and managing grant applications. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in fundraising, excellent communication skills, and a deep commitment to the mission of SAACC. SAACC’s goal is to build a development team capable of broadening its donor base to sustain operations. The quiet phase of a capital campaign will be launched in 2026. This key position will lead the fundraising team. Key ResponsibilitiesFundraising Strategy:– Develop and execute a strategic fundraising plan to meet annual revenue goals.– Identify, cultivate, and solicit major gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations.– Develop and implement an annual fund program.– Plan and manage fundraising campaigns and events.Donor Relations:– Build and maintain
August 6, 2024 | Vickie Oldham

Observer: Newtown is the largest Black historic district in Florida.

Thanks to the efforts of the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition preservation project, Sarasota has become the second city ever to win the Stewards of Heritage Award as it is recognized as the largest historic African American district in the State. This July Sarasota received the Stewards of Heritage award from the Florida Archaeological Council. Based on the number of contributing resources, The Newtown district is now the largest Black historic district in Florida and joins St. Augustine as the only other city in the state to receive this award in its 50 years of existence. Since 2015 Vickie Oldham, the president and CEO of the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition, has been documenting the history of Newtown. At the start little information was readily available about the city’s historical Black community, meanwhile it it has seen a massive outgrowth. For instance, it has captured the attention of Steven High, executive director of the John and
December 8, 2023 | SAACC

Herald Tribune: Historic Leonard Reid home renovation to open as Newtown cultural center in January

SARASOTA — After a year of construction and updates, renovations of the former home of Sarasota African American pioneer Leonard Reid are nearing completion and the former home will soon be opening to the public as a new cultural center for residents and visitors in the historic Newtown community.  Set to open in late January 2024, the new Sarasota African American Cultural Center is the culmination of years of work from Newtown historian and Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition (SAACC) president Vickie Oldham.   After successfully rescuing the 1,400-square-foot 1920s home from what could have been a demolition, Oldham was instrumental in not only relocating the home to its permanent museum site but also the decision-maker behind the unique team of builders who stepped up to the task of preserving the Black history of Sarasota for future generations and residents, Envision-CS. Read full article.
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