Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition

Shared Vision

Newtown is a thriving, culturally and economically vibrant community that cherishes the African American experience and where people come to live, learn, work, invest and play.

Mission

Preserve, celebrate and share the cultural, artistic, and historical heritage of African Americans in Sarasota and beyond.

Guiding Principles

In making decisions, we will strive for actions that will:

• be consistent with our Vision, Mission and Values
• leverage our considerable community resources and partnership opportunities
• contribute to improving the economic vitality and livability of Newtown
• contribute to the preservation and sharing of African American history and culture in Newtown and beyond
• create opportunities for enlightenment and learning
• create entrepreneurial opportunities
• empower the community to actively participate
• sustain and perpetuate current achievements and future successes

Goals

GOAL 1: Establish a historical and cultural center in or near Newtown that will contribute to revitalizing the community.

Objective 1: Establish a temporary site initially.

Objective 2: Establish a permanent site.

GOAL 2: Establish a range of programs that celebrate the longstanding African American presence in Newtown, Overtown and Sarasota, that facilitates learning, and encourages a shared experience.

Objective 1: Develop a programming and exhibits plan for the initial year.

Objective 2: Develop long-range programming and an exhibits plan.

GOAL 3: Increase community awareness about Newtown, Overtown and the efforts to preserve its history and culture.

GOAL 4: Establish lasting and sustainable collaborations and partnerships with arts, historical and cultural organizations that will support continued success of the coalition and its work for the Newtown community.

GOAL 5: Develop a long range, sustainable funding strategy that will include business revenues, fundraising events, grants, earned income and donations.