Leonard Reid House, 100 Years Beyond Inspiration
It’s an exciting time of reflection and jubilation, as the historic Leonard Reid House marks 100 years of inspiration, faith, hope, and love. From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday Feb. 21, a festive cultural celebration will honor the rich legacy of the Reid family and the frame vernacular style house they build. The event will feature guest artists, musicians, civic leaders, descendants; and members of both Payne Chapel A.M.E Church and Sarasota Masonic Lodge 314, organizations founded by Reid. Stop by to enjoy the sounds of the Gulf Coast Community Choir, Mya Barber, Ozanda Gray, Truality, spoken word artist Melanie Lavendar, and the message of dynamic empowerment speaker, Rev. Charles Mckenzie. Support Black-owned businesses such as Angels Food with Soul, Little Genny’s Italian Ice, Filet of Soul, The Lady with Nuts, Stitching Bluez, and Dream Vacations.
The family of six lived in the single-story 1400 square foot Reid House. It was built in 1926 in the Black community of Overtown (renamed the Rosemary District), is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is a symbol courage, dignity, and determination.
Originally from South Carolina, Reid arrived in Sarasota in 1900 and became a trusted employee and confidant of John Hamilton Gillespie, Sarasota’s first mayor. He was valedictorian of his class at Savannah Normal School and played a significant role in laying out Sarasota’s first golf course. The Sarasota History Center houses golf clubs gifted by Gillespie to his friend.
The Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition has a long-term lease with the City of Sarasota. After relocation to Newtown in May 2022, the building was renovated and now serves as a community hub for arts, music and culture, celebrating Black life and history.
Visiting the landmark offers a unique peek into the lives and legacies of Sarasota’s Black pioneers.
“We are continuing the tradition of the family who distributed free books and tutored neighborhood children in reading, writing and math,” said SAACC CEO Vickie Oldham.
On Saturday, April 4, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., SAACC and Greatness Beyond Measure will host an inaugural Kids Book Festival.
