News

The Lee County Black History Society, Inc. is proud to announce the opportunity for high school seniors with an offer of admission to attend a college or university the opportunity to apply for the 2025 Igniting the Future College Scholarship. Applications are due by May 1, 2025. Applicants must: Be a senior currently attending a Lee County High School Have an overall GPA of 2.5-3.8 for Emerging Scholar qualifications OR an overall GPA of 3.9 and above for Igniting the Future qualifications Complete the application and provide a short essay (see application for prompt) DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION CONTACT Lee [...]

June 15 festival recognizes African American celebration marking end of slavery in the U.S. The Lee County Black History Society, Dunbar Festival Committee and the African Coalition of Southwest Florida are partnered to host the 12th Annual Juneteenth Community Celebration at Roberto Clemente Park, 1936 Henderson Ave. in Fort Myers from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 15. The event was free to attend. “Juneteenth is a family-oriented celebration that focuses on community, and a time to recount the stories of the past,” said Charles Barnes, chair of the Lee County Black History Society. “Juneteenth celebrations strive to [...]

Nearly 300 people attended the event that highlighted Latimer Fellows and STEAM activities hosted by the Lee County Black History Society The Lee County Black History Society, in partnership with the Edison Awards and The Lewis Latimer Fellowship Program, offered “Youth Innovation Night: Unleash Your Super Powers” on April 16 at the Williams Academy Black History Museum in Fort Myers. The event featured a panel of Latimer Fellows from the Lewis Latimer Fellowship Program, a national program dedicated to providing access and mentorship to a select group of exceptional Black innovators to honor and foster innovations and inventions through the [...]

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, [...]