FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 26, 2026

Reid House Kids Book Fair Celebrates Literacy, Legacy, and Community

Sarasota, FL — The Reid House Kids Book Fair will bring together families, authors, and community members for a
celebration of literacy, culture, and creativity from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 4 at the historic Leonard Reid
House, located at 2529 N. Orange Avenue. The event is in conjunction with Newtown’s annual Spring Fling Easter parade
along Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way.

The book fair highlights the importance of reading while uplifting Black stories and storytellers. Featured activities are
live entertainment, spoken word performances, storytelling, face painting, bounce houses, vendors, an Easter egg hunt,
and opportunities to meet local authors. Free books and holiday treats will be distributed to children.

The enduring legacy of Leonard Reid and his beloved wife Eddye is honored. Their home, originally located at Boulevard
of the Arts and Coconut Avenue served as a hub for literacy and community care. Known as a neighborhood “library,” it
was a place where free books were shared, inspiring generations through access to reading and education.

The entertainment lineup will feature performances by Mr. Stevey, Whit The Poet, Frankie Brown, Syesha, A’rayia
Davis, Amillia, Mya Barber, Sammy Waite, Amel Hunter, Jahkori, the Trinity Teen and Youth Choir, the Potter School
Drumline, the Lockhart Twins, and Alpha and Omega Incorporated Sorority.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet and engage with a diverse group of authors, including Whit the Poet, Dr.
Sharon Jefferson, Betty Jean Johnson, Helen R. James, Rosa Thomas, Xtavia Bailey, Vickie Oldham, Enid Marshall,
Jahkori Dopwell-Hall, Jeannie Wooten, and Andrea “Chocolate Butterfly” Williams.

Confirmed vendors include Kona Ice, Bat City Comic Professionals, Nhouse Taste of Soul, Jahko Designs, Angels Food
with Soul, Suncoast Remake Learning, Filet of Soul, The Lady with Nuts, Betty Jean Johnson North Sarasota Library,
Stitching Bluez, and Aloe Thought Media.

The Reid House Kids Book Fair is produced by Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition and Greatness Beyond
Measure. Major sponsors include Alpha Phi Alpha Foundation of Manasota, the Xi Psi Lambda Chapter, the Johnson
Singer Arts Education Foundation, Barbershop Men of Prayer and First Watch.

This family-friendly event is free and open to the public. Book donations are welcome. For more information please
call Melanie Thomas (941) 744-7314 or email aaccsrq@gmail.com.

About Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition
Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition (SAACC) is a tax exempt, 501c 3 organization dedicated to
preserving, celebrating, and sharing the cultural, artistic, and historical heritage of African Americans in
Sarasota and beyond. To learn more about SAACC’s mission, please visit https://thesaacc.org/.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 9, 2026

Local Organization Soars into Centennial Year Celebration of the Leonard Reid House
SARASOTA, Fla. — The historic Leonard Reid House celebrates 100 years in existence with an array of events
throughout the year. From a presentation about parrots, to a book fair celebrating access to literacy, the family
friendly events commemorate the core beliefs of the pioneering family who shaped Sarasota’s history.

In collaboration with Jungle Gardens’ avian keepers, Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition (SAACC)
presents, “Hello Pretty Bird.” It’s an hourlong program about the world of colorful parrots and the stories of
Overtown residents who remember the Reid family’s two large, talking birds. The event takes place at 2529 N.
Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL from 1 – 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 12.

Leonard Reid came to Sarasota in 1900. He was valedictorian of Savannah Normal School (now known as
Savannah State University). He valued education, and his home became a “library” where free books were
given to neighborhood children. A book fair on the grounds is coming Saturday, April 4. Please donate new and
gently used children’s books to the Reid House. Please call 941-667-0867.

“We continue the family’s legacy by providing free books to children who visit,” said president of the Sarasota
African American Cultural Coalition Vickie Oldham.

Upcoming Centennial Celebration Events:
● March 12, 1 p.m. – “Hello, Pretty Bird” explores the world of parrots. Two were pets of the Reid family.
● March 26, 6:30 p.m. – Sarasota historian John McCarthy joins architectural historian Dave Baber for a talk.
● April 4, 10 a.m. – A children’s book fair celebrating the Reid House’s “community library.”
● May 10, 11 a.m. – A Mother’s Day event will honor Ethel Reid and Viola Reid.

The family patriarch saved to purchase property. A session is coming up about managing money. A
horticulturist leads a workshop about African and Florida native plants surrounding the Reid House.
The home was meticulously relocated from Overtown to Newtown. Learn more about upcoming centennial
celebrations at www.thesaacc.org and social media platforms.

About Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition
Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition (SAACC) is a 501c 3 dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and
sharing the cultural, artistic, and historical heritage of African Americans in Sarasota and beyond. To learn more
about SAACC’s mission, please visit https://thesaacc.org/.

Published Stories:

SRQ: Local Organization Soars into Centennial Year Celebration of the Leonard Reid House

WSLR: Sarasota’s Leonard Reid House turns 100

FOX13 TAMPA BAY: Sarasota’s Leonard Reid House celebrates 100 years as community beacon for African American history

YAHOO: Sarasota’s Leonard Reid House celebrates 100 years as community beacon for African American history

BAY NEWS 9: 100 Years Later: The Legacy of Black History

OBSERVER: Historic Leonard Reid House hosts parrots in honor of family pets

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 Responsibilities
Fundraising 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 relationships with existing and potential donors.
– Develop and implement donor recognition and stewardship programs.
– Provide regular updates and reports to donors on the impact of their contributions.
Grant Management:
– Research and identify grant opportunities.
– Write and submit compelling grant proposals and reports.
– Manage grant compliance and reporting requirements.
Communications:
– Collaborate with the marketing team to develop fundraising materials and communications.
– Represent SAACC at community events, meetings, and conferences.
– Create and deliver presentations to potential donors and community partners.
Team Leadership:
– Help recruit, supervise and mentor future development staff, volunteers, and interns.
– Work closely with the CEO and Board of Directors on fundraising initiatives.
– Provide training and support for board members in their fundraising roles.

Qualifications
– Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Business, Communications, or a related field.
– Minimum of 3 years of experience in fundraising and development, preferably in
an educational or cultural institution.
– Proven success in securing major gifts and managing donor relationships.
– Strong grant writing and project management skills.
– Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
– Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
– Proficiency in fundraising software and CRM systems.

– Passion for African American history and culture.

Desired Attributes
– Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and execute long-term plans.
– Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
– Creative and innovative approach to fundraising.
– Ability to build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
– Commitment to the mission and values of SAACC.

Salary + Benefits
– Competitive salary: $100k annually, is negotiable, depending on experience
– Available Health, dental, and vision insurance
– Retirement plan
– Paid time off and holidays
– Professional development opportunities

Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and three references to Rebecca
StJean at rstjean@allenaustin.com with the subject line “Director of Development
Application – [Your Name].” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position
is filled. Desired start date is September 1, 2024. Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition
is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an
inclusive environment for all employees.

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the
Director of Development’s position and is not an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties,
responsibilities, or working conditions associated with it.

The Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition recently began planting a new butterfly and pollinator garden at the historic Leonard Reid House, with help from students at Precious Jewels Academy. The garden will support local pollinators and honor influential Black leaders through a legacy walkway.

Another planting day is set for July 31 with Girls Inc. and Star Lab students. Community members can get involved by donating supplies or volunteering. Donations will be accepted on June 21 and July 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Read Original Story Here

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 Mable Ringling Museum of Art. 

As a result of this interest, the SAAC is now in partnership with the museum. Therefore the SAAC plans to create a new space for making and exhibiting art, at a warehouse site the museum owns next to Truvine Church, which is located at 1947 31st St.  

According to Vickie, “A project which started with a seed of an idea, has made possible a new Sarasota cultural institution”

Read full article by Ian Swaby on Observer

Interested in learning more about SAAC’s mission? Click here.

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