Newtown Alive

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The mission of the Newtown Conservation Historic District is to celebrate the history and cultural heritage of Newtown — a resilient community undergoing revitalization.

Booker High School, the pride and joy of the Newtown community. Thanks again Dr. Rachel Shelley, the proud principal.Unf...
06/08/2026

Booker High School, the pride and joy of the Newtown community.
Thanks again Dr. Rachel Shelley, the proud principal.
Unforgettable!
The legacy continues.

We hit the streets with the new CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota and her team. I closed my eyes to savor the ...
06/03/2026

We hit the streets with the new CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota and her team.

I closed my eyes to savor the moments of togetherness and to hear Brenda leading the singing and clapping.

I needed this lift today. My heart still sags after losing a special member of my support team, Rev. Dr. Brock Leach. But hearing my own words about the courage, dignity and determination of Newtown pioneers keeps me going.

Thanks Brock Leach.He introduced me to quilter Peg Green who unveiled a work featuring Newtown sites. I began hosting tr...
05/30/2026

Thanks Brock Leach.

He introduced me to quilter Peg Green who unveiled a work featuring Newtown sites. I began hosting trolley tours after dedication day of Newtown’s 15 historic markers in 2018. Brock, (a SAACC board member) recognized the power of great storytelling after hopping aboard a tour and hearing our stories. He rode with us more than once.

Rev. Dr. Brock Leach (he went by just “Brock”) got fully immersed. The CEO of 2 major corporations facilitated a bunch of trainings about branding, and marketing.

Budgets, governance, strategic planning, innovative problem-solving, and marketing are daunting tasks for any new CEO. But Brock had my back and walked me through minefields.

Profound was his impact in my life; always calm, patient, level-headed and empathetic, offering gentle guidance, and genuine praise. I never saw him irritated. And what a big heart!

He embraced this work (and us) with arms wide open.

Brock left us this week (obit in comments). My spirit feels a deep sense of loss. May prayers of peace envelop his loving wife Julie, their children, and family dog, who was always close. Brock's legacy will forever inspire.

From the classroom teaching about Black women rising, to high tea. I invited Chloe (with permission from her mom) to joi...
05/21/2026

From the classroom teaching about Black women rising, to high tea. I invited Chloe (with permission from her mom) to join us at the next event.

We made a pitstop at a spacious, but randomly selected restroom to change shoes, refresh, and get a briefing about networking.

I like to take young people with me to events (if allowed). My assignment, mentor.

The students came to learn. The teachers showed up! Brief OLLI class synopsis: Countless Black women braved dangerous t...
05/21/2026

The students came to learn. The teachers showed up! Brief OLLI class synopsis:

Countless Black women braved dangerous terrain with courage, dignity, and determination to gain freedom, education, and access for oppressed people. The roll call, numerous — Phyllis Wheatly, Harriett Tubman, Mary McCleod Bethune…

Newtown women were at the forefront of Sarasota's battle for Black rights. Josie Washington, Mary Emma Jones, Betty Jean Johnson, Emma E. Booker, Gwendolyn Atkins, Elease Suarez, and Dorothye Smith. Our roll call of Black women rising to assist the community is long.

A multimedia presentation was icing.

Stop by the World Peace Rose Garden in Atlanta. Peace. We all could use some. “In silent whispers, hope does bloom.”
05/18/2026

Stop by the World Peace Rose Garden in Atlanta. Peace. We all could use some.
“In silent whispers, hope does bloom.”

“The ark of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” Dr. King Jr. made the quote famous. He was hopeful...
05/17/2026

“The ark of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” Dr. King Jr. made the quote famous. He was hopeful that despite slow progress, human societies eventually move toward fairness and equality.

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