We are committed to sharing the stories of Sarasota’s vibrant Black community. In this series, a chorus of voices speaks out about racism, justice and our future.

In This Feature:

Finance Executive Ted Downing on Redlining, the Wealth Gap and Hope for the Future

Downing, a former NCAA track and field star, also recalls his time at the 1968 Olympic trials and the Black Power salutes.

01/05/2021 By Heather Dunhill

Boston Celtics Co-Owner and Business Leader James Cash on Breaking Barriers

A rare interview with the former basketball star and first Black tenured Harvard Business School faculty member.

12/22/2020 By Heather Dunhill

Mote Biologist Jasmin Graham on the Need for Diversity in Science

Graham is the co-founder of Minorities in Shark Sciences, which aims to open doors for underrepresented minority students.

11/24/2020 By Heather Dunhill

Finance Industry Vet Ed Swan Jr. on the Wealth Gap and the Healing Power of Art

"I want it to be recognized that how we treat and care for each other is more important than how much money we accumulate and attempt to protect."

11/10/2020 By Heather Dunhill

Activist Barbara Nell Langston on the History of Newtown and the Importance of Voting

“I live the village life, which is Newtown,” she says. “I live the stories of this community, and I love it here.”

10/27/2020 By Staff

Dr. LaVerne M. Green on Public Health and the Parallels Between the HIV and Covid-19 Pandemics

"You are part of the prevention and have the power to be the change.”

10/13/2020 By Heather Dunhill

Economist, Black History Scholar and Professor James Stewart on Reparations and Economic Equality

"Disparities must be addressed in order to put people of color on the same footing as white citizens," Stewart says.

09/29/2020 By Heather Dunhill

Pioneering Physician Randall C. Morgan Jr. on His Lifetime of Fighting for Health Care Equity

Plus, how the Covid-19 pandemic is adversely affecting the Black community.

09/15/2020 By Heather Dunhill

Harpist Ann Hobson Pilot on Overcoming Racism in Classical Music

Pilot was the first Black female principal player in a major symphony orchestra.

09/01/2020 By Heather Dunhill

Retired Crime Analyst Wanda F. Gilbert on Police Reform and Growing Up in Segregated South Florida

“There needs to be more addressing instead of arresting.”

08/17/2020 By Heather Dunhill

Investment Banker Ronald T. Gault on Civil Unrest and the Importance of Using Your Voice

Gault's long career includes government service and civil rights work; he also served as head of JP Morgan's office in Johannesburg, South Africa, after the fall of apartheid.

08/04/2020 By Heather Dunhill

U.S. Ambassador James A. Joseph on His Lifelong Fight for Equality

Joseph, the former ambassador to South Africa, was an adviser to four American presidents and worked closely with the late Nelson Mandela.

09/03/2020 By Heather Dunhill

Kate Harris on Her Front-Row Seat During Brown v. Board of Education

Harris’ parents shaped history and welcomed major Black figures of the civil rights movement into their home.

07/07/2020 By Heather Dunhill

Civil Rights Leader Dr. Willie Clemons on Activism and Forgiveness

We are committed to sharing the stories of Sarasota’s vibrant Black community.

06/23/2020 By Heather Dunhill

Sarasota's Black Community Reacts to the Death of George Floyd

A chorus of voices speaks out about racism, justice and our future.

06/02/2020 By Susan Burns, Megan McDonald, Heather Dunhill, Kay Kipling, Jessika Ward, and Cooper Levey-Baker