Spotlight: Honoring Heritage

Manasota chapter of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History

By Carol Brzozowski | February 2022

The recognition of February as Black History Month is thanks in large part to the efforts of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a Harvard-educated son of American slaves who became a noted historian, educator, and author. He founded the organization now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). Today, the national ASALH organization and its local branches, including the Manasota chapter, carry on his work.

Formally chartered in 1996, Manasota ASALH is committed to promoting, researching, preserving, interpreting, and disseminating information about Black life, history, and culture throughout the Gulf Coast community.

“Our mission statement was recently revised as a part of a year-long strategic planning process,” notes Manasota ASALH president, David Wilkins, Esq. “It mirrors the mission statement of the national ASALH organization except for our focus on ‘the Gulf Coast Community.’ While national ASALH seeks to reach the ‘global community,’ we are determined to narrow our focus in hopes of speaking to our unique, regional audience.”

Everyone is welcome to join the organization in its work, Wilkins says. More than 300 subscribed members, including individuals and institutions, come primarily from Bradenton and Sarasota counties. “We have regular contact with members and non-members interested in sharing or gathering information relevant to our mission,” he says.

Manasota ASALH operates through its executive board and board-level committees that support its membership, education and programming, scholarship, fundraising and arts and culture initiatives. Meetings are held on the fourth Saturday of each month, excluding June through August, and are open to everyone.

“While many of our members are retirees—given our Gulf Coast location—we actively engage with local schools and teachers, and we encourage young people of all ages to embrace our mission,” notes Wilkins, who spent decades as a lawyer and human resource leader for organizations such as Dow Chemical Company and the American Red Cross.

Wilkins points out that in 1926, Dr. Woodson initiated the celebration of Negro History Week, which corresponded with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. “In 1976, this celebration was expanded to include the entire month of February, and today Black History Month garners support throughout the country as people of all ethnic and social backgrounds discuss the black experience,” says Wilkins. “ASALH views the promotion of Black History Month as one of the most important components of advancing Dr. Woodson’s legacy.”

The idea of a Manasota ASALH was conceived by Ernestine Harris, who organized a preliminary planning meeting at the Family Heritage House Museum, currently located at State College of Florida in Bradenton, in late 1995. The Manasota chapter of ASALH was formally chartered in 1996 and Ernestine Harris became its first elected president. She served through 2000. 

Subsequent presidents include James Strawder, Alphonse Carter, Robert Fitzgerald, Lois Watson, Corene Richardson, William Watkins, Mark Jackson, Dr. James Stewart, and now Wilkins. Manasota ASALH, Inc. operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit.

“In our 25 years of existence, Manasota ASALH has brought greater awareness of Black life, history and culture to the Gulf Coast region,” notes Wilkins. “There is much more work to do and we believe our increasingly engaged membership and our partners are committed to this work.”

To learn more about the Manasota chapter of ASALH and its local activities, visit asalh-manasotafl.org.

For Black History Month this February, national ASALH is running a virtual festival with a focus on health and wellness. Access it at asalh.org/festival.

A Few Local Notables

Lewis Colson :First African-American settler—1884

Leonard Reid : Founded Payne Chapel AME church and helped create Sarasota’s first golf course

John “Buck” O’Neil: Negro League and National League baseball player

Emma E. Booker: Principal and educator

Robert L. Taylor: Recreation center manager for whom the Taylor Center is named

Willie Shaw: First African American Mayor of Sarasota

Rosalyn Howard Ph.D. & Vickie Oldham M.F.A.: Authors of Newtown Alive: Courage, Dignity, Determination

Dr. Harriet Moore: Educator and current Innovation & Equity Director for Sarasota Public Schools