SARASOTA, FL – On May 25, League of Women Voters of Sarasota County (LWVSRQ) and Suncoast Women of Action (SWOA) will host a panel discussion, The History of the Black Vote: The Black Voter Experience in Sarasota.
Helen James, president of Suncoast Women of Action, encourages Sarasota residents to attend, saying, “The history of voting has not been kind to the Black race. Now is the time we must educate ourselves, get involved, stay involved and make a difference in all elections: local, state, and general.”
Vickie Oldham, president of the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition and Newtown Alive historian, will serve as moderator. The panel is composed of well-known community leaders and activists in Newtown – one of Sarasota’s oldest communities – including:
• Barbara Langston – Activist and Village Elder, Newtown
• Kay Mathers – Girls Inc. and Human Services Advisory Council
• Dee McFarland – President, Sarasota Black Caucus
Linda Thompson, president of LWVSRQ, also emphasizes the importance of educated voters and their responsibility to vote. “The League of Women Voters helps community members to register to vote, to know the candidates and issues, and to get out there and vote. The leaders we elect make decisions that affect us, our jobs, our healthcare, and more.”
The event will be held Wednesday, May 25 at 6 p.m. at Bethlehem Bible Church of Sarasota (1680 18th Street, Sarasota). The discussion will be followed by light refreshments and conversation in the Fellowship Hall. For additional information, contact Events@LWVSRQ.org.
About League of Women Voters
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Suncoast Women of Action serves as a vehicle for disseminating information and increasing the ease with which citizens can engage in American government. Visit lwv.org/local-leagues/lwv-sarasota-county.