Love Your Hair

Seven Sarasota and Manatee Salons that Specialize in Black Hair

A journalist shares her thoughts on the power of Black hair and where to get it styled.

10/14/2021 By Jessika Ward

Listening to Black Voices

Marketing Exec Frank E. Griffith Jr. on Living Through Race Riots and Diversity in the Pharmaceutical Industry

"Discern where you need to improve and be open to educating yourself about other cultures."

10/12/2021 By Heather Dunhill

From the Editor

Welcome to 'Listening to Diverse Voices'

Explore our powerful series that brings you the stories of our diverse community.

10/04/2021 Edited by Susan Burns

Listening to Black Voices

Retired U.S. Special Agent Henry Hunter on His Career at the State Department

Hunter also reflects on the impact of strong women on his life—including his sister, award-winning journalist Charlayne Hunter-Gault.

09/14/2021 By Heather Dunhill

Diverse Voices

Mason Gallo on Being Trans, Sexual Orientation and Equality

Gallo talks about his personal journey and the need for openness and inclusivity.

09/07/2021 By Susan Burns

Listening to Black Voices

Former New York Police Commissioner James H. Lawrence Jr. on 9/11, Vietnam and Peaceful Protests

On September 11, 2001, Lawrence was the highest-ranking officer at NYPD headquarters, just blocks from Ground Zero.

08/10/2021 By Heather Dunhill

The Big Time

Catch Sarasota Native Greg Weeks in the Amazon Action Film The Tomorrow War

The summer blockbuster is about a war that takes place 30 years in the future.

07/23/2021 By Jessika Ward

Listening to Black Voices

Dr. Nancy Boxill on Creating Change and How Racism Affects Black Families Through Generations

“I’m not so sure we’re spending much time on structural changes, and that’s where the hard work is, in my view."

06/08/2021 By Heather Dunhill

Diverse Voices

Tihda Vongkoth on Anti-Asian Hate, the Music World and the Risk of Speaking Out

'It is possible to be your authentic self, pursue the music that you really believe in and be anti-racist.'

05/25/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Listening to Black Voices

Étienne Porter on Music, Black Lives Matter and His Humanitarian Efforts in Mozambique

"Real inclusivity is not scrambling to find it, but rather cultivating friendships with people of color in a meaningful way."

05/11/2021 By Heather Dunhill

Listening to Black Voices

Conductor and Minister Jamal Sarikoki on Music and Keeping Faith in the Face of Racism

Sarikoki, who moved to Sarasota in 2018, is a minister at Venice Presbyterian Church and associate conductor for Key Chorale.

04/13/2021 By Heather Dunhill

Listening to Black Voices

Presidential Appointee J. Veronica Biggins on Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace

Biggins, former Director of Presidential Personnel for the Clinton administration, shares her thoughts on how to fight systemic racism.

03/16/2021 By Heather Dunhill

First Person

Six Local Women Share Their Tips for Aging Well

Hint: it’s all about inner beauty.

03/09/2021 By Heather Dunhill

Listening to Black Voices

Educator Teidra Everett on Code-Switching, Tokenism and Creating a Diverse Classroom

“Most students at the primary level are visual learners, so what better way to teach them—and some adults—than by making history come to life?”

03/02/2021 By Heather Dunhill

Listening to Black Voices

Former Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer on Public Service and Race Relations

Archer, a lawyer and author, was appointed legal guardian to civil rights icon Rosa Parks in 2004.

02/16/2021 By Heather Dunhill

Listening to Black Voices

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.”

02/02/2021 By Heather Dunhill

Fast Track

Dr. James Stewart Appointed to New College Board of Trustees

Stewart’s appointment for a two-year term from 2021 to 2023 by the Florida Board of Governors is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

02/01/2021 By Staff

Listening to Black Voices

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

Silver Linings

Five Sarasotans Share the Lessons They Learned in 2020

Despite all of its challenges, there were moments of hope to be found this year.

12/30/2020 By Heather Dunhill

Listening to Black Voices

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