Woodson African American Museum of Florida
Preserve | Present | Interpret
The museum presents the historic voice of this St. Petersburg, Florida community from the perspective of local, regional, and national history, culture, and community. It is another demonstration of the commitment to revitalize the Midtown St. Petersburg area.
The museum joins Mercy Hospital at the Johnnie Ruth Clarke Health Center, the Royal Theater Boys and Girls Club, and the renovated Manhattan Casino as evidence of the renaissance of this area.
News
Journeys in Journalism students share their experience visiting The Woodson
April 17, 2025
J. Hop Times and Spartan News Network
Students from Lakewood High School’s and John Hopkins Middle School’s Journeys in Journalism programs covered their visit to The Woodson where they met sculptor Wesley Wofford and participated in a workshop surrounding his sculpture, Beacon of Hope.
Click the links below to view what they documented.
Current Exhibit
Beacons, Griots, and the Journey to Freedom
When
April 7 - June 28, 2025
Where
The Woodson African American Museum of Florida
Admission
FREE
What
In a time when truth must rise above silence, the groundbreaking exhibit “Beacons, Griots and the Journey to Freedom,” curated by Black Art in America and hosted at The Woodson African American Museum of Florida, convenes an extraordinary group of artists—Jamaal Barber, Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi, Phyllis Stephens, Curlee Holton, Stefanie Jackson, Gwendolyn Aqui-Brooks, Mel Edwards, Steve Prince, Daphne Arthur, Najee Dorsey, and David Wilson.
This exhibition deepens our discourse on resilience, memory, and liberation, with each artist offering a distinctive perspective that weaves narratives of struggle and transformation with the power of storytelling and creative imagination. Their works transcend mere artistic expression, emerging as cultural beacons that guide us to remember the vital chapters of American history too often overlooked or erased.
iBOMS: iMAGiNE NATiON
When
February 20, 2025 - August 10, 2025
Where
The Gallery at Creative Pinellas
Admission
FREE
What
Presented by the Woodson African American Museum of Florida and Creative Pinellas
Step into the boundless world of iMAGiNE NATiON, where artist iBOMS redefines imagination as an infinite, unexplored land—a motherland of all knowledge and the birthplace of spirituality, science, art, and philosophy.
Often seen as a realm of childhood, iBOMS views imagination as a vital, lifelong force. In this exhibition, he builds a “nation of imagination,” bringing ideas to life through objects and figures crafted with graphite, spray paint, resin casting, digital design, and even elements from nature.
iMAGiNE NATiON invites viewers to rediscover the power of imagination beyond childhood, exploring its potential as a tool for understanding life’s complexities and opportunities. For iBOMS, imagination is not just a creative outlet but a foundational force that shapes culture, structures, and the human psyche.
A multidisciplinary artist, iBOMS uses his craft to inspire, challenge, and transform perspectives. His work reflects his belief that imagination is not merely an escape but an essential means of shaping the world we live in.
Don’t miss this transformative journey into the vibrant and uncharted iMAGiNE NATiON!
Jabari Reed-Diop (iBOMS)
Based out of: St. Petersburg, Florida, Jabari Jahi Babatu Reed-Diop, otherwise known as iBOMS (illegal. Beauty. On.My.Streets) is a 25-year-old artist based in St. Petersburg, Florida. His artistic acumen comes from personal experience and formal education at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in Jacksonville and Gibbs high PCCA magnet program here in St.Petersburg. Despite constantly pushing his craft and experimenting with new mediums, iBOMS’ style is immediately recognizable. At first glance, his work may seem like simple illustrations or…… Read More
Harriet Tubman: The Beacon of Hope
When
January 2025 through March 2025
Where
The Legacy Garden at The Woodson
Admission
FREE
What
The monumental sculpture “Harriet Tubman: The Beacon of Hope” has arrived in Florida for the first time in its history and is being exhibited in the Legacy Garden at the Woodson African American Museum of Florida. This beautiful sculpture is rich in powerful symbolism and you’re invited to experience it in the Legacy Garden. Admission is Free.
“The Beacon of Hope” is a monument that tells Harriet Tubman’s continuing story; that amplifies her message of equality, so that all may hear it; and that chronicles her journey. It is our hope that generations of children and adults alike will find the inspiration and the courage to walk in her footsteps and draw strength from the powerful story of one of our great American heroes, finding it within themselves to become “The Beacon of Hope” for others.
Black History Matters Mural
When
Currently on Display
Where
Woodson African American Museum of Florida
Admission
Open to the Public
What
Previously a BLACK LIVES MATTER mural, this updated mural expresses the importance of protecting Black History in the United States.
The Artists that contributed to the creation of this mural include Daniel “R5” Barojas, Miss Crit (Laura Spencer), Esh (Eric Hornsby), Cyrus Fire, Raheem Fitzgerald, John Gascot, James E Hartzell, Vera Herrera, Plum Howlet, Jade Jackson, Reid Jenkins, Jujmo (Cheryl Weber), James Kitchens, Cam Parker, Reda3sb, Vitale Bros, Javon Walters, David Watson, Wayward Walls (Jason Harvin), and Catherine Weaver.
T-shirts & Mural Prints
PURCHASE A T-SHIRT OR MURAL PRINT HERE
T-shirts and Black Lives Matter Mural prints are available for purchase.
Items are available for pick-up Tuesday – Friday, 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Upcoming Events
Hair Wrapping Session by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
When
May 13, 2025
Where
The Woodson African American Museum of Florida
Admission
FREE
What
Join us for this informative session about head wrapping.
May Week is a national program by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where one week in May is set aside each year for programs, highlighting academic and professional achievements and the events which emphasize the importance of higher education in the community, especially for Black women.
Jazzy Juneteenth Jubilee
When
Sunday, June 15, 2025
Where
The Coliseum
Admission
SOLD OUT
What
Dust off your cowboy boots and slip into your most dazzling white attire—you’re invited to an unforgettable evening celebrating Juneteenth!
Join us for an All-White Party where friends and family will share in fun and fellowship over a beautifully curated cultural culinary experience by the table’s host.
Then get ready to hit the floor—all boots on the ground—as we dance the night away to Jazz, R&B, and timeless soulful sounds.
First Saturday Offering: Artist Talk by Gwendolyn Aqui-Brooks
When
June 7, 2025
Where
The Woodson African American Museum of Florida
Admission
FREE
What
Gwendolyn Aqui-Brooks, one of the 11 artists featured in our current exhibition, “Beacons, Griots, and the Journey to Freedom,” will speak about her artwork and the exhibition.
This event will take the place of our usual participation in the monthly
Second Saturday ArtWalk.