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History Society members get free admission to Edison and Ford Winter Estates Lee County Black History Society and Edison and Ford Winter Estates announce free daytime admission during the month of January to either musuem with membership to one of the organizations. The reciprocal agreement is for daytime admission at Edison and Ford Winter Estates for members of the Lee County Black History Society. Membership to the Lee County Black History Society starts at $50 a year. Mulitiple levels of membership are available at Edison and Ford Winter Estates, starting at $70 a year. Daytime admission tickets at Edison and [...]

The community came together for a weekend filled with joy, entertainment and celebration at The Lee County Black History Society’s (LCBHS) annual Holiday in the Park festivities, held at Roberto Clemente Park in Fort Myers on Dec. 1 for Holiday in the Park and and Dec. 2 for Movie in the Park. This year's events witnessed the largest turnout ever, drawing close to 800 attendees. The crowd was engaged throughout both days, enjoying a variety of performances, recognitions and community-driven activities. “The Lee County Black History Society extends its heartfelt appreciation to Program and Events Coordinator Melinda Golden, the [...]

Movie in the Park is planned Dec. 1, Holiday in the Park with parade and tree lighting is Dec. 2  The Lee County Black History Society is hosting the 11th Annual Holiday in the Park starting with Movie in the Park, Dec. 1, and Holiday in the Park, with a free parade and community tree lighting, Dec. 2. Both events are at Roberto Clemente Park, 1936 Henderson Ave. in Fort Myers.   “Experience the magic of unity and festive cheer as our community comes alive with the Soulful Lights and Shining Stars theme, celebrating diversity and togetherness,” said Lee County Black [...]

The Lee County Black History Society’s “Illuminate the Past, Ignite the Future” Museum After Dark event on Friday, Sept. 8, at the Williams Academy Black History Museum marked the Society’s inaugural fundraiser for the $20 million African American Cultural Center’s capital campaign. “The event not only celebrated the remarkable history and contributions of the African- American community but also marked a pivotal moment in the Society’s journey toward the establishment of the African American Cultural Center,” said the organization’s first full-time staff member, Executive Director Autumn Watkins Holloway, who was introduced to the community at the event. “Funds raised during this [...]

The Southwest Florida Symphony, the only professional orchestra in Lee County and fourth oldest orchestra in the state, will feature “Green Book” as part of its “Cinema with the Symphony” summer movie screening series. The showing will take place at 6:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 11, at the symphony’s Artistic & Operations Center at Bell Tower in Fort Myers, 13499 S. Cleveland Ave., Suite #175. Lee County Black History Society Executive Director Autumn Watkins Holloway will introduce the film and provide insight into the Green Book’s significance for our local community. The pre-screening remarks begin at 6 p.m. Autumn has spearheaded community [...]

The event included groundbreaking for a new inclusive playground, performers and community  The Lee County Black History Society, Dunbar Festival Committee, City of Fort Myers and the African Coalition of Southwest Florida celebrated the community on June 17 at a Juneteenth event to mark the end of slavery in the United States.  The day-long celebration at Roberto Clemente Park included performers, recognition of students, prayer, historic readings and a groundbreaking for a new inclusive playground by the City of Fort Myers.  The Roberto Clemente Park Inclusive Playground, which is expected to be completed Sept. 2024 is made possible by a [...]

The free Juneteenth Community Festival recognizes one of the oldest African American recognized celebrations that mark the end of slavery in the United States. Lee County Black History Society, Dunbar Festival Committee and the African Coalition of Southwest Florida are partnering to host the 11th Annual Juneteenth Community Celebration at Roberto Clemente Park, 1936 Henderson Ave. in Fort Myers from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 17. The event is free to attend. This year’s Juneteenth Celebration will be filled with a variety of fun and entertainment for the entire family, including stage performances, music, arts and crafts, [...]

The Lee County Black History Society (LCBHS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Autumn J. Watkins Holloway, M.Ed. as its new Executive Director. With nearly 20 years of experience as a professional nonprofit administrative leader and compassionate educator, Holloway brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to preserving and promoting Black history and culture in Lee County. “As a Fort Myers native and fourth-generation Dunbar resident, I am truly honored to join the Lee County Black History Society as the Executive Director,” said Holloway. “I look forward to working closely with the board, staff and the community [...]

The free program celebrated entertainers and female activists in Florida’s Black History On May 20, the Lee County Black History Society presented “The Women of 1865 and Thereafter” at Roberto Clemente Park, 1936 Henderson Ave., Fort Myers. The program was free to public and included approximately 50 guests for a tented event in the park. Guests heard from speakers and presenters about Florida’s civil rights activists during and following Florida’s Emancipation. Special entertainment was provided by Karlus Trapp, who gave a special performance of “The Roots of Black Music in America,” a musical journey through time that included spirituals, Louie [...]