Boxser Diversity Initiative

06/05/2026

As we wrap up our 2025–26 season, we're incredibly grateful for Mr. Holliman's dedication to our mission. From mentoring our Bending the Arc Scholars to helping organize three major community events through our annual Building Bridges Discussion Series, his impact has been felt across our organization and community.

Thank you for your leadership, service, and commitment! 💙

06/01/2026

Happy Pride Month!

Check out Project Pride SRQ, Fabulous Arts Foundation, St Pete Pride for events in the region 🌈

05/31/2026

BDI raised more than $24,000 in just 24 hours during the Giving Challenge thanks to your support.

We are indebted to the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and The Patterson Foundation for their partnership and support. Thank you! 💙

The Giving Challenge is hosted by the Community Foundation, with giving strengthened by the Patterson Foundation.

📸 Garcia Public Relations

05/15/2026

Visiting Montgomery, Alabama? Montgomery Square is a must-see. EJI's newest Legacy Site tells the story of the Montgomery decade that changed the world.

Plan your visit: https://montgomerysquare.eji.org/about/

05/14/2026

Please join us in congratulating Ms. Edna Sherrell, our Director of Learning, on yet another successful year of leading Bending the Arc, a groundbreaking Civil Rights program for local high school students.

Director Sherrell is the secret sauce that makes BTA as impactful as it is in the life of each student who graduates from the program. We are immensely grateful to have Director Sherrell on our team at BDI and for her lifelong commitment to educating our future leaders right here in Sarasota.

Thank you! 💐

📸 Garcia Public Relations

05/04/2026

🎬 BDI Board Member and filmmaker Judge Williams was honored to attend the premiere of Fish Fry & Fellowship at the Sarasota Film Festival.

Judge Williams also served as a producer on the film, and both he and BDI were credited in the production, with BDI also acknowledged as a supporter.

He joined a thoughtful panel discussion on a film that goes beyond a church fish fry in Palmetto to explore how everyday traditions carry history and create space for understanding.

At its heart, the documentary reflects life in a community still shaped by the legacy of segregation, and how shared spaces like the fish fry at St. Andrews AME Church can soften barriers and foster real connection.

We’re proud to support storytelling that shows reconciliation happens in real moments, between real people. 🍽️✨

Learn more at FishFryDoc.com.

📸 Rebecca Bolletti

05/02/2026

We're so proud of our 2025-26 Bending the Arc Scholars!!! 🎉

These students give us so much hope for Florida and beyond.

Thank you for being the leaders America needs. 🇺🇸

📸 Garcia Public Relations

04/23/2026

What an unforgettable afternoon at the Celebration 🎉

More than 150 community members joined us at Florida Studio Theatre to honor our incredible Scholars. Each student received a $500 Award and a Certificate signed by Dr. James Stewart of Penn State and Dr. Timothy Patrick McCarthy of Harvard University.

Thank you to the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation for making this opportunity possible, and to CEO John Annis for his inspiring remarks. The future is bright.

📸 Garcia Public Relations

04/19/2026

, Celebrate our Scholars TODAY 🎉

Join us for Bending the Arc: Student Celebration 🎉

After months of learning and a powerful journey through Alabama’s Civil Rights landmarks, our student leaders are ready to share their stories, reflections, and growth. Come celebrate their work and be inspired by the next generation of change-makers.

🗓 Sunday, April 19 | 3 – 5 PM
📍 Florida Studio Theatre (Sarasota)
🎟 Free (Reservations required)

Be part of a meaningful afternoon that honors history, community, and the future.