Sarasota Magazine is committed to telling the stories of our growing, diverse community.

In This Feature:

Emmy Award-Winning Journalist Julian Phillips on Media, Food and Conversation

Phillips' career includes stints in national TV news and a year leading communications for the NYPD.

03/02/2026 By Kim Doleatto

Attorney Janella Leibovitz Gives Foster Kids a Voice in Court

Leibovitz oversees Legal Aid of Manasota's Legal Lifeline for Youth program, which provides comprehensive legal representation to kids in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

02/03/2026 By Megan McDonald

Maribel 'Belle' Stikeleather Helps Neurodivergent People Find Community

Stikeleather’s passion for the cause grew from a journey that began as a special education teacher in her native Philippines and the United Arab Emirates and later as a coach and clinical director in California.

01/02/2026 By Stephanie Churn Lubow

Lifelong Newtown Resident and Organizer Valerie Buchand on Perseverance and Hope

"We need people willing to fight, not for profit, but for justice. That’s what I would tell young people: Be ready for the challenge, but do right. Always do right.”

12/01/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Public Media Host Dalia Colón Is Always Hungry for Stories

"Sometimes all roads lead to Sarasota.”

11/03/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Darwin Tepe Puts Data and Heart to Work for Sarasota’s Seniors

Tepe’s work pairs numbers with human stories, showing legislators and funders that investing in seniors isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s financially savvy.

09/03/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Patricia Pete of Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library on the Power of Libraries

"We want kids to know that this is a safe place for them to come.”

07/03/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Dr. Tanya Schreibman on the Current State of the HIV/AIDS Epidemic

“Research keeps you on the forefront and provides opportunities for patients and staff. It’s the only way we’ll ever move forward with HIV.”

06/16/2025 By Megan McDonald

UnidosNow Co-Founder C.J. Czaia on Immigration, ICE and Fear in the Hispanic and Latino Community

Czaia recently spoke with us about the nation’s ongoing immigration crackdown and what local immigrant families are going through.

05/05/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Former City Manager Marlon Brown on Public Service, His Biggest Accomplishments and His New Role with the Sarasota Chamber

"However many hours I ended up in the office, I didn’t care about anything else but just making sure that every day I saw people walking the street, enjoying the city and laughing.”

04/03/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Renée James Gilmore on Continuing Her Family's Historic Local Legacy

Gilmore is the daughter of the late activist Dr. Ed James and the great-granddaughter of Mary Emma Jones, who led the 1955 wade-in efforts to desegregate Sarasota beaches.

09/09/2024 By Heather Dunhill

Fashion Industry Veteran Claudia Swan on How Being a Fair-Skinned Black Woman Impacted Her Life and Career

“What happens with me being fair-skinned is that I hear the racist feelings that people really do believe and what they're saying to their friends.”

06/17/2024 By Heather Dunhill

Civil Rights Attorney Victor McTeer on the Power of Serving Underrepresented Communities

McTeer won his first case, which went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, at age 27. He also worked on a major lawsuit against a tobacco company that inspired John Grisham's The Runaway Jury.

05/13/2024 By Heather Dunhill

Samantha Gholar on the Lack of Black Journalists in Newsrooms and the State of Diversity in Sarasota

"There are organizations in this community that have zero Black or brown people on their boards. It’s unfortunate that business leaders don’t include us in the bigger conversations."

04/10/2024 By Heather Dunhill

World Series Champ John 'T-Bone' Shelby on His Passion for Baseball and Never Giving Up

Shelby, who's now retired and lives in Sarasota, won two World Series championships with the Baltimore Orioles and the L.A. Dodgers, and coached for many years.

03/18/2024 By Heather Dunhill

Dale Booker on the Experiences That Shaped Her and the Realities of Living in Florida as a Black Woman

"It’s disconcerting that many of Florida's transplants seem to have never been exposed to Blacks before."

02/19/2024 By Heather Dunhill

Spelman College President Dr. Helene Gayle on Higher Education, Affirmative Action and Black Excellence

“If we are going to lean into who we are becoming as a nation, we’ve got to grapple with the importance of diversity."

01/09/2024 By Heather Dunhill

The Hon. Charles Williams on the Importance of Patience and Empathy in the Legal System

Williams also shares what it was like growing up in segregated St. Pete, as well as a touching story about meeting his idol, boxer and activist Muhammad Ali.

12/11/2023 By Heather Dunhill

Travis Ray on Family, Theater and the Dream That Led Him to Found Dapper Bowtique

"Our world needs real conversations, without anger, that allow us to get on the same page."

11/06/2023 By Heather Dunhill

Briana Harris Francois on Tennis, Coco Gauff and What It's Like to Be a Minority in a White-Dominated Sport

Francois picked up a tennis racquet when she was just three-and-a-half years old. Today, after a long and successful career, she's the first Black tennis director at The Resort at Longboat Key Club.

10/09/2023 By Heather Dunhill

Former MLB Player Jeremy Shelby on Identity, Opportunity and Giving Yourself Grace

Shelby is the founder, president and head of directors at Sarasota's Elite Life Management, a wealth advisory company.

09/11/2023 By Heather Dunhill

City Commissioner and Lawyer Erik Arroyo on His Journey to Success

The first Hispanic, immigrant mayor of the City of Sarasota talks about fitting in, and fulfilling his ambition against all odds.

08/24/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Shirley Miller on Sex Education and Civil Rights

Miller spent more than 30 years of her career designing and implementing sex education programs in more than 70 countries.

07/11/2023 By Heather Dunhill

Open Arms Consultants' Souad Dreyfus on the Power and Intimacy of Surrogacy and Egg Donation

Originally from Morocco, Dreyfus has been helping people have babies for 20 years.

06/27/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Francina Hollaway on Growing Up in Segregated Florida and Integrating Her Elementary School

Throughout her education, Hollaway focused on excelling at math. "Writing can be critiqued because it's subjective," she explains. "But in math, there’s only one right answer.”

06/12/2023 By Heather Dunhill

Longtime Educator Dr. Caryl J. Sheffield on the Power of Culturally Sensitive Teaching

Sheffield, a retired professor, also shares the story of her paternal grandfather, Caesar Sheffield, who was lynched in the early 1900s, and how his death resonated in her family.

05/09/2023 By Heather Dunhill

Rosa Grillo on Sharing Her Family's History With the Smithsonian

"The most important thing for me is that the world understands that the American Latino community is as varied as the larger American community."

05/04/2023 By Bethany Ritz

Comedian Steve White on Relocating to Sarasota and How Humor Has Changed Since His Career Began

"The first thing when I get home from traveling is to spin around in my living room and yell at the top of my lungs to express gratitude."

03/28/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Dr. Janjay Gehndyu on Emotional Intelligence and the Power of Education

Gehndyu is the former principal of Visible Men Academy.

02/06/2023 By Heather Dunhill

Tomeika Hunter-Koski on Serving in the Army, Education and Her Charitable Work in Africa

“For decades, Black people have been told to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps when too many of us don’t have boots—and the powers that be continue to systemically keep the boots out of reach."

01/11/2023 By Heather Dunhill

Rev. Larry Green Sr. on the Church's Role in the Black Community and the Hope in Helping Others

"Allowing people to express their anger, frustration and/or sadness can help them find comfort and strength."

12/19/2022 By Heather Dunhill

Charlayne Hunter-Gault on Her New Book and 50 Years of Reporting on Black Life

"We must learn to talk to people who don’t agree with us, which is a challenge these days. Communication is the essence of our existence. In so many ways, this is how we will open doors.”

11/07/2022 By Heather Dunhill

New College Alumna Sofia Ali-Khan on Racism and Reconciliation

Ali-Khan will speak at New College next week about the U.S. legacy of exploitation and racism across her experiences living in different U.S. cities and Canada.

11/03/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Adria Jensen on Growing Up Cuban, Why We Need More Hispanic Lawyers and the Importance of Mentors

Jensen is a partner in the Sarasota firm Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick and has been nominated to become a judge.

10/20/2022 By Bethany Ritz

Malushua Griffith on Growing Up in St. Croix, Entrepreneurship and Black Maternal Health

"When it comes to doctors, Black women need them not to see our color—we need them to listen and act."

10/11/2022 By Heather Dunhill

Jetson Grimes on Sarasota's Black History and the Importance of Community Activism

"I believe in bringing people together. Everyone is human."

09/13/2022 By Heather Dunhill

Renee Lenneman on Foster Parenting, Adoptions and Helping the Next Generation

Lenneman has fostered more than two dozen children since she moved to Sarasota.

08/16/2022 By Allison Forsyth

Melanie Thomas on Succeeding in the Entertainment Industry and Empowering Young People

"Why can’t we accept each other for the purpose to unify, not to destroy? In unity, there is strength."

08/09/2022 By Heather Dunhill

Architect Javi Suárez on His Puerto Rican Heritage, His Art and Making a Home in Sarasota

Suárez's new art exhibition, Sarasota Icons, celebrates those who left their mark on Sarasota, from more obscure names to ubiquitous ones.

08/01/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Media Executive George Miles on Career Pivots, Doo-wop and the Need for Black People in the Newsroom

"This country needs a dialogue, not a monologue."

07/11/2022 By Heather Dunhill

Dr. Janet Taylor on Generational Trauma and How Racism Affects Mental Health

"Silence and inaction are damaging. We are not in a position within America and within our communities to be inactive or inattentive."

06/13/2022 By Heather Dunhill

Restaurant Owner Poonam Maini on Finding Her Way to a New Life in Sarasota

The owner of Tandoor Fine Indian Cuisine worked to overcome an abusive marriage and build a thriving business, and now gives back to the needy in her native India.

06/06/2022 By Kay Kipling

Entrepreneur Lillian Lambert on Being the First Black Woman to Graduate from Harvard Business School

"In my class of about 800 students, 18 were women and six were Black: five men and me."

05/10/2022 By Heather Dunhill

Former J&J Executive Marilyn Thompson on Diversity, Inclusion and Corporate Culture

Marilyn Thompson also weighs in on the Will Smith/Chris Rock altercation and its broader implications for the Black Community.

04/12/2022 By Heather Dunhill

Neirda Thompson-Pemberton on Diversity in Engineering and Inspiring Kids Through S.T.E.A.M.

"Diversity and inclusion aren’t about an afterthought. They're about intent, from the beginning."

03/16/2022 By Heather Dunhill

A Local Ukrainian Shares Her Thoughts on The Russian Invasion

"I think Putin was planning to do this over many years but didn't expect us to stand up to this," says Halyna Kovalyshin, who lives in North Port.

03/08/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Attorney E. Keith DuBose on Why Sarasota Needs More Black Lawyers

"As a nation, we have become so polarized that it seems the goal is to make others wrong instead of realizing what’s right. We need common voices right now."

02/08/2022 By Heather Dunhill

Dr. Lisa Merritt on Epigenetics, Access and Equity in Health Care

"Be purposeful, tell the truth, and elucidate what the issues are—and, at the same time, come ready with solutions and strategies."

01/11/2022 By Heather Dunhill

Stacy Hanan on Being Jewish in Sarasota

The longtime resident is deeply involved in our Jewish community, which is undergoing both demographic changes and unsettling examples of anti-Semitism.

12/28/2021 By Kay Kipling

Information Engineer Derik Perry on Artificial Intelligence, Algothrimic Bias and Social Media

"We have to be aware that social media has the potential to do harm and that, purely by the use of it, people are exposed to an algorithmic bias."

12/14/2021 By Heather Dunhill

Sal Serbin on What It's Like to Be Native American in Sarasota

As a member of the Assiniboine Tribe, Sal Serbin works as an advocate for Indigenous people, bringing awareness to hardships they face.

11/23/2021 By Allison Forsyth

Talent Agent and Attorney Nurisha Harvey on Activism, Implicit Bias, and Equity vs. Equality

Harvey, who grew up with major civil rights activists, talks about where we are today in the struggle for equality.

11/10/2021 By Heather Dunhill

An Undocumented Immigrant on What It's Like to Live in the Shadows

From picking oranges to hanging $6,000 chandeliers, an undocumented resident shares what it's like to live and work here.

10/26/2021 By Kim Doleatto

Marketing Exec Frank E. Griffith Jr. on Living Through Race Riots and Diversity in the Pharmaceutical Industry

"Discern where you need to improve and be open to educating yourself about other cultures."

10/12/2021 By Heather Dunhill

Retired U.S. Special Agent Henry Hunter on His Career at the State Department

Hunter also reflects on the impact of strong women on his life—including his sister, award-winning journalist Charlayne Hunter-Gault.

09/14/2021 By Heather Dunhill

Mason Gallo on Being Trans, Sexual Orientation and Equality

Gallo talks about his personal journey and the need for openness and inclusivity.

09/07/2021 By Susan Burns

Former New York Police Commissioner James H. Lawrence Jr. on 9/11, Vietnam and Peaceful Protests

On September 11, 2001, Lawrence—now a Sarasota resident—was the highest-ranking officer at NYPD headquarters, just blocks from Ground Zero.

08/10/2021 By Heather Dunhill

Rev. Liz Walker on Civil Rights, Faith and Breaking Racial and Gender Barriers

Walker talks about growing up with a front seat to the civil rights movement and her work as a news anchor and pastor.

07/13/2021 By Heather Dunhill

Dr. Nancy Boxill on Creating Change and How Racism Affects Black Families Through Generations

“I’m not so sure we’re spending much time on structural changes, and that’s where the hard work is, in my view."

06/08/2021 By Heather Dunhill

Tihda Vongkoth on Anti-Asian Hate, the Music World and the Risk of Speaking Out

'It is possible to be your authentic self, pursue the music that you really believe in and be anti-racist.'

05/25/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Étienne Porter on Music, Black Lives Matter and His Humanitarian Efforts in Mozambique

"Real inclusivity is not scrambling to find it, but rather cultivating friendships with people of color in a meaningful way."

05/11/2021 By Heather Dunhill

Conductor and Minister Jamal Sarikoki on Music and Keeping Faith in the Face of Racism

Sarikoki, who moved to Sarasota in 2018, is a minister at Venice Presbyterian Church and associate conductor for Key Chorale.

04/13/2021 By Heather Dunhill

Presidential Appointee J. Veronica Biggins on Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace

Biggins, former Director of Presidential Personnel for the Clinton administration, shares her thoughts on how to fight systemic racism.

03/16/2021 By Heather Dunhill

Educator Teidra Everett on Code-Switching, Tokenism and Creating a Diverse Classroom

“Most students at the primary level are visual learners, so what better way to teach them—and some adults—than by making history come to life?”

03/02/2021 By Heather Dunhill

Former Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer on Public Service and Race Relations

Archer, a lawyer and author, was appointed legal guardian to civil rights icon Rosa Parks in 2004.

02/16/2021 By Heather Dunhill

Artist Gale Fulton Ross Is a ‘Freedom Fighter at the Easel’

For 50 years, Fulton Ross has been visually telling the stories of the Black community and its icons.

02/02/2021 By Heather Dunhill

Activist Barbara Nell Langston on the History of Newtown and the Importance of Voting

“I live the village life, which is Newtown,” she says. “I live the stories of this community, and I love it here.”

02/02/2021 By Heather Dunhill

Finance Executive Ted Downing on Redlining, the Wealth Gap and Hope for the Future

Downing, a former NCAA track and field star, also recalls his time at the 1968 Olympic trials and the Black Power salutes.

01/05/2021 By Heather Dunhill

Boston Celtics Co-Owner and Business Leader James Cash on Breaking Barriers

A rare interview with the former basketball star and first Black tenured Harvard Business School faculty member.

12/22/2020 By Heather Dunhill

Mote Biologist Jasmin Graham on the Need for Diversity in Science

Graham is the co-founder of Minorities in Shark Sciences, which aims to open doors for underrepresented minority students.

11/24/2020 By Heather Dunhill

Finance Industry Vet Ed Swan Jr. on the Wealth Gap and the Healing Power of Art

"I want it to be recognized that how we treat and care for each other is more important than how much money we accumulate and attempt to protect."

11/10/2020 By Heather Dunhill

Dr. LaVerne M. Green on Public Health and the Parallels Between the HIV and Covid-19 Pandemics

"You are part of the prevention and have the power to be the change.”

10/13/2020 By Heather Dunhill

Economist, Black History Scholar and Professor James Stewart on Reparations and Economic Equality

“Disparities must be addressed in order to put people of color on the same footing as white citizens,” Stewart says.

09/29/2020

Pioneering Physician Randall C. Morgan Jr. on His Lifetime of Fighting for Health Care Equity

Plus, how the Covid-19 pandemic is adversely affecting the Black community.

09/16/2020

Late U.S. Ambassador James A. Joseph Fought for Equality His Whole Life

Joseph, the former ambassador to South Africa, was an adviser to four American presidents and worked closely with the late Nelson Mandela.

09/03/2020 By Heather Dunhill

Harpist Ann Hobson Pilot on Overcoming Racism in Classical Music

Pilot was the first Black female principal player in a major symphony orchestra.

09/03/2020

Retired Crime Analyst Wanda F. Gilbert on Police Reform and Growing Up in Segregated South Florida

“There needs to be more addressing instead of arresting.”

09/03/2020

Investment Banker Ronald T. Gault on Civil Unrest and the Importance of Using Your Voice

Gault’s long career includes government service and civil rights work; he also served as head of JP Morgan’s office in Johannesburg, South Africa, after the fall of apartheid.

09/03/2020

Kate Harris on Her Front-Row Seat During Brown v. Board of Education

Harris’ parents shaped history and welcomed major Black figures of the civil rights movement into their home.

09/03/2020

Civil Rights Leader Dr. Willie Clemons on Activism and Forgiveness

We are committed to sharing the stories of Sarasota’s vibrant Black community.

09/03/2020

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