News

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 [...]

Established in 1994, the Lee County Black History Society chose to become a “history society” rather than a “historical society” in order to live, breathe, and grow and to better preserve and commemorate the cultural and educational contributions of both locally and nationally known Black people. In celebration of Women’s History Month in March, I would like to highlight just a few of the many local women who shaped and continue to influence Southwest Florida and the Black community. Dr. Ella Mae Piper Dr. Ella Piper Piper was a successful businessperson who continued a popular Dunbar event her [...]

By Charles Barnes, Lee County Black History Society Chairman of the Board of Directors National Minority Health Month is observed in April, designed to bring awareness of poorer health outcomes for racial and ethnic minorities than their White counterparts. The observance was started in 1915, when Booker T. Washington established National Negro Health Week. Many health disparities that continue to disproportionately affect minorities are rooted in poverty as well as inferior care due to racism. In Southwest Florida’s history, many Black residents helped ensure quality health care for the Black community. Melissa Jones and Candis Walker Melissa Jones and Candis [...]

In an effort to spur community support and energize fundraising for a planned African American Cultural Center, Attorney Joe North and his family including his wife Benita, son, Joe North Jr., daughter, Kem Longo, and Joe’s father, James North, presented a check for $100,000 to the Lee County Black History Society on March 15 at the Williams Academy Black History Museum at Roberto Clemente Park in Fort Myers. “Over the years, this community has supported me in ways I could not even have imagined,” North said. “My wife and I discussed what we could do to give back to the [...]