Black History

The Wasmer Art Gallery at FGCU is hosting an exhibition of works by multidisciplinary artist Onajide Shabaka titled “Becoming Tomorrow’s Dream.” Shabaka’s work is deeply rooted in historical, cultural, and ecological narratives often exploring themes related to the African diaspora, collective memory, history, anthropology, and ethnobotany. We will talk with Shabaka about the exhibit and his broader artistic practice.

The Wasmer Art Gallery at FGCU is hosting an exhibition of works by multidisciplinary artist Onajide Shabaka titled “Becoming Tomorrow’s Dream.” Shabaka’s work is deeply rooted in historical, cultural, and ecological narratives often exploring themes related to the African diaspora, collective memory, history, anthropology, and ethnobotany. We will talk with Shabaka about the exhibit and his broader artistic practice ahead of his artist talk, Jan. 22, at the exhibit’s opening reception.

Nearly 100 years has passed since Dunbar High School first opened its door to students to provide the black community of Southwest Florida with the same educational standards as everyone else.

Three years ago, Hurricane Ian blew the roof off the historic Blanchard House in Punta Gorda. Swells of water flooded the structure, leaving damage that took years to recover from.

Turning historic McCollum Hall in Fort Myers into a mixed-use development with co-working space and a restaurant is not only commercially viable but represents an opportunity for cultural and community revitalization.That was one of the findings from a feasibility analysis done with the help of AI by the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency. The results will be discussed at Wednesday’s Fort Myers CRA meeting.

Most people are aware of the culture and style that make Harlem stand out in New York City. But in the Sunshine State, the small community of Harlem goes mostly unnoticed.

Groups come together to celebrate Juneteenth in Fort Myers at the STARS Complex.

It was 160 years ago that enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned they had been freed — after Civil War's end and two years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. Many Americans are celebrating Juneteenth, that day in 1865 when a Union officer announced liberation.

The Lee County Black History Society is preparing to celebrate their annual Juneteenth event.

Fort Myers City Council approves $4.2 million for Community Redevelopment Agency to restore historic McCollum Hall.