THE RE-DEDICATION of OVERTOWN’S HISTORIC MARKER on May 19th
Many longtime Newtown residents understand the significance of a sign located in what was Sarasota’s first African American community. The green historic marker titled, “First Black Community” standing on an aluminum post at the corner of Boulevard of the Arts and Central Avenue is a memorial to the contractors, carpenters, and masons who built Sarasota’s infrastructure. It recognizes fraternal organizations and social clubs that served as safety nets to African American residents when there were no social services. The post also recognizes the contributions of Sarasota’s African American entrepreneurs, fishermen, farmers, blacksmiths, domestics, laundresses and railroad workers. The marker will be rededicated during “Overtown Heritage Day” at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 19th at Rosemary Square, 1440 Boulevard of the Arts close to downtown Sarasota. All former Overtown residents, entrepreneurs and their families are invited to witness the ceremony. The combined choirs of Bethlehem Bible Church and Payne Chapel A.M.E. Church and Newtown pastors will join speakers such as Freddie Atkins, former three term Sarasota mayor, John McCarthy, Gulf Coast Heritage Association’s executive director, Shelli Eddie, Sarasota City Commissioner and keynote speakers Elihu and Carolyn Brayboy, owners of the Chief ’s Creole Café in St. Petersburg. Throughout the day, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. there will be performances by Sarasota Contemporary Dance, The Arnold Simonsen Players Studio and the Sarasota Ballet. The Overtown African American Heritage Trail mobile application and brochure will be unveiled; and a ribbon cutting will be held to signal the official opening of presenting sponsor, Rosemary Square. The event committee received partial funding from Sarasota County’s Neighborhood Initiative Grant program.
