Historical Exhibition Honors Black History Month

Historic photos and newspaper articles that chronicle the African-American experience in Sarasota are on display at City Hall through Feb. 29 to honor Black History Month.

This is the fourth consecutive year that the historical exhibition has been staged at City Hall, 1565 First St. Each year, the display has new additions of historical items, which include articles about racial integration in Sarasota County.

The display also includes photos of local black achievers, from athletes and teachers to politicians and entertainers. They include Dorothye Smith, the first African-American Teacher of the Year and first African-American principal in Sarasota County.

One cherished photo from the past shows two of the earliest members of Sarasota’s African-American community: Irene and Louis Colson. In 1897, the Colsons donated land to the Bethlehem Baptist Church, where Louis had served as its founding minister. The church became a center for education and culture  in the community.

The display is being organized again this year by Sarasota residents Dorothye Smith and Mary Edmunds.

If you go

The display is open for public viewing Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. -5 p.m.

For more information contact City Auditor and Clerk Pamela Nadalini,  941-954-4169.