Preserving Sarasota's Black History: A Conversation with Vickie Oldham of Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition
From Behind the Masterpiece on Florida’s Cultural Coast by Visit Sarasota County
August 5, 2025 · 27 min
About this episode
A conversation with Vickie Oldham about preserving Black history and community engagement in Sarasota.
In this episode of Behind the Masterpiece, host Jeffery Kin sits down with Vickie Oldham, President & CEO of the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition. Together, they dive into the emotional roots of her mission, from preserving Black history through the Leonard Reid House to launching legacy projects like butterfly gardens and storytelling murals. Vickie shares how her love for history, community, and even gardening helps shape a more connected Sarasota. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation filled with purpose, passion, and the power of storytelling. Visit the Leonard Reid House: 2529 N Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34234 Website: https://thesaacc.org/ Timestamps: (00:00) Introducing Vickie Oldham, President & CEO of the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition (01:30) Facebook Byline and getting interested in African American History (06:30) The Leonard Reid House creation and current activities (10:00) Interest in horticulture and the role at Leonard Reid House (13:00) The Legacy Walk and butterfly garden (14:45) Tours of the Leonard Reid House (17:50) Walter Gilbert Murals popping up around town (20:20) Growing up in an artistic household (22:00) Past life as a…
People in this episode
Host: Jeffery Kin
Guest: Vickie Oldham
Topics covered
- Black history
- Cultural preservation
- Community engagement
- Storytelling
- Gardening
- Art
Keywords
- Black history
- Sarasota
- Leonard Reid House
- cultural coalition
- storytelling
- butterfly gardens
- murals
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition
Places: Leonard Reid House, Sarasota, Sarasota, FL
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