Exhibits & Events | 2024

Closing Reception — Mary Proctor: Paint the Way to Stay

When

Sunday, December 22, 4pm to 6pm

Where

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida

Admission

FREE

What

We close this uplifting exhibition to a closing reception this Sunday, December 22 from 4pm to 6pm. We’ll be joined by the artist, so come say farewell to the work and meet the Mary Proctor.

PJs, Popcorn, and Pictures with Santa

When

Saturday, December 21, 10am - 1pm

Where

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida

Admission

FREE

What

We invite your family to join us Saturday, December 21 for a joyful morning in PJs with popcorn and pictures with Santa.  This event is now sold out and registration is closed. Thank you to everyone who signed up and we look forward to seeing you!

Holiday Open House

When

Saturday, December 14, 5pm to 8pm

Where

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida

Admission

Free

What

Get Ready to Be Inspired.
Experience the joy of giving and community when The Woodson African American Museum of Florida presents its inaugural community Christmas Tree Competition.
Voting will occur in person ONLY between 4-8pm Saturday, December 14. Top 3 prizes will be awarded to the leading vote getters.
Share this information and plan to join us during our Holiday Open House.
Unwrapped toys for children 0-16 are encouraged. Be sure to show up and vote for your favorite tree.
See you Saturday!

Community Christmas Tree Exhibition

When

November 19 - December 14, 2024

Where

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida

Admission

Free

What

Stop by and see our beautifully decorated Christmas trees and pick your favorite.

The Christmas Trees will be on view November 19 through December 20, 2024.

Vote for your favorite on Saturday, December 14.

“And I Kept Painting and Painting” — A Panel Discussion on Folk, Visionary, and Outsider Art

When

Wednesday, November 13, 6:30pm

Where

Online -- Livestreamed to Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube

Admission

FREE

What

Join us for this livestream panel discussion on folk, visionary, and outsider art. Curator Danny Olda will be speaking with City of St. Petersburg Director of Arts, Culture, and Tourism Celeste Davis, and curator Katherine Gibson.
This panel discussion will be livestreamed to Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube on Wednesday, November 13 at 6:30pm.

Books, Bubbles & Brunch with Dr. John L Smith, Jr.

When

Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 10:30am

Where

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida

Admission

$20

What

This popular series is back! We’ll be enjoying a delicious brunch, some bubbles, and fascinating conversation with author Dr. John L Smith Jr. as we talk about his book They Taught Me How to Be a Man. Learn more and purchase your tickets here.

Election Results Watch Party

When

Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at 7pm

Where

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida

Admission

FREE

What

Watch the Election Results live on election day, Tuesday, November 5.

In conjunction with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Black Voters Matter, we’ll be hosting the watch party in the beautiful Legacy Garden at The Woodson Museum.

RSVP on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/share/dVBXnuX5315s2zGQ/

St. Pete Reads! Lit Fest

When

Saturday, November 2, 10am

Where

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida - Legacy Garden

Admission

Free

What

Join us in the Legacy Garden on Saturday, November 2nd from 10am – 4pm for an exciting lineup featuring Winsome Bingham, Derrick Barnes, Nicole D. Collier, and Greg Neri. NOMAD Studio returns with their drop-in art studio, and Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association will lead a special jazz story time! This free, all-ages event includes overflow parking generously provided by St. Petersburg College. Learn more and see the full schedule here.

Toy Drive

When

November 1 through December 14, 2024

Where

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida

Admission

FREE

What

We’re excited to announce that our annual Toy Drive starts Friday, November 1st!

Beginning on Nov. 1, you can drop off new toys at The Museum during our normal operating hours of Tue.-Thu. 12pm-5pm and Fri. 11am-4pm.

 

 

Book Talk with Author Raymond Arsenault

When

Thursday, October 17, 2024

Where

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida

Admission

Free

What

Historian and author Raymond Arsenault will speak about In Search of the Beloved Community, his acclaimed biography of civil rights leader and U.S. Congressman John Lewis. RSVP for Free by clicking here.

“An exemplary biography of an exemplary person, essential to the history of the Civil Rights Movement.”

–Kirkus Reviews

“He offers the first comprehensive biography of the late civil rights giant…Arsenault has produced a valuable piece of deeply researched nonfiction”

–The Washington Post

Free Museum Day 2024

When

Saturday, September 21, 2024 from 9am to 1pm

Where

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida

Admission

FREE

What

Join us for Free Museum Day on Saturday, September 21, 2024 from 9am to 1pm.

We’ll be sharing an exciting new exhibition and fun programs for all ages throughout the day. Bring the family and enjoy a great day at your Museum.

Free Museum Day – Art Workshop with Mary Proctor

When

Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 12pm

Where

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida

Admission

FREE

What

Celebrate Free Museum Day with us and create a mixed media one-of-a-kind artwork with artist Missionary Mary Proctor. RSVP for free by clicking here.

Mary Proctor: Paint the Way to Stay

When

September 17 through December 20, 2024

Where

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida

Admission

FREE

What

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida is excited to announce the opening of a new exhibition, Mary Proctor: Paint the Way to Stay, showcasing the works of visionary artist Mary Proctor. The exhibition will be open to the public starting Tuesday, September 17 and will feature an inspiring collection of painted panels and doors that capture Proctor’s unique artistic practice and inspiring voice.

Mary Proctor, whose work is featured in prestigious museum collections including the Smithsonian Institution Anacostia Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, High Museum of Art, Polk Museum of Art, and Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg, brings a distinct perspective to the world of contemporary folk art. Known for her vibrant and earnest paintings on uplifting themes of spirituality and resilience, Proctor’s art is deeply rooted in personal history, cultural memory, as well as an unyielding sense of purpose.

Mary Proctor is a self-taught artist whose career began with a mission to honor the memory of her deceased family members. Her work often incorporates found objects, vivid colors, and religious iconography, inviting viewers to explore messages of faith, love, and perseverance. As a celebrated artist in the field of contemporary folk art, Proctor continues to inspire audiences with her creative vision.

The exhibition will run through December 20, 2024, and will feature a series of engaging public programs, including artist talks, and workshops. Join us on Saturday, September 21 for Free Museum Day as we speak with Mary Proctor and she leads a workshop.

Closing Reception — Give Us The Sun: A Solo Exhibition of Artwork by Traci Mims

When

Saturday, September 14, 2024 from 5pm to 8pm

Where

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida

Admission

Free

What

Join us for the closing reception of “Give Us the Sun: A Solo Exhibition of Artwork by Traci Mims” during the September Second Saturday Art Walk as we celebrate this wonderful work with the artist!
Saturday, September 14, 2024 from 5pm to 8pm
Give Us the Sun, is a solo exhibition of artwork by artist Traci Mims. On view starting June 8, the exhibition features drawings, prints, paintings, and quilt work by the Atlanta-based artist.

A native of St. Petersburg, Mims returns to the city with Give Us the Sun having earned her BA from Florida A&M University, her MFA from Tyler School of Art, Temple University, and numerous awards, fellowships, and exhibitions.
Mims is a multidisciplinary artist whose work often spotlights the narratives, lives, faces, and figures of the individuals in her community as well as epic individuals and stories. “I consider myself a social realist,” she says, “because I focus on the lives of everyday Black people, the things they experience, and how they react to it emotionally.”
Her meticulous print work and monumental drawings center social justice and illuminate histories that are increasingly under threat of erasure. Mims combines the everyday and monumental, both in subject matter and style, making each piece its own poignant expression.

Exclusive Film Screening of “Know Your Place”

When

Saturday, August 17, 2024, 6pm - 8pm

Where

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida

Admission

Free

What

Join us Saturday, August 17, 2024 for an exclusive film screening of the documentary film Know Your Place.

Presented by Heart of Florida United Way, Know Your Place shares the personal stories of Central Floridians who have faced racism, segregation, and bias through their lives.

Beginning at 6pm, you’re invited to this free film and feedback event at the Woodson African American Museum of Florida.

Please RSVP for free here.

August Second Saturday Art Walk

When

August 10, 2024 from 5pm to 8pm

Where

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida

Admission

Free

What

Stop by The Woodson during the August Second Saturday Art Walk. This will be the last art walk featuring our current exhibition Give Us the Sun: A Solo Exhibition of Artwork by Traci Mims.

District 7 Candidate Forum

When

August 7, 2024 at 6:00pm

Where

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida

Admission

Free

What

Your Voice and Vote Matters!
Join The Woodson African American Museum for a Candidate Forum with the District 7 Candidates.
Meet & Greet begins at 6:00pm. Candidate Forum begins at 7:00pm.
Submit your questions to for the forum at woodsonmuseum@gmail.com with the subject: FORUM Question Request.
RSVP for free here.

Sit a Spell Conversations: Civil Rights Act of 1964 with Prof. Judith Scully

When

Tuesday, July 9 at 6:30pm

Where

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida

Admission

Free

What

The Woodson presents another installment of our popular conversation series, as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Join Manager of Education & Outreach, Patrick Arthur Jackson for a conversation with Judith Scully, J.D., Professor of Law at Stetson University College of Law and Co-Chair of the St. Petersburg Truth & Racial Healing Transformation Center. Conversation will center around the journey of the fight for Civil Rights from the 1960’s to now, and how each of us can advocate for social justice today.

6:30PM Mix and Mingle with light refreshments

7:00PM Conversation begins

This event is free and open to the public and presented in partnership with The St. Petersburg Truth & Racial Healing Transformation Center.

RSVP Here

Chronicles of Color – John Lewis: Good Trouble

When

Tuesday, July 2 at 1pm and 3pm

Where

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida

Admission

Free

What

Chronicles of Color: A Film Screening Series presents John Lewis: Good Trouble on Tue, July 2 at 1pm and 3pm. Free, RSVP Encouraged.

RSVP on Eventbrite here.

The 2024 Jazzy Juneteenth Jubilee

When

Sunday, June 16, 2024, starting at 5:00 PM

Where

The Coliseum, 535 4th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Admission

$1,000.00 per table

What

Step into an extraordinary realm of elegance and jubilation at our ALL WHITE PARTY, where the enchanting spirit of celebration intertwines with the vibrant essence of joy. Join us as we illuminate the night with a radiant sea of white, symbolizing the profound journey of African Americans’ independence within this great nation.

Prepare to be captivated as the evening unfolds amidst a backdrop of soulful sophistication and unity. Picture tables adorned with pristine white linens, setting the stage for an atmosphere of unparalleled elegance. Here, our esteemed guests will grace the occasion in their finest all-white attire, adding to the enchantment with their presence.

While we provide the canvas, it’s your personal touch that will elevate the experience. Envision personalized table decorations, curated to reflect your unique style and flair. You and your guests take delight in creating your own culinary journey of delectable cuisine, carefully crafted to tantalize the senses.

Amidst laughter, song, and dance, immerse yourself in the camaraderie of the evening. Whether engaging in lively conversation or sharing moments of joy on the dance floor, let the spirit of togetherness envelop you. And should you desire a libation to enhance the celebration, a cash bar will be available.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of purpose and jubilation, as we come together to commemorate and celebrate Juneteenth 2024 in style.

Tables of 10 can be purchased below.

 

Give Us the Sun: A Solo Exhibition of Artwork by Traci Mims

When

On view through September 11, 2024

Where

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida

Admission

Free

What

Give Us the Sun, is a solo exhibition of artwork by artist Traci Mims. On view starting June 8, the exhibition features drawings, prints, paintings, and quilt work by the Atlanta-based artist.
A native of St. Petersburg, Mims returns to the city with Give Us the Sun having earned her BA from Florida A&M University, her MFA from Tyler School of Art, Temple University, and numerous awards, fellowships, and exhibitions.

Mims is a multidisciplinary artist whose work often spotlights the narratives, lives, faces, and figures of the individuals in her community as well as epic individuals and stories. “I consider myself a social realist,” she says, “because I focus on the lives of everyday Black people, the things they experience, and how they react to it emotionally.”

Her meticulous print work and monumental drawings center social justice and illuminate histories that are increasingly under threat of erasure. Mims combines the everyday and monumental, both in subject matter and style, making each piece its own poignant expression.

 

Books, Bubbles & Brunch with Grace Ji-Sun Kim – SOLD OUT!

When

Books, Bubbles & Brunch: Grace Ji-Sun Kim

Where

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida

Admission

35.00

What

Saturday, June 8 at 9AM – SOLD OUT!
The Woodson African American Museum is proud to announce the return of our popular literary series BOOKS, BUBBLES & BRUNCH. Our June edition is in partnership with the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance – Florida Chapter, featuring Grace Ji-Sun Kim and her newest book WHEN GOD BECAME WHITE: Dismantling Whiteness for a More Just Christianity.
Registration includes: conversation, brunch and complimentary champagne.

 

Legacy of Light

When

Legacy of Light: A Virtual Conversation on Sister Gertrude Morgan and the Continuing Journey of Women in Ministry

Where

Zoom

Admission

Free

What

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida presents Legacy of Light: A virtual conversation on Sister Gertrude Morgan and the Continuing Journey of Women in Ministry.

Panelists:
Bishop-elect Dr. Davina Jones – Today’s Church (Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL)
Pastor Durrell Sykes – Bethel Community Baptist Church (St. Petersburg, FL)
Rev. Whitney Baisden-Bond – PhD Candidate and Program Coordinator at Spelman College (Atlanta, GA)
Rev. Jana Hall-Jenkins – McCabe United Methodist Church (St. Petersburg, FL)

Join us as we honor the legacy of Sister Gertrude Morgan and celebrate the ongoing journey of women in ministry, guided by the enduring light of her inspirational life and work. Drawing upon Sister Gertrude Morgan’s remarkable story, our panelists will discuss the challenges and triumphs faced by women in ministry today, highlighting the strides made and the work that remains.

Click here to register for free!

May’s “Can We Talk?” Book Discussion

When

Monday, May 13, 2024

Where

Zoom

Admission

Free

What

Killing the Black Body: Race, Reproduction, and the Meaning of Liberty by Dorothy Roberts exposes America’s systemic abuse of Black women’s bodies. From slave masters’ economic stake in bonded women’s fertility to government programs that coerced thousands of poor Black women into being sterilized as late as the 1970s, these abuses pointed to the degradation of Black motherhood—and the exclusion of Black women’s reproductive needs in mainstream feminist and civil rights agendas.

May’s discussion will focus on chapters three and four.

To register, click here.

An Afternoon of Haiku

When

April 21, 2024 3-4 PM

Where

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida

Admission

Free

What

The City of St. Petersburg is holding its second annual City of Writers Poetry Festival, with The Woodson African American Museum of Florida being a host for emerging and established writers who reflect the talent, diversity, and creativity of St. Petersburg.

Join Haiku poets Ani Crane and Tim Huff for an afternoon of conversation around their love and passion for Haiku poetry. Attendees will learn about their journey as poets, how they began writing, and hear Haiku selections.

About the Speakers:

Tim Huff
Originally from upstate New York, Tim has made St. Petersburg his home for 38 years. He started writing haikus in 2020 inspired by the nature in his backyard. He has published one book with a second book coming out this year. Tim has given numerous talks and workshops around Tampa Bay.
www.haikutim.com

Ani Crane
Being an octogenarian, Ani has had years of experience as a wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, teacher of English, author, psychic, Lyricist, playwright, poet, lover of fun and singer of songs. Her passion for creating is life long, and a legacy she wishes to leave to the next generation. Crane is a  Lifelong aficionado of the movies, especially foreign films and art films. Ani is living and loving in Gulfport, Florida with her beloved kitty, Rumi.

Asian American Pacific Island Poetry Reading

When

Sunday, April 21, 2024 4-5 PM

Where

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida

Admission

Free

What

The City of St. Petersburg is holding its second annual City of Writers Poetry Festival, with The Woodson African American Museum of Florida is a host for emerging and established writers who reflect the talent, diversity, and creativity of St. Petersburg on April 21, 2024! Join us in engaging in an Asian American Pacific Islander poetry reading with speakers Avni Vyas, Alexa Stoffer, Jamie Lu, and MC Sam Obeid.

About the Speakers:

Jamie Lu is a 17-year-old Filipino-American writer born and raised in Florida. She is an alumnus of the Adroit Summer Mentorship Program for Fiction and a recipient of a Gold Key from the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. Her art is inspired by her parents’ stories of childhood, Filipino history, the people she encounters, the macabre, the divine, and everything in between.

Alexa Stoffer is a Chinese adoptee navigating her past while planning for the future. She is 22 years old and has been writing poetry for the past 6 years. From being featured in writing magazines to performing with close friends, she has built a community rooted in the feeling of safety and creative expression. She hopes to leave her mark in the ever-changing world of mental health through her words and her collegiate studies.

Avni Vyas is the author of Little God (Burrow Press 2021), and the chapbooks Far from Glorious Feeling (TOA 2021) and co-author of Candy In Our Brains (CutBank 2014). Her poetry and nonfiction can be found in journals such as Grist, Meridian, Arts and Letters, and others. She serves as a poetry editor at The Offending Adam. She teaches writing at New College of Florida.

About the MC:

Sam(ira) Obeid is an internationally renowned spoken word poet, a reputed educator on intersectionality, systemic discrimination and resistance, and a local activist. A masculine performing, Indian lesbian raised Hindu on her mother’s side and Muslim on her father’s side, Sam moved to the U.S. in 2007 earning her second and third master’s in Multimedia Journalism and Women’s & Gender Studies.

 

To register, email education@woodsonmuseum.org

Chronicles of Color: Underground History

When

April 11, 2024 6:00 PM

Where

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida

Admission

Free

What

Underground History is a documentary film project designed to explore connections between St. Petersburg’s diverse cultural history and emerging community efforts to acknowledge the past in charting the future. The film considers the links between the history and remaining archaeological sites of the region’s Indigenous Ancestors, the displaced contemporary African American communities and erased Black cemeteries, and the historic waterways that once created a connectivity for these places and people.

Following the film screening will be a conversation highlighting the importance of historic preservation featuring:

Ms. Gwendolyn Reese
President of African American Heritage Association of St. Petersburg

Robert (Bob) Austin, Ph.D.
Alliance for Weedon Island Archaeological Research and Education, (AWIARE)

Thomas Hallock
Ph.D. Professor, English, Literature & Cultural Studies, University of South Florida

Wanda Stuart
Storyteller and Resident

Polita Glynn
Merfolk Media Alliance Director and Underground History Filmmaker

Devin Rice
Underground History Filmmaker

To register, email education@woodsonmuseum.org.

April’s Second Saturday ArtWalk

When

April 13, 2024 5-8 PM

Where

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida

Admission

Free

What

If you have not had the opportunity to walk through The Woodson’s current exhibition yet, join us during April’s ArtWalk to view ‘Sister Gertrude Morgan: A Ministry of Divergence’!

The exhibition ‘Sister Gertrude Morgan: A Ministry of Divergence’ offers visitors an immersive experience of Sister Morgan’s multifaceted ministry, showcasing her unique blend of art, music, and poetry. Her works, rich in religious symbolism and personal testament, challenge conventional boundaries between the sacred and the secular, inviting viewers to explore the depths of faith and creativity.

Lifting the Veil with Dr. Martha Bireda

When

April 10, 2024, at 6:30 PM

Where

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida

Admission

Free

What

Dr. Martha Bireda in conversation with Patrick Arthur Jackson and Silk Jazmyne Hindus

W.E.B. DuBois used the “veil” as a metaphor for the color line of racial inequalities and injustice in the United States. The “veil” symbolizes the culturally conditioned narrative that prevents the larger society from seeing the virtues, values, strengths, agency, and contributions of African Americans. Through her stories, Dr. Martha R. Bireda presents a narrative that demonstrates the intellect, courage, determination, strength, ingenuity, grace, and dignity of the African American.

 

About Martha R. Bireda, Ph.D.:

Martha R. Bireda, Ph.D., is a writer, lecturer, and living history performer. With over 30 years of experience as a lecturer, consultant, and trainer for issues related to race, class, and gender, she has worked with educators, law enforcement, business, and civic leaders. Currently, Dr. Bireda is a writer, lecturer, and living history performer.

Dr. Bireda firmly believes that sharing “untold and untaught” accurate history can heal racial and cultural differences. She facilitates six-week workshops, “Healing Conversations on Race,” focusing on participants experiencing and expressing “human completeness,” empathy, compassion, and the release of mythical concepts about one’s own and the racial identity of “the other.”

Dr. Bireda is the Director of the Blanchard House Museum of African American History and Culture of Charlotte County, located in Punta Gorda, Florida. She is also the author of over 12 non-fiction books, including her two latest works: “A Time for Change: How White Supremacy Ideology Harms All Americans” and “The Promise of Whiteness: Its Past and Its Future.” Additionally, she has written two books for youth readers: “Obi: African Seminole Freedom Fighter” and “The Trabue Woods Book of Values.” Dr. Bireda is also the author of historical fiction books for adults: “The Womb Rebellion,” which tells the story of enslaved women who refused to engage in the process of slave-breeding, and “My Brother’s Keeper,” which tells the story of the numbers racket and its positive influence on the African American community during the Jim Crow Era.

 

About Patrick Arthur Jackson:

Patrick Arthur Jackson, a Richmond, VA native now residing in St. Petersburg, FL, is a dynamic creative, producer, director, actor, and teaching artist deeply committed to connection through storytelling. A Morehouse College Drama graduate, he honed his skills at the British American Drama Academy and the Florida Studio Theatre Acting Apprentice Program.

With a Certificate in Leadership from the Nonprofit Leadership Center and prior Fellowship in Advancing Racial Equity on Nonprofit Boards, Patrick serves as the Manager of Education, Outreach, and Program Design at The Woodson African American Museum of Florida. Additionally, he is the Florida Fellow for South Arts and the National Leaders of Color Fellowship Program. A versatile artist, he has showcased his talents across Southeast arts organizations, including directing acts of faith at American Stage and earning recognition as a 2023 Emerging Artist with Creative Pinellas.

Off-stage, Patrick hosts The Black Hand Side Podcast, celebrating black culture, connection, and conversation. In addition to serving on the ministerial staff at Today’s Church Tampa Bay, he further engages with the community through The Black Arts Leader Alliance, The Black Excellence Collective, Actor’s Equity Association, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Grateful for the gift of storytelling, Patrick, the proud son of Cynthia B. Jackson-Ward and Patrick D. Jackson, envisions its power inspiring change, connection, and collaboration globally.

Click here to register.

 

April’s “Can We Talk?” Book Discussion

When

April 8, 2024, at 7 PM

Where

Zoom

Admission

Free

What

Killing the Black Body: Race, Reproduction, and the Meaning of Liberty by Dorothy Roberts exposes America’s systemic abuse of Black women’s bodies. From slave masters’ economic stake in bonded women’s fertility to government programs that coerced thousands of poor Black women into being sterilized as late as the 1970s, these abuses pointed to the degradation of Black motherhood—and the exclusion of Black women’s reproductive needs in mainstream feminist and civil rights agendas.

April’s discussion will start by focusing on chapters one and two (up to page 104) of this book.

To register, click here.

The 2024 Al Downing Jazz Education Scholarship Competition

When

April 7, 2024 2 PM

Where

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida

Admission

Free

What

The Al Downing Jazz Education Scholarship Competition, initiated by Al Downing in the 1980s and established annually since 2004, showcases the top jazz high-school seniors from Pinellas County. After a rigorous application process facilitated by the Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association, up to five outstanding finalists are selected to compete in this esteemed competition.

Each finalist will perform two jazz standards accompanied by our esteemed house rhythm section, La Lucha, during the 90-minute competition. Following the performances, La Lucha will entertain the audience while a panel of three experienced judges evaluates each contestant.

This year, we’re excited to feature finalists Emani Baines from Gibbs High School and Wesley McDaniel from Tarpon Springs High School. In a special addition, the 2020 finalists, who missed the chance to perform live due to the pandemic, will grace the stage, showcasing their talents to a live audience and panel of judges. The winners of this year’s competition will be awarded financial scholarships to support their jazz education at any university of their choice.

Click Here to register.

SOLD OUT: 2024 First Ladies in African American History and Winnie Foster Lifetime Achievement Honorees Luncheon

When

March 23, 2024, at 11 AM

Where

The James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art

Admission

SOLD OUT

What

First Ladies of African American History

In the city of St. Petersburg and the broader Bay area, numerous Black women have risen as trailblazers, shattering barriers to claim the title of “first” in their respective fields. Since the inception of the First Ladies in African American History celebration in 2014, The Woodson African American Museum of Florida has embraced the responsibility of documenting these groundbreaking achievements. In this pursuit, the museum not only honors these trailblazers but also passionately celebrates the brilliance of women who have etched their names into the annals of history.

 

2024 Winnie Foster Lifetime Achievement Award

Winnie Foster was a local hero in our community who championed countless causes including social justice and reform until her passing in 2023. Her commitment to racial equality inspired The Woodson to commemorate her legacy by creating an award in her honor.

 

Congratulatory Remarks

 

 

Sit A Spell Conversations X Pa’Lante Series: Black Voices in the Humanities

When

March 13, 2024, at 6 PM

Where

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida

Admission

Free

What

Finding Your Voice: Engage and learn with Dr. Tameka Bradley Hobbs

Award-winning writer, researcher, consultant, and director of oral history projects, Tameka Bradley Hobbs will share ways to build community by encouraging attendees to determine how they will contribute to creating the society they want to see. 

Bio:

Dr. Tameka Bradley Hobbs is a researcher, writer, consultant, and director for several public and oral history projects. Her book, Democracy Abroad, Lynching at Home: Racial Violence in Florida, was published by the University Press of Florida and has been awarded bronze medal for the 2015 Florida Book Award for Florida Nonfiction, and the 2016 Harry T. and Harriette V. Mo ore Award from the Florida Historical Society. She has appeared in several award-winning documentaries including Liberty Burning, You Belong to Me: Sex, Race, and Murder in the South, Crossing Overtown, and George Stephanopoulos’s Grand Knighthawk: Infiltrating the KKK. She is currently the Library Regional Manager of Broward Public Library’s African American Research Library and Cultural Center in Fort Lauderdale.

To register, email education@woodsonmuseum.org.

Opening Reception for “Sister Gertrude Morgan: A Ministry of Divergence”

When

March 9, 2024 at 5 PM

Where

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida

Admission

Free

What

Join us for March’s ArtWalk and explore our new exhibition, Sister Gertrude Morgan: A Ministry of Divergence!

Sister Gertrude Morgan (1900-1980), born Gertrude Williams, embarked on a transformative journey from Alabama to New Orleans, where she declared the city the “headquarters of sin” and dedicated her life to spreading the Gospel. Through her vivid paintings, spirited music, and powerful oration, she became a beacon of faith in the vibrant culture of New Orleans. Her art, characterized by its bold use of color and profound biblical narratives, serves as a testament to her unwavering dedication to her ministry.

 

“Can We Talk?” Book Mixer

When

March 4, 2024 at 7 PM

Where

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida

Admission

Free

What

Select a new book for discussion and get acquainted with the group if you have not attended a meeting before. Refreshments will be provided.

To register, email woodsonmuseum@gmail.com

Closing Reception: Resilience & Revolution: An Immersion of Black Americana

When

February 29, 2024 at 6 PM

Where

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida

Admission

Free

What

Thursday, February 29, will be the final day to view Resilience & Revolution: An Immersion of Black Americana.

Co-Curators, The Montague Collection, and Dr. Cody Clark will be present for a discussion starting at 6:30 PM.

 

SOLD OUT: Garden Groove featuring the Scotty Wright Quintet

When

February 25, 2024 starting 3 PM

Where

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida

Admission

Sold Out

What

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida and the Al Downing Jazz Association present Scotty Wright’s Quintet in the Legacy Garden!

Scotty Wright returns to the museum for his fourth annual February concert, in celebration of Black History Month. For this year’s program, Scotty explores the rhythmic side of jazz, featuring several of his own compositions. Ably assisted by some of Tampa Bay’s best, Scotty and his partners bring out the soulful, the sassy, the sensitive and the sensual sounds that are sure to get the garden groovin’ – on a Sunday afternoon.

Ethnic Notions: Part of the Chronicles of Color Film Screening Series

When

February 22, 2024 at 6:00 PM

Where

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida

Admission

Free; email woodsonmuseum@gmail.com to register

What

Loyal Toms, carefree Sambos, faithful Mammies, grinning Coons, savage Brutes, and wide-eyed Pickaninnies roll across the screen in cartoons, feature films, popular songs, minstrel shows, advertisements, folklore, household artifacts, even children’s rhymes. These dehumanizing caricatures permeated popular culture from the 1820s to the Civil Rights period and implanted themselves deep in the American psyche.

Following the film screening, a brief discussion will take place to explore thoughts and feelings that emerged during the documentary.

Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival

When

February 17, 2024 from 9 AM - 5 PM

Where

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida

Admission

Free

What

The Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival Inc. emphasizes education in food consumption, agricultural science, and improved lifestyle choices including fitness, and finance. We adhere to a “health is wealth initiative,” focusing on improving health, financial, and other racial disparities in the Black, Brown, and African American populations.

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida will be open during the festival from 10 AM – 3 PM.

 

 

Fireside Chat: Discussion about “Resilience & Revolution: An Immersion of Black Americana

When

February 10, 2024 from 5-8 PM

Where

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida

Admission

Free

What

Join us for this fireside chat that explores co-curator Dr. Clark’s process when creating this exhibition and his journey collecting Black Americana.

The fireside chat will be from 5:30-6:30 PM, with the gallery being open to guests from 5-8 PM.

Super Bold Saturday

When

February 10, 2024 from 1-5 PM

Where

Tropicana Field Lot 4

Admission

Free

What

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida is proud to collaborate with the St. Petersburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., The Rays, and Saturday Shoppes to present Super Bold Saturday on February 10 from 1-5 PM at Tropicana Field, Lot 4. In today’s climate, emphasizing voter education has become more crucial than ever. We extend a warm invitation for you to be part of this impactful initiative dedicated to BOLD voter outreach and empowerment.

Save the Date | Woodson Warriors Scholarships Fundraiser

When

February 4, 2024 | Doors Open at 2 PM

Where

The Coliseum

Admission

Varies

What

Join us in supporting our Woodson Warriors Scholarships Program during this fundraiser with guest speaker Bryan Stevenson.

Bryan Stevenson is the founder and Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative, a human rights organization in Montgomery, Alabama. Under his leadership, EJI has won major legal challenges eliminating excessive and unfair sentencing, exonerating innocent death row prisoners, confronting abuse of the incarcerated and the mentally ill, and aiding children prosecuted as adults.

The Woodson Warriors Scholarships Program’s mission is to assist local African-American students with their next level of education after graduating high school.

Sponsorship and Table Options

 

If you are planning on attending, you can pre-register to speed up the check-in progress by clicking here.

 

Title Sponsorship – SOLD OUT

Title Sponsor of the Woodson Warriors Scholarships Fundraiser will be printed on promotional materials, press releases, and social media outlets and acknowledged as a sponsor of two (2) scholarships during the annual 2024 Woodson Warriors  Scholarships Awards Ceremony. Your organization’s logo will be added to The Woodson African American Museum of  Florida’s website as a contributor. The sponsorship provides for two (2) tables of eight at the event, and up to three (3) guests invitations to a VIP Reception. 

 

Signature Sponsorship – SOLD OUT

Signature Sponsor of the Woodson Warriors Scholarships Fundraiser will be printed on promotional materials, press releases, and social media outlets and acknowledged as a sponsor of one (1) scholarship during the annual 2024 Woodson Warriors  Scholarships Awards Ceremony. Your organization’s logo will be added to The Woodson African American Museum of  Florida’s website as a contributor. The sponsorship provides for one (1) table of eight at the event, and up to two (2) guests invitations to a VIP Reception. 

Patron Sponsorship – SOLD OUT

Patron Sponsor of the Woodson Warriors Scholarships Fundraiser will be acknowledged on The Woodson African American  Museum of Florida’s website as a contributor. 

Table Sponsorship – SOLD OUT

Table Sponsor will have sponsor signage on their table.

Table of 8 – SOLD OUT

 

Individual Ticket – SOLD OUT

Little Satchmo: Film Screening and Discussion

When

January 30, 2024 at 7 PM

Where

Studio@620

Admission

$5-10

What

To the world, Louis Armstrong is iconic — a symbol of musical genius, unparalleled success, and unassailable character. To Sharon, he was simply Dad. Armstrong’s wholesome, non-threatening image preserved his singular career as a black performer with unfettered access to a white man’s world. Yet he was more than a caricature. In private, he held tightly to the things he loved. Perhaps closest to his heart was a child he hid from the world: a daughter sworn to a life of secrecy until now.

Along with screening the film provided by Green Book of Tampa Bay, the event will also feature a conversation with Sharon, who will also participate in a panel discussion including The Woodson’s Education and Outreach Manager, Patrick Arthur Jackson, focusing on the film’s themes of finding your voice, family secrets, and relationships with fathers.

Doors open at 6:30 PM, and the film begins at 7PM. This event is in partnership with the Woodson African American Museum of Florida.

This event is sponsored by the Pinellas County Urban League and its affinity groups; PCUL Guild, Young Professionals & NULITES.

Click Here to purchase tickets.

Classic Black

When

Sunday, January 28, 2023 starting at 5 PM

Where

The Palladium

Admission

Varies

What

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida is proud to showcase some of our area’s most talented Black classical performers. This annual event celebrates the extraordinary artistic talent of African Americans that is rarely seen or celebrated.

VIP: $75 – premier seats and a champagne & wine reception with the artists.
Tier B: $45.
Tier C: $20.

To purchase tickets, click here.

 

Sit A Spell: Curator Chat with Dr. Cody Clark

When

January 25, 2024 at 7PM

Where

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida

Admission

Free; Email woodsonmuseum@gmail.com to register

What

Join us for an engaging and enlightening conversation with Dr. Cody Clark, a co-curator of our current exhibition, Resilience & Revolution: An Immersion of Black Americana. This thought-provoking dialogue is crafted to provide guests with the unique opportunity to delve into the intricate layers of Dr. Cody Clark’s perspective, offering valuable insights into the creative process behind the development of this exhibition. Explore the motivations, inspirations, and challenges faced by Dr. Cody Clark and develop a deeper understanding of the profound narratives embedded within the showcase of Black Americana.

 

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Candlelight Prayer Vigil

When

January 14, 2024

Where

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida

Admission

Free

What

Join The Woodson African American Museum of Florida and community leaders for an evening of prayer and reflections honoring the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Resilience & Revolution: An Immersion of Black Americana

When

January 2, 2024 - February 29, 2024

Where

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida

Admission

Free, Donations Accepted

What

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida is thrilled to announce its upcoming exhibition, Resilience & Revolution: An Immersion of Black Americana. This thought-provoking and immersive experience, co-curated by The Montague Collection and Dr. Cody Clark, will captivate visitors by delving into the rich tapestry of African-American history and culture. The exhibition is set to be a beacon of hope, knowledge, and understanding, challenging stereotypes and celebrating the resilience and contributions of African Americans.

About The Montague Collection:

The Montague Collection stands as a distinguished bespoke exhibition company dedicated to illuminating the richness and complexity of African-American history through the compelling medium of visual arts. With unwavering commitment and profound reverence, we curate exhibitions that pay homage to African Americans’ vibrant legacy and profound contributions, fostering cultural understanding, and inspiring a more inclusive world.

About Dr. Cody Clark:

Dr. Cody L. “Spec” Clark, has had a long-standing career of over 35 years with the renowned arts magnet program at Gibbs High School as the program counselor of fine and performing arts.  Educated in Georgia, he completed his Bachelor’s degree in psychology at LaGrange College in LaGrange, Georgia. He completed both his Master’s degree (1986) and his specialist degree (1996) in counseling education at the University of South Florida in Tampa. In 2003, he finished his Doctoral degree in Children, Youth and Family counseling services at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.  He specialized in African American youth in the visual and performing arts.

Photos: Courtesy of The Montague Collection

Opening Reception for “Resilience & Revolution: An Immersion of Black Americana”

When

January 13, 2024

Where

The Woodson African American Museum of Florida

Admission

Free

What

Join us in exploring our newest exhibition, Resilience & Revolution: An Immersion of Black Americana

Experience the relentless pursuit of justice and equality by African Americans during this period through ephemera, memorabilia, and a talk by co-curator Dr. Cody Clark.