African American Heritage Society Events
October 25-26, 2024 - The African American Heritage Society sponsored and participated in the Celebrating Our Ancestors festival. The two day festival featured art, music, literature programs and much more as it celebrated the history and culture of enslaved people who made hugely important contributions to the history of Pensacola and the region.
March 23, 2024 - The African American Heritage Society was featured in the Books by the Bay event. The African American Heritage Society Readers' Ensemble read a collection of pieces from our six volume "When Black Folks Was Colored" book series.
February 16, 2024 - The African American Heritage Society hosted a performance and booth at Pensacola's Gallery Night. The theme was "Art & Soul". Audience members were treated to a performance by Lepoleon Williams and the Polimbtree Drummers as well as gained the opportunity to learn about the work on the African American Heritage Society.
November 19, 2023 - The African American Heritage Society sponsored "Health Disparities Impacting African Americans", free panel at Pensacola State College. The panel discussed the various ways the African American community is disproportionately impacted by various negative health factors.
July 16, 2023 - The African American Heritage Society hosted a book club discussion of Jodi Picoult's "Small Great Things". The book club discussion was facilitated by doctoral candidate Deleesa Butler.
June 18, 2023 - The African American Heritage Society co-sponsored the Pensacola State College Juneteenth Celebration! The evenet featured storytelling, dance performances, music, poetry and a host of other culturally enriching events in honor of Juneteenth.
April 15, 2023 - The African American Heritage Society participated in the Pensacola State College International Festival. We presented a history exhibit and featured African American Heritage Society Publications.
February 26, 2023 - The African American Heritage Society hosted our 2nd annual American History Book Club event with the book, “The Warmth of Other Suns” by Pulitzer Prize winning author Isabel Wilkerson.
November 6, 2022 - The African American Heritage Society presented a Humanities Film Program: Private Screening of Till. This film was based on the short life of Emmett Till that ended tragically, and explored the courage of his Mother, Mamie Till-Mobley as she pursued justice. The screening was presented at the AMC Bayou 15 Theatre, 5149 Bayou Blvd., Pensacola, FL 32503. Immediately upon conclusion of the Film - Audience Participation with the Panel Discussion led by the Founder and CEO of the Emmett Till Foundation for Justice, the President of the Florida League of Women's Voters, and University Professors.
September 16, 2022 - The African American Heritage Society participated in Gallery Night Pensacola.
August 6, 2022 - The African American Heritage Society presented the Heritage Scholars 7th Annual Summer Program (Day 3). This program included multiple days of creative and fun learning.
July 30, 2022 - The African American Heritage Society presented the Heritage Scholars 7th Annual Summer Program (Day 2). This program included multiple days of creative and fun learning.
July 23, 2022 - The African American Heritage Society presented the Heritage Scholars 7th Annual Summer Program (Day 1). This program included multiple days of creative and fun learning.
January 17, 2022 - The African American Heritage Society honored the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a historical presentation on 'Pensacola's Martin Luther King Drive and Martin Luther King Plaza.' Dr. Cheryl Howard presented the history of historic places in Pensacola, Florida that honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The African American Heritage Society was a member of the Florida Territorial Bicentennial Celebration and Activities Committee to assist with the planning and delivery of this 200th Anniversary celebration of the establishment of Pensacola
June 26, 2021 - The African American Heritage Society participated with the Middle Passage Marker Project and Ceremony at DeLuna Plaza and unveiled the Middle Passage Marker.
June 19, 2021 - The African American Heritage Society co-sponsored the first or Inaugural Juneteenth Festival with Pensacola State College and the University of West Florida.
May 23, 2021 - The African American Heritage Society hosted our first American History Book Club event with the book, “Caste” by Pulitzer Prize winning author Isabel Wilkerson.
May 12, 2021 - The African American Heritage Society hosted a Docent Program: Interest Meeting. This was an interest meeting for persons who may be interested in acting as a guide, typically on a voluntary basis, at Voices of Pensacola museum, in support of our "More Complete American History" exhibit, Black Citizenship in the Age of Jim Crow.
March 25, 2021 - In recognition of Women’s History Month, the African American Heritage Society partnered with the Pensacola Branch of the National League of Pen Women, to present: “Blue’s Women: The First Civil Rights Workers” – by Dr. June Cartwright, a member of the South Florida Jazz Hall of Fame.
February 21, 2021 - The African American Heritage Society presented it's "Black History Month Discussion" by Ambassador Cindy Courville, Ph.D. who spoke about her career, highlighting her many firsts as an African American Woman in her government career. Dr. Couville, a George Bush appointee, discussed the particulars of her Senate confirmation hearings and also regaled the Zoom attendees with recollections from her assignments to Pensacola NAS.
February 2021 - The African American Heritage Society hosted a Black History month event featuring Ambassador Cindy Courville, Ph.D., the first Woman and African American to serve as Ambassador to the AU, followed by her White House years when she was an Advisor to President George W. Bush.
December 19, 2020 - The African American Heritage Society presented an outdoor “Black Music Heritage” program featuring Jazz Pianist Gino Rosaria.
The African American Heritage Society presented a Live/Virtual History Talk by Dr. Lillie Edwards Professor Emerita of History and African American studies at Drew University in Madison, NJ where she has served for twenty-three years. She is the founding Director of Pan-African Studies and Director of American Studies. Approximately 200 attended via Zoom, both locally and nationally. One commenter indicated that she was viewing from Washington, DC.
November 20, 2020 - The African American Heritage Society successfully opened our 30th Season with a co-curated exhibit by the New York Historical Society and Dr. Cheryl Howard, for the African American Heritage Society.
August 23, 2020 - The Heritage Scholars Youth Forum participants met for day 2 of the "Good Trouble" Speak Up and Speak Out Forum to present their short story, poem, and other artistic, and in one case mathematically expressed, impressions from the documentary and teacher led group discussions. All students completing the two day program received Certificates of Completion and Books. Both days were facilitated virtually via Zoom from 4 - 6 PM.
August, 16, 2020 - The African American Heritage Society presented it's annual student focused Heritage Scholars Program. This year the theme focused on the life of the late Congressman John Lewis and his admonition, "When you see something wrong, you must say something." A two-part Youth Forum: "Good Trouble" Speak Up and Speak Out - was presented for students ages 11-18, facilitated by Educator and Doctoral Candidate Deleesa Cole-Butler. Day 1, the students watched the documentary 'John Lewis: Good Trouble' and received their follow up assignment.
August 15, 2020 - Lecture and Presentation: The History and Legacy of Racism in America and Its Intersection with Christianity. Guest speakers are Daniel and Taheesha Quarrels are founders of the Freedmen’s University, an organization focused on making Black History relevant to generations. Daniel is an author researcher, writer, and speaker on the intersectionality of African American history, theology, and apologetics to address modern social problems. Taheesha is a U.S. Army veteran and has dedicated the last fifteen (15) years of her career to expanding educational and career opportunities for minorities and military members. As a researcher and accomplished speaker, she focuses on developing solutions to help African Americans overcome educational and workforce inequities. The African American Heritage Society presented this lecture via Zoom, on Saturday, August 15, 2020, 6:00 PM
February 29, 2020 - Lecture and Presentation: An African American and Latinx History Of the United States, by Dr. Paul Ortiz, Professor of History and the Director of the Samuel Proctor Oral History Program at the University of Florida. The Lecture was held at Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd., at the Hagler Auditorium, Bldg. 2 at 4:00 PM.
January 24, 2020 - African American Heritage Society featured on WSRE-TV, Public Broadcasting Network, on the occasion of our 29 year collaboration on programs of relevance to African American History, Heritage and Culture in partnership with the AWARE Show, produced by African American Heritage Society Board Member, Dr. Gael Frazer, also recently retired as Vice President with Pensacola State College.
November 3, 2019 - Private screening of the film "Harriet" about the remarkable life of Anti-slavery Underground Railroad Conductor Harriet Tubman. Membership drive program open to Members & Sponsors Only that included a catered reception prior to the screening and Panel Discussion following, led by Rosalind Fisher, Professor of Anthropology at the University of West Florida and Retired Professor and Current School Board Member, Dr. Laura Edler. Event held at the AMC Bayou Theatre, 5149 Bayou Blvd. at 2:00 PM.
July 29 - August 2, 2019 - Heritage Scholars Camp. Theme: "Freedom Writers" at the African American Heritage Society, 200 Church Street, Pensacola, Florida, 8 AM-12 Noon
June 24-28, 2019 - Heritage Scholars STEM Camp. Theme: Harlem Renaissance "Creativity Unleashed" at the African American Heritage Society, 200 Church Street, Pensacola, 8 AM-12 Noon
June 18, 2019 - Juneteenth "History Talk" Event in collaboration with Pensacola Network of Black Professionals; presentation by Local Historian Marion Williams, Ph.D, at Casks & Flights Restaurant, Pensacola, at 7:30 PM.
June 10-14, 2019 - Heritage Scholars Community Program. Theme: "Harlem Renaissance". This program is facilitated at Ebonwood Community Center, 3511 West Scott Street, Pensacola, Florida
April 27, 2019 - Pensacola History Talk: The Influence of African Americans on Pensacola during Spanish rule from DeLuna’s arrival in 1559 to 1821, from 2:00 PM to 3:15 PM. by Dr. Marion Williams, Ph.D, Historic Coulson House 200 Church Street, Pensacola, FL.
April 17, 2019 -African American Heritage Society Partners with Dickerson Literacy Initiatives providing Books to 4th Graders at O.J. Semmes Elementary School. Story of Harriet Tubman presented by Executive Director Dr. Cheryl Howard.
March 23, 2019 - Reader's Ensemble Program “An Evening With the Reader's Ensemble” featuring readings“When Black Folks Were Colored” and recognition of the book editors Ms. Ora Will & Ms. Mamie Hixon at Voices of Pensacola Multicultural Center, at 5 PM. Welcome Reception from 4 PM to 5 PM.
February 23, 2019 - Brunch and Learn: The Green Book, historical presentation of the Green Book, by Dr. Cheryl Howard, 2 PM at the Society, 200 Church Street, Pensacola, Florida.
January 12, 2019 - Gallery Talk: "Dr. Don Shirley and the Green Book" by Professor and Author Arica L. Coleman, Ph.D. The Talk will be held at the J. Earle Bowden Center Classroom, 120 East Church Street, Pensacola, Florida 32502, at 5 PM; Catered reception following at Voices of Pensacola.
November 4, 2018 - Hagler Auditorium Performance at Pensacola State College, 4 PM, Underwood Avenue; Anita Singleton- Prather, master storyteller, bringing the Gullah culture to life through her character Aunt Pearlie Sue! Proceeded by Member and Sponsors Luncheon at the Hilton, Airport Blvd.
November 3, 2018 - Foo Foo Festival Event: Children’s Workshop 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, at Ebonwood Community Center, 3511 W. Scott Street, Gullah folk traditions through oral stories, arts, crafts and interactive presentations with Aunt Pearlie Sue.
November 2, 2018 - Foo Foo Festival Storyteller's Circle: "The Gullah Experience".
August 10, 2018 - Board Member Evening Retreat and Dinner
August 11, 2018 - Board Member full day Retreat and Luncheon
February 24. 2018 -Tea & Genealogy Program - Coulson House
February 23, 2018 - AAHS Heritage Leaders Poetry Social, Coulson House
February 21, 2018 - African American History Presentation at NAS Cory Station
February 17, 2018 - AAHS Readers Ensemble perform at the Navy NEX Annex/Cory Mall
February 1, 2018 -AAHS online Heritage Children’s Book Drive launched
January 27, 2018 - Tea & Genealogy Program - Coulson House
November 5, 2017 - Storytellers Circle: The Color of Courage (Theatrical presentation) UWF, CFPA, Foo Foo Festival event
September 15, 2017 - Annual Membership Meeting, AAHS: Kate Coulson House, 7PM
August 16, 2017 - Heritage Leaders Meeting, Kate Coulson House, 6:30 PM
July 10-14, 2017 - Heritage Scholars History Summer Camp, Kate Coulson House
June 17, 2017 -When Black Folks Were Colored (Volume VI) Book Signing, Reception & Unveiling, Heritage Hall, 6:30 PM
December 2, 2016 - The AAHS present Dr. Calvin A. Ramsey, in a special presentation, “The Chronicles of The Negro Motorist Green Book,” Old Church, 10:45 AM – 11:20 AM. The presentation is part of the Old Spanish Trail Assoc. Centennial Celebration Conference.
November 6, 2016 - Foo Foo Festival Storytellers Circle: An Evening of Oral Traditions, featuring Diane Ferlatte. University of West Florida, Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Music Hall, 7 PM-9 PM
September 30, 2016 - Annual Membership Meeting & Reception, Kate Coulson House
August 26, 2016 - In Loving Memory of Erma Granat, AAHS Manager. Nineteen Years of Dedicated Service.
August 18, 2016 - AAHS Readers Ensemble present at Pensacola Yacht Club at the request of the Rotary Club.
July 11-15, 2016 - Heritage Scholars History Summer Camp, 9 AM – 4 PM, at AAHS/ Kate Coulson House, 200 Church Street, Pensacola, FL
April 9-10, 2016 - Co-sponsorship of "The Charlene Gilbert Interview" with the AWARE Show broadcasted by WSRE TV.
April, 2016 - Heritage Scholars Saturday Program (Every Saturday in April)
March 5, 2016 - Vanishing Occupations: (Black Farmers) presented by Charlene Gilbert, Professor and Award wining Documentary Producer. Presented in collaboration with Florida Humanities Council and Pensacola State college, Location: PSC Hagler Auditorium
March 5, 2016 - WSRE TV Interview with Charlene Gilbert filmed at WSRE TV Studio B
February 20, 2016 – Black History Month Program, AAHS Readers Ensemble performs at NAS Navy/Exchange Pensacola Mall
November 7, 2015 – Presentation: Isaac Murphy, “Prince of Jockeys”, by Dr. Pellom Mcdaniels, at The Earle Bowden Building, 7 PM. Co-sponsored by the Florida Humanities Council.
October 10, 2015 – The African American Heritage Society Celebrates its' 25th Anniversary, taped live at the Jean & Paul Amos Performance Studio, and broadcasted by WSRE TV, hosted by the AWARE show October 10, 2015, and repeated WSRE broadcasts on October 11, 24, and 25th.
The event program featured Actor, Director, and Writer, Guy Davis, who unveiled his documentary on the life of his late grandparents, the incomparable Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee.
September 17-19, 2015 – “By These Hands” Weekend Workshop with guest speakers highlighting the Vernacular Markers of Pensacola’s Historic African American Cemeteries. Co-sponsored with the UWF Archaeological Institute and the UWF Historic Trust (Program presented at various locations)
September 12, 2015 – African American Heritage Society's 25th Anniversary Gala Celebration at the Jean & Paul Amos Performance Studio, (WSRE TV Complex) 5:30 PM,
July 6-10, 2015 – The AAHS hosts the Heritage Scholars Summer History Program (Monday – Friday, 9 AM -12 Noon)
June 20, 2015 – The AAHS hosts Book signing Celebration for Georgia Smith, author of “Elizabeth Finds Freedom For Christmas.” Location: E.S. Cobb Community Center (601 E. Mallory St.) 1 PM - 2:30 PM.
May 18-20, 2015 – AAHS participates with the Florida African American Heritage Preservation Network (FAAHPN) conference of State Museums, May 18-20th, 2015, Tallahassee Florida.
April, 2015 – The AAHS hosts the Heritage Scholars Saturday History Camp (Every Saturday during April, 1-3 PM)
February 26th, 2015 – The AAHS Readers Ensemble performs at the Anna Lamar Switzer Center for Visual Arts. The Ensemble performs selections from the book series “When Black Folks Was Colored”. This collaborative event showcased photojournalist Art Shay’s exbibit titled “Integration of Civil Rights” and featured narratives provided by the Visual Arts Faculty and students.
February 21, 2015 – The AAHS kicks of the Heritage Scholars Pilot Program An 8-week interactive program offering instructions on African American History to public school students. Location: The AAHS Kate Coulson House, Time: 1-4 PM
February 21, 2015 – AAHS Readers Ensemble will perform at the Annual Navy exchange Black History Month Awareness program. Time: 12 Noon – 1:30 PM. Location: Navy Mall Exchange.
February 20, 2015 – AAHS Historian and Board Member Latricia Gil- Brown, was a guest speaker at the Pace Center for Girls. Presentation: “Celebrating Glorious Black History Month”
November 16, 2014 – AAHS presents the Storytellers Slam Fest at Voices of Pensacola. Featuring Northwest Florida Poet Laureates Jamey Jones and Julie DeMarko. Also, Readers from the AAHS Readers Ensemble and West Florida Literary Federation.
September 6, 2014 – AAHS participates at the UWF Educators Diversity Conference
August 8, 2014 – Site visit scheduled for Impact 100 grant process
August 6, 2014 – AAHS scheduled to submit FHC grant application for Oral History project
July 14, 2014 – AAHS submits letter of support for the Jazz Society Of Pensacola (JSOP) to FL Div. Of Cultural Affairs
July 2014 – AAHS conducts tours of the Coulson House and various locations to several groups & tourists throughout the summer
June 25, 2014 - AAHS welcomes Michael Lane, WFPL to the Coulson House (Collaboration project: Street Museum)
June 19-20, 2014 – AAHS participates at FAAHPN Training held in Jacksonville FL
June 12, 2014 – AAHS recognizes the passing of Ruby Dee, legendary actress, civil rights activist and one of the original financial contributors to the renovation of the Kate Coulson House, home of the African American Heritage Society.
June 2, 2014 – AAHS welcomes Steve Hayes, Director of the Visitor Information Center to the Coulson House
May 19-20, 2014 – AAHS participates at FAAHPN “Commemorative celebration”, Tallahassee Fl.
April 30, 2014 – AAHS submits LOI for Impact 100 grant
April 15, 2014 – AAHS participates at the Community tourism Meeting held in Belmont Devilliers
March 15, 2014 – AAHS presents Dr. Rick Kittles, Co- founder African Ancestry.com “Who Are Your People” (Tracing Your family Tree) FHC program. Lecture and “Roots Reveal Ceremony: held at the Hagler Auditorium, Pensacola State College
March 15, 2014 – WSRE TV taping, AAHS & Dr. Rick Kittles appear on AWARE “Profile; program. Hosted by Dee Dee Sharp
February 21 & 22, 2014 – AAHS Film & Discussion Series held at the Coulson House (Films: Civil Rights Martyrs & Miles of Smiles)
February 22, 2014 – AAHS Readers Ensemble perform at Navy Exchange Annex
February 14, 2014 – AAHS Readers Ensemble perform at Navy Aerospace Institute Auditorium
Feb. 8, 2014 - AAHS Readers Ensemble perform at Magic Showcase at Heritage Hall)
Feb. 7, 2014 - AAHS Readers Ensemble perform at Pensacola State College)
February 7 & 8, 2014 – Soulful Magic! Featuring Master Magician & Illusionist William Gross
December 2013 – Civil Rights Film Showcase in Celebration of Kwanzaa
October 4, 2013 – Florida Humanities Council Series Lecture – “Before Jamestown: Europeans, Africans, and Indians in La Florida, 1513-1607” Dr. J. Michael Francis
August 22, 2013 – AAHS participate at the Community Fair held at Pensacola State College
July 16, 2013 – AAHS partner with West Florida Literary Federation to present: “Art In Motion”, scheduled for October 24, 2013
June 1, 2013 – AAHS “Readers” Invited to perform selections of “When Black Folks Were Colored” at the Bagdad Museum in Bagdad, Florida
April 29, 2013 – Request by Warrington Middle school to Implement selections from “When Black Folks Were Colored” as part of a unit of study.
April 9, 2013 – AAHS “Readers” performs selections of “When Black Folk Were Colored” at St. Joseph’s Church
February 28, 2013 – Final showing of VIVA 500 Touring exhibit “A Route In Search of Roots”
February 20, 2013 – Copies of “When Black Folks Were Colored” CD’s presented as gifts to Escambia County Middle and High Schools
February 16, 2013 – Students and parents from St. Joseph’s Church tour the AAHS to view the VIVA 500 Exhibit “A Route In Search of Roots”
February 15, 2013 – AAHS “Readers” perform selections from “When Black Folks Were Colored” at the Navy Exchange, Annual Black History Month Program.
February 9, 2013 – The U.S. Army “D” Company, 344 Military Intelligence Battalion visit the AAHS to view the Exhibit “A Route In Search of Roots”
February 9, 10, 23, 24, 2013 - February Black History Month, Aware/WSRE airs highlights of Belmont Devilliers documentary, Produced by Robin Reshard. Sponsored by the African American Heritage Society
February 8, 2013 – Students from the Christian Academy visit the AAHS to view the VIVA 500 Exhibit “A Route In search of Roots”.
January 25, 2013 – Taped a segment of AWARE/WSRE TV featuring highlights from the documentary Belmont Devilliers…The Making of a Neighborhood produced by Robin Reshard. Sponsored by the African American Heritage Society
January 12, 2013 – Opening Reception for the VIVA Florida 500 touring Exhibit “A Route In Search of Roots” on display at the AAHS until February 28th
December 2, 2012 – CD Launch and Showcase, presented at Heritage Hall. Various dignitaries, elected officials and community leaders recognized for their support of the African American Heritage Society
July/August, 2012 – The African American Heritage Society arranges guided tours of the Pensacola Florida Black Heritage Trail
June 7, 2012 – The African American Heritage Society becomes Fiscal Sponsor of the documentary Belmont Devilliers...The Making Of A Neighborhood produced by Robin Reshard
June 2, 2012 - The African American Heritage Society presents “When Black Folks Were Colored” at the Bagdad Museum for the Bagdad Preservation Historical Society.
March 3, 2012 – Florida Humanities Council Series “The African Presence in Spanish Florida. “Looking for Angola, “Vickie Oldham (Part III)
January 16, 2012 – Florida Humanities Council Series “The African Presence in Spanish Florida. “Fort Mose’,”
Dr. Jane Landers (Part II)
October 15, 2011 – Florida Humanities Council Series “The African Presence in Spanish Florida: “Black Seminoles, “Dr. Rosalyn Howard (Part I)
October 8, 2011 – AAHS Board Retreat (Part II)
September 25, 2011 – AAHS Live CD Recording of “When Black Folks Were Colored” (Earle Bowden Building)
September 23, 2011 – AAHS appears on WSRE-TV Program “Aware”
March 26, 2011 – Florida Humanities Council / Series II: Black Jacks (Black Seafarers)
March 13, 2011 – Women’s History Program, Earle Bowden Building
March 12, 2011 – AAHS Board Retreat (Part I)
February 19, 2011 - Florida Humanities Council / Series II: History of the Black Pirates Lecture / Dr. Marvin Dunn, Earle Bowden Building
February 13, 2011 – Unveiling of Vol. 5 “When Black Folks Were Colored” (Book Presentation & Readings)
January 15, 2011 – Pullman Porters Lecture, Dr. Vibert White, at Earle Bowden Building
January 14, 2011 – Florida Humanities Council Program Series I: Dangerous Occupations – Pullman Porters Movie: Miles of Smiles, Years of Struggle, Hosted by Pensacola State College
December 2010 – Holiday
November 2010 – Holiday
September 2010 – 20th Anniversary Open House & Reception
March – April 2010 – Rosewood Training Exhibit on display at the AAHS (Coulson House) Headquarters
March 2010 – AAHS presents Florida Humanities Lecture “Rosewood” by Dr. Maxine Jones, Earle Bowden Building Classroom.
June 2009 - Provided guided tours of the Pensacola Black Heritage Trail for several out-of-town groups and PJC Project Challenge Student Program.
May 2008 – Gallery Night exhibited five sculptures of Constance Bergfors, painter and sculptor. Bergfors presented a gift of one of her sculptures, “Memories of Africa,” to the AAHS.
March 2008 – Donald Polk, Ph.D., J.D., presented lecture on the “The Photography of P.H. Polk.” Co- sponsored with the Florida Humanities Council.
March 2008 – Gala premiere of pilot of “The Florida Black Heritage Trail” television series, presented in partnership with PJC. Shown at WSRE Amos Studios (Segments 1-4).
March 2008 – Zora Neale Hurston, writer, poet and folklorist, presented a dramatic portrayal by Phyliss McEven. Co-Sponsored with the Florida Humanities Council.
March 2008 – Gallery Night featuring P. H. Polk collection of photographs. Music presented by Jazz and R&B Band, “Will - Inspire.”
February 2008 – “All That Chocolate – All That Jazz,” annual fundraiser and silent auction.
January – March 2008 – Exhibit of a collection of 30 photographs by P.H. Polk, official photographer of and professor at Tuskegee University. AAHS co-sponsored exhibit with the Florida Humanities Council.
October 2007 – 4th Annual Pensacola International Film Festival, sponsor and partner; hosted reception for Jon T. Anderson, film maker and producer of The Tuskegee Airmen.
September 2007 – Annual Meeting and 3rd Heritage Awards Ceremony. Presented Segment II: Florida Black Heritage Travel Series.
June 2007 – “Al Martin and Friends in Concert” and reception presented in partnership with Pensacola Junior College.
January 2007 – “Further Down the Road,” dramatization, written and presented by Bob Devin Jones on the lives of four Florida Highwaymen artists: Alfred Hair, Harold Newton, Ellis Buckner, and Livingston Roberts. Performance held at PJC Hagler Auditorium.
January 2007 – “A Taste of Art; Chocolate After Dark” reception for Gary Monroe, art historian and writer, followed by “A Conversation with Gary Monroe: The Florida Highwaymen.”
January – February 2007 – “Backdrops to Blacktops”: Exhibit of Paintings by the Florida Highwaymen. Four artist’s works shown: Alfred Hair, James Gibson, Harold Newton and Samuel D. Newton.
November 2006 – VIP Reception honoring actor Ossie Davis and showing of Purlie Victorious during the Film Festival.
November 2006 – Partnered with the Pensacola Film Commission for the 3rd Annual Pensacola Film Festival; AAHS presented trailer of The Florida Black Heritage Trail TV series pilot in partnership with PJC and the Pensacola Bay Area Convention & Visitors Bureau; and trailer of Lillie and Leander, a film about a tragic lynching in Pensacola followed by an unknown number of slayings of black men in northern Escambia County.
September 2006 – Annual Meeting and 2nd Annual Heritage Awards Ceremony
May 2006 – “Wine and Cheese Jitney Ride into History,” a tour of “African American Heritage Trail” sites. Music by David Suhor’s Jazz Trio.
January 2006 – Partnered with Pensacola Junior College to present The Jazz Story: African Roots, American Branches, a lecture by Dr. Charles Suhor, co-sponsored by the AAHS, the Florida Humanities Council and the PJC Black History Committee.
September 2005 – Annual Meeting and the 1st Awards Ceremony
February 2005 – Partnered with the University of West Florida to present Guy Davis (son of actors Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis), blues artist and composer, in concert “Low Down Cool Blues,” and blues workshops at Brownsville and Warrington Middle Schools.
December 2004 – Luncheon Launch of the African American Heritage Societys' Art History Book, "Images in Black", Volume I, A Pictorial History of "Black Pensacola", compiled and edited by Ora Wills.
2003 – 2004 – Began research and development of the Florida Black Heritage Trail Television Pilot in partnership with Pensacola Junior College and the Pensacola Bay Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, Segment I: Pensacola, Segment II: Tallahassee
2002 – Partnered with Pensacola Bay Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and Pensacola Junior College to publish the first “Pensacola African American Heritage Trail Brochure.”
2001 – Research begins for Heritage Trail Brochure
November 2000 – AAHS presents Neena Freelon in Concert at the Pensacola Saenger Theatre.
September 2000 – The Kate Coulson House becomes the official headquarters of the African American Heritage Society.
1999 – Presentation of Community Cultural Festival “No Better Blues”.
1998 – Presentation of Community Cultural Festival “The Pulse of the Delta”.
January 1998 – Launched Capital Campaign to renovate the Kate Coulson House in Historic Pensacola Village.
October 10-11, 1997 – Fourth Annual African-American Heritage Festival, VIVA BAHIA! – Evening of the Humanities, Oct. 10 Pensacola Cultural Center; Children’s Celebration and Festival, Oct. 11, Bayfront Auditorium.
March 1, 1997 – Sponsored Alfred Walker, bass baritone in “Elijah” presented by the Choral Society of Pensacola, the Pensacola Jewish Federation, the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, and the African-American Heritage Society.
February 15, 1997 – AZUKA CABARET IV-Guy Davis In Concert, “Down Home Blues,” Pensacola Cultural Center, Pensacola Little Theatre.
February 1997 – Celebrate Black History Month, Pensacola Cultural Center, sponsored by the African American Heritage Society, Pensacola Cultural Center, Pensacola Little Theatre, WBQP TV-12.
December 7, 1996 – Our Voices Are Many, African-American Readings – The Poetry and Prose of Famous and Local African-Americans sponsored by the African American Heritage Society and Readers and Writers Ink.
November 18-22, 1996 – Partners in Education Project: Karen-Kaia Livers’ “Creative Dramatic” residency. Presentation at Brownsville Academy of Arts and Sciences Middle School with one show at C.A. Weis Elementary.
October 5, 1996 – Gala Benefit for the African-American Heritage Society’s Coulson House Project sponsored by State Representative Buzz Ritchie to honor U.S. Congresswoman Carrie P. Meek, 17th District of Florida.
September 18-19, 1996 – Partners in Education Project: Michael Frith, “Dr. I Wonder’s Science Circus.” Presentations at C.A. Weis Elementary and Brownsville Academy of Arts and Sciences Middle School.
August 1996 – Bahia Foodways Celebration. Progressive Bahian Feast.
May 25, 1996 – AZUKA CABARET III – Duke Ellington Orchestra, Pensacola Saenger Theatre.
March 1996 – Women’s History Month Activities.
February 1996 – Speakers Bureau for Black History Month.
December 31, 1995 – First Night Pensacola Participation.
December 1, 1995 – Readers Showcase/Book Signing “When Black Folks Were Colored” –Volume III.
October 12-13, 1995 – “Akbarlmhotep Jazzman Meets Rapper” – Residences at C.A. Weis and A.A. Dixon Elementary Schools, Brownsville Middle School, and UWF Commons Auditorium.
September 29, 1995 – Sixth Annual Members Meeting – Speaker for exhibit “Spirit Cloths of Africa” – Pensacola Museum of Art.
September 27, 1995 – Appointment of second executive director, Doris C. Munoz
August 10-13, 1995 – Third Annual African American Heritage Festival – “The Sea Islands Legacy.”
May 6, 1995 – Second Annual Fundraiser – AZUKA CABARET: “A Taste of New Orleans – It’s HOT” – Museum of Commerce.
March 12, 1995 – Women’s History Month: Dr. Margaret Thompson: “We Are Inferior to None,” Pensacola Junior College.
March 5, 1995 – Presentation of the New York's Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, followed by a Members Reception and Autograph Party for the Alvin Ailey Dancers.
February 1995 – High School Presentations by the authors of When Black Folks Were Colored.
January 27, 1995 – Junebug Jabbo Jones – Theater Presentation – UWF Mainstage Theater – total 385 in attendance.
January 26, 1995 – Junebug Jabbo Jones – Residency at C. A. Weis Elementary School – total of 850 in attendance.
December 2, 1994 – Presentation of “When Black Folks Were Colored” followed by a Book Signing for Volume II – total of 135 in attendance
October 28, 1994 – “What is African in African-American Religion?” – Dr. Arthur Hollist presents at the Annual Members Meeting – total of 57 in attendance
August 11-13, 1994 – Second Annual Heritage Festival – “The Caribbean Connection” – total of 4,157 in attendance.
June 4, 1994 – Annual Board Retreat, groundwork for strategic planning.
April 30, 1994 – First AZUKA CABARET Annual Fundraiser – Pensacola Grand Hotel, 125 persons in attendance.
April 1 – May 15, 1994 – One-woman art show- Willie C. Mines- Pensacola Cultural Center Art Gallery.
March 11, 1994 – Tommy Scott Young spins Magical Tales – UWF Commons Auditorium in the evening. Performed for 800 children at C. A. Weis Elementary School that morning.
March 6, 1994 – “History Heritage and Hurston” – Women’s History Month – PJC Hagler Auditorium, N.Y. Nathiri, Executive Director, Eatonville Project.
February 13, 1994 – “Sunday Afternoon With Richard Fields” – Collaboration with Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, Pensacola High School.
December 17, 1993 – Presentation of “When Black Folks Were Colored” followed by a Book Signing for Volume 1”, publication by the AAHS.
November 23, 1993 – Appointment of Development Officer, Doris C. Munoz
November 5, 1993 – Annual members’ Meeting – Richard K. Dozier, lecture on African-American Architecture history, Pensacola Cultural Center.
August 12, 14, 1993 – First Annual Heritage Festival – “Celebrate the Motherland” – Street Festival held in Seville Square, over 1,500 in attendance.
March 1993 – Board Retreat – Management stabilization program initiated.
March 1993 – “An Evening with Mr. Samuel Hagan” – a celebration of the Negro Spiritual as an art form, Pensacola Junior College.
February 6, 1993 – “X: Firebrand of Freedom” – Charles Pace through the Florida Humanities Council.
January 19, 1993 – Presentation of world premiere of the chamber opera “Story of Harriet Tubman” – collaboration with Pensacola Opera and UWF.
November 13, 1992 – Annual Members Meeting – Art Exhibit: Xavier Amiama, background lecture “Haitian Cultural Legacy,” by Dr. Jean C. Brierre.
September 18, 1992 – Received the first 1,000 copies for “A is For African Art” – a pilot study book written for the AAHS by Dr. Christine B.J. Fulwylie.
July 12, 1992 – Grand Opening Celebration with over two-hundred (200) in attendance at the Pensacola Cultural Center.
June, 1992 – First grant to aid in development of cultural material for the Escambia County School System – “A is For African Art.”
May 13, 1992 – First State Grant award from Division of Cultural Affairs.
May 1, 1992 – New home for the Society: Pensacola Cultural Center, 400 South Jefferson Street, Suite 204.
April 29, 1992 – The appointment of an Executive Director and election of a new President and Board of Directors.
March 6, 1992 – Richard Fields in Concert – Center for Fine and Performing Arts, University of West Florida
November 15, 1991 – First of AAHS lecture series – Dr. Emma Waters Dawson, FAMU, “Image of African-American Woman in the Color Purple.”
September 25, 1991 – Second Annual Members Meeting. Opening of exhibit “Members Collect African Art” at the Pensacola Museum.
July 12, 1991 – First People Cultural Tour – Roots and Wings – A Cultural Book Place in Montgomery, Alabama.
July, 1991 – Became a non-profit corporation through receipt of 501(c)3 status.
April – May 4, 1991 – First Exhibit – Richard A. Twine, first black photographer in St. Augustine, Florida – T.T. Wentworth Museum.
January 26, 1991 – AAHS Inaugural Presentation: “A Taste of African-American Piano Music” with Gail Davis-Barnes, Pianist, UWF Music Hall.
November 28, 1990 – First Annual Members Meeting held at the Executive Club. Eleven persons were in attendance. Mr. and Dr. Epps, Dr. and Mrs. Goodman, Dr. R. Belous, Mr. J. Bankston, Atty. Cheryl Howard and Dr. Christine Fulwylie, and three guests.
November, 1990 – First monetary grant request submitted to Northwest Florida Arts Council.
September 26, 1990 – First Board Meeting, election of officers at the Pensacola Cultural Center.
September 12, 1990 – Received the Florida Department of State Certification of Incorporation.
August 6, 1990 – The election of temporary officers and the naming of the organization at the offices of Dr. Goodman. Founders of the African American Heritage Society are as pictured: Mr. Marshall Emerson, (not a founder - Mr. Jesse Bankston), Attorney Cheryl Howard, Dr. Christine Fulwylie, Mrs. Antoinette Goodman, Dr. Lornetta Epps, Mr. Kenneth Epps, Dr. Percy Goodman. Founders not pictured: Dr. Omega Gardner and Dr. Russell Belous.
January 17, 1990 – First structural meeting where several persons discussed the possibilities for the success of a Black cultural organization.