What We've Done Recently
Updated: Sep 30
Reported September 2026
The Sarasota NAACP sent two representatives to the 85th Florida State Conference in Orlando September 17th -19th. Sarasota’s President, Trevor Harvey was a presenter in the FSC Governance Session which was well received by the attendees. Sarasota Executive Board Member, Lewis Dean, attended the Conference and was very impressed with the information he gained from two sessions related to housing issues.
The Sarasota NAACP was acknowledged for its work on educating and engaging voters for the 2026 Primary & General Elections.
Reported August 2026
Our NAACP Weekend of Action was a great success! Volunteers knocked on more than 200 doors to share facts with the residents of the North County area. Four new memberships were taken in due to this action. Another “Action Event” is planned to take place prior to the Nov. 3 Midterm Election.
Reported June 2026
President Trevor Harvey has had multiple conversations with the new principal of Booker High School, Jamal Crook.
President Harvey was able to tour the Sarasota Police Department’s Real Time Operations Center called “The ROC.” This room is used to solve crimes using the finest technology available.
Sarasota NAACP will send three members to the 2026 National Convention held in Chicago.
Sarasota NAACP will be a sponsor of the Ruby Bridges Walk on Nov. 14th. Ruby Bridges, herself, will be in attendance
Online payments will be available to payments for FAB and dues. Look for update to the website shortly.
Reported May 2026:
Our Sarasota NAACP branch will have an active presence in educating the Sarasota community regarding protecting voting rights and encouraging greater voter participation. A DEFENDING OUR DEMOCRACY symposium is scheduled for June 27, 2026. We have partnered with many other organizations for this important presentation.
Members from the Sarasota NAACP will be attending the National Convention in Chicago, July 18-22,
Reported April 2026:
We are continuing to work on the creation of a Memorial Plaque commemorating the South Venice “Negro Beach.” The Sarasota NAACP is the applicant in this process.
The Florida NAACP is one of many groups suing the state over the Florida SAVE Act which is set to take effect Jan. 1, 2027.
Reported March 2026:
We are spreading the word regarding Margie’s Market. This is a grocery store operated by All Faiths Food Bank, located at 1781 MLK Way. The store carries fresh fruits & vegetables, dairy & bakery products, a variety of meat as well as canned foods. This is a food pantry where shoppers choose what they want.
Reported February 2026:
Plans are being made to host a “Power of the Pen” event. Attendees will be encouraged to send postcards to federal & state representatives voicing their opinions on upcoming bills and government decisions. Phone banks and ability to check voting status will also be available. Date to be determined.
Reported January 2026:
On January 19, 2026 members of the Sarasota NAACP attended the 50th MLK Day breakfast. Our branch is a sponsor of this annual event. Joseph Mack, a member of the local branch, was the recipient of a Community Service Award for his work as the chairman of CHAT.
Reported December 2025:
The Executive Council of the Sarasota NAACP chapter has voted to be a sponsor of EMBRACING OUR DIFFERENCES for 2026.
Sarasota NAACP will be the applicant of record for a Memorial Plaque to be placed at S. Venice “Negro Beach.” commemorating the use of that beach as the designated beach for Black Sarasota residents from 1956 – 1964.
Reported October 2025:
President Harvey met with the Sarasota Police Department and community residents to resolve incident at Mary Dean Park.
President Harvey has attended community meetings concerning the possible closing of some neighborhood schools and the interest of Schools of Hope to move into public school buildings. Harvey has also been in discussions with Superintendent Connor.
Reported September 2025:
President Trevor Harvey attended the Florida NAACP State Conference where Dr. Adora Obi Nweze was honored for her 25 years of service as President of the Florida NAACP. Donald R Hart Sr. is the new President, and Trevor Harvey is a member of the State level Executive Committee.
We are paying attention to the discussions and any decision related to the possible closing of Wilkinson School. This is the link to the Sarasota County School Board: School Board | Sarasota County Schools
Reported July 2025:
Sarasota NAACP sent 4 Delegates to the NAACP National Convention held in Charlotte NC. Topics included: policy standards, importance of understanding AI, impact of the Big (ugly) Bill, leadership development, and resolutions to be ratified by the National Board.
The Sarasota NAACP has come to understand the value in thoroughly vetting information before making decisions. Recently, two incidents originally appeared suspicious when only a snippet of information was available. After all information was presented, it was clear that both episodes were dealt with fairly.
Reported June 2025:
The NAACP Florida State Quarterly Conference, presented the Sarasota Branch with a certificate recognizing its increase in membership.
A positive outcome was achieved as a result of a Legal Redress action.
Reported May 2025:
While the New College takeover of The Ringling and USF is currently dead in this Legislative session, the Florida NAACP has given the Sarasota NAACP branch the “OK” to advocate against this move by New College if the need arises.
Conversations, regarding strategies to avoid an increase of crime in the summer months, are ongoing with both the Sarasota Police Department and the Sarasota County Sheriff's Department.
Reported April 2025:
Freedom Awards Banquet is set for Oct. 16, 2025.
Mike Wedell and Trevor Harvey are encouraged by the most recent meeting of the African American Education Task Force. Progress is being made with supporting educators as they teach African American history. FSU is involved in the teacher training.
Sarasota NAACP is interested in creating a History page on this website. We are asking anyone with knowledge or resources to please email srqsecnaacp@gmail.com
Reported March 2025:
We are discussing ways to help create a more active community.
Reported January 2025:
President, Trevor Harvey, and Executive Committee Member, Mike Weddle, attended the NAACP Florida Quarterly Training in Orlando.
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