2026 Exhibits & Events
The 2026 Mayoral Debate
Hosted by NAACP St. Petersburg Branch No.5130, join us for a 2026 Mayoral Debate at the Barack Obama Main Library Auditorium on June 9, 2026!
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from those seeking to lead our city and to understand who is prepared to continue moving St. Petersburg forward.
When
June 9, 2026
Where
The President Barack Obama Main Library
Admission
Free Admission
What
Hosted by NAACP St. Petersburg Branch No.5130, join us for a 2026 Mayoral Debate at the Barack Obama Main Library Auditorium on June 9, 2026!
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from those seeking to lead our city and to understand who is prepared to continue moving St. Petersburg forward.
Jazzy Juneteenth Jubilee
When
June 21, 2026 at 5 PM
Where
The Coliseum
Admission
Table/Sponsorship
What
The Woodson’s premier event is back this summer to celebrate Juneteenth — but with a twist!
Choose from red, black, green, or yellow during this year’s Jazzy Juneteenth Jubilee to honor the emancipation of African Americans in the United States and the ongoing pursuit of true equality for all.
Tables sell out quickly, so don’t miss your chance to secure one for your group!
Click Here to purchase a table.
At the Feet of the Elders
When
April 28, 2026
Where
The President Barack Obama Main Library
Admission
Free Admission, Optional Paid Lunch
What
Join us as we gather for the seventh installment of At The Feet of the Elders, honoring voices that shaped our community.
This special panel features three extraordinary women whose journeys reflect resilience, leadership, faith, and service:
Ms. Teresena Wise Bryant brings a legacy deeply rooted in St. Petersburg’s historic Gas Plant community. With an impressive educational background and a lifetime of civic engagement, she has served on influential boards and earned recognition for her commitment to uplifting others. Her story is one of grace, perseverance, and impactful leadership.
Ms. Ruth D. Johnson is a devoted spiritual leader, mentor, and community servant. With more than four decades of professional service and over 20 years of ministry in correctional facilities, she has dedicated her life to guiding others in faith and purpose. Her work continues to inspire generations through teaching, mentorship, and outreach.
Mrs. Gwendolyn “Gwen” Wade is a trailblazing pharmacist and healthcare leader whose groundbreaking career spans over 50 years. As the first African American woman to hold multiple pharmacy leadership roles in St. Petersburg, her legacy is marked by excellence, mentorship, and compassionate care. Her contributions have left a lasting imprint on the medical community and beyond.
Together, these remarkable women will share reflections on their life journeys, lessons learned, and the enduring power of community. Come sit, listen, and learn—at the feet of the elders.
Click Here to register.
At the Feet of the Elders
When
March 24, 2026 at 11 AM
Where
The President Barack Obama Main Library
Admission
Free
What
At the Feet of the Elders is back this month with Mr. Rufus M. Lewis, Mr. Thomas Manuel Jr., and Mr. Louis B. Williams!
These three men, all of whom attended Jordan Park Elementary, have exciting stories to share and a lifelong passion for sports and giving back to their community. With Mr. Manuel Jr. and Mr. Williams both being veterans who served during the Vietnam War era, and Mr. Lewis being a renowned golfer and member of the National Black Golf Hall of Fame, you won’t want to miss the chance to learn about the remarkable lives they’ve led and their incredible achievements.
History and Winnie Foster Lifetime Achievement Awards Luncheon
When
Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 1 PM
Where
The James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art
Admission
SOLD OUT
What
Each year during Women’s History Month, The Woodson African American Museum honors African American females in our community who are true trailblazers—often the first to hold their leadership positions, and a dedicated ally who use their platforms to advocate for equality and create meaningful change.
The six females honored this year embody strength, courage, and determination in their pursuit of excellence. At a time when excellence in our history is being censored, this program documents and preserves their legacies, joining those of past honorees who have served as role models for our city and beyond.
This year’s First Ladies in African American History and Winnie Foster Lifetime Achievement Honoree Luncheon will take place on March 8, 2026, at The James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art, beginning at 1:00 PM.
Let’s Get Lit: Poetry Sit-In
When
March 5, 2026 at 6 PM
Where
The President Barack Obama Main Library
Admission
Free
What
If you missed the previous Let’s Get Lit: Poetry Sit-In, be sure to sign up for
next month’s workshop!
March’s theme will be Celebrate Women’s History Month.
SOLD OUT: At the Feet of the Elders: Black History Month Edition
When
February 24, 2026
Where
The President Barack Obama Main Library
Admission
Free
What
Council Member Deborah Figg-Sanders, Commissioner René Flowers, and Mayor Kenneth Welch will share their firsthand stories, reflections, and experiences growing up in St. Petersburg, and the paths that led them to the leadership roles they hold today.
Raising your MENtality
When
Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 11 AM
Where
The Enoch D. Davis Center
Admission
Free
What
This Saturday, February 21, at 11 a.m., join Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital at the Enoch D. Davis Center for this month’s Raising Your MENtality men’s peer support group, which is free and open to the public.
This month’s meeting will explore relationships and effective communication and will feature a presentation by Brian Stokes, MSW, LMSW, RCSWI.
The 2026 Collard Green Cook-Off
The Woodson is excited to announce that it will be hosting this year’s Collard Green Cook-Off, in part of the 2026 Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival!
When
February 14, 2026
Where
The Woodson African American Museum of Florida’s Legacy Garden
Admission
$50
What
The Woodson African American Museum of Florida is excited to hosting this year’s Collard Green Cook-Off, as a part of the 2026 Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival!
The deadline to enter the Judges’ Circle or competition is February 10, 2026.
Collard Green drop-offs will be February 14, 2026 from 9-10 AM (NO LATE ENTRIES ACCEPTED)
Collard Green judging will take place from 11:00 AM-12:30 PM
Categories:
- Meat
- No Meat
Black History Trivia Night
When
February 9, 2025 at 6 PM
Where
The Enoch D. Davis Center
Admission
Free
What
Gather your team or register as an individual for an exciting night of Black history trivia on Monday, February 9, at 6 pm.
Admission is free, and prizes are waiting for winning teams. Spaces are filling up, so don’t miss out!
Let’s Get Lit: Poetry Sit-In
When
February 5, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Where
The President Barack Obama Main Library
Admission
Free
What
Celebrate Black History Month with The Woodson, joined by poet Lyn Davis, for our monthly Literature & Poetry Series.
During the month of February, we will read & discuss poetry by revolutionary Black poets and you can create your own poem.
Black History Month Flag Raising Ceremony
When
February 5, 2026 at 10:30 AM
Where
St. Petersburg’s City Hall
Admission
Free
What
Join The Woodson African American Museum of Florida and the City of St. Petersburg as we proudly raise Dr. Carter G. Woodson’s flag in celebration of Black History Month!
This annual tradition honors both Black History Month and its founder, Dr. Carter G. Woodson. The Dr. Carter G. Woodson flag stands as a powerful symbol of resilience and recognizes the lasting contributions of African Americans to the City of St. Petersburg.
SOLD OUT: At the Feet of the Elders
When
January 27, 2026 at 11 AM
Where
The President Barack Obama Main Library
Admission
Sold Out
What
Join us as we start the year with the wisdom of lifelong friends Ms. Betty Harden, Ms. Betty Hayward, and Ms. Helen Shaw! Lunch will begin at 11 AM, followed by the program at 12 PM.
Raising your MENtality
When
January 17, 2026 at 11 AM
Where
The Enoch D. Davis Center
Admission
Free
What
Studies show that fathers play a vital role in family health and child development. That is why The Woodson African American Museum of Florida is proud to partner with Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital’s fatherhood program which is designed to give men the tools and support they need to thrive. With guidance from a dedicated program coordinator, fathers are encouraged, supported, and empowered to be confident, connected, and fully engaged in their children’s lives.
Vision to Victory: Action Board Session
When
January 12, 2026
Where
The Enoch D. Davis Center
Admission
Free
What
Unlike vision boards, which emphasize broad aspirations, emotions, and end goals, action boards dive into the concrete tasks, milestones, and strategies needed to bring your goals to life.
Join us for this insightful and interactive session, where you’ll clarify your vision, map out actionable steps, and gain the tools to turn your dreams into achievable realities.