October 25, 2026
Join us at 11:30 am at Michael's On East as music, culture, and community take center stage to benefit our Freedom School.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe
Jazz Trombonist Wycliffe Gordon
Sponsorships are available and ticket information is coming soon.
Presenting Sponsor: The Marilyn Harwell Fund of the
Community Foundation of Sarasota County
You're invited
FREEDOM SCHOOL GOSPEL BRUNCH
Featuring acclaimed jazz trombonist Wycliffe Gordon and performances by the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, the fundraising celebration takes place on October 25, 2026, 11:30 am, at Michael’s On East in Sarasota. The presenting sponsor is The Marilyn Harwell Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.
The Freedom School Gospel Brunch is a vibrant celebration of music, culture and community in support of our Freedom School. The event reflects the heart of Freedom School—supporting young people through education, cultural connection and empowerment.
“Manasota ASALH Freedom School is rooted in connection—helping young people see themselves reflected in history, culture and community,” says Jada Wright-Greene, our executive director. “This event is a celebration of that spirit and an opportunity for the community to come together in support of it.”
Freedom School, a signature program of Manasota ASALH, offers students and families an engaging, community-based approach to exploring African and African American history. Through interactive learning, the program fosters confidence, leadership, and a deeper understanding of history’s relevance today.
Proceeds from the Gospel Brunch will support the continued growth and accessibility of Freedom School, helping expand its reach to more students and families throughout the region. Additional details, including sponsorship opportunities and ticket information, will be announced in the coming weeks.
BECOME A VALUED SPONSOR!
Sponsorship Opportunities and Rewards
Your sponsorship is a meaningful investment in enhancing education and creating lasting community impact.
Presenting Sponsor: The Marilyn Harwell Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County
Visionary Sponsor: $15,000 – 1 Available
- Two VIP tables - premier seating for 20.
- Logo on all event promotion, signage, website and video presentation, and recognition from stage.
- Named Sponsor for all 2027 Freedom School sessions, and Sponsor Spotlight recognition at the Fall 2027 Freedom School opening event.
- Meet and greet with Wycliffe Gordon and Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe for 8.
- Feature in Manasota ASALH impact report with photo and quote.
Advocate: $10,000
- One VIP table - premier seating for 10.
- Logo on event promotion, signage, website and video presentation, and recognition from the stage.
- Named Sponsor for a 2027 Mobile Freedom School session, and Sponsor Spotlight recognition at the Fall 2027 Freedom School opening event.
- Feature in Manasota ASALH impact report with photo.
History Maker: $5,000
- Premier seating for 6.
- Logo on website and event video presentation.
- Name recognition from stage.
- Sponsor Spotlight recognition at the Fall 2027 Freedom School opening event.
- Recognition in Manasota ASALH impact report.
Legacy Builder: $2,500
- Reserved seating for 4.
- Logo on website and video presentation.
- Recognition in Manasota ASALH impact report.
Torchbearer: $500
- Reserved seating for 2.
- Recognition in Manasota ASALH impact report.
ABOUT FREEDOM SCHOOL
Bridging the Gap
The Manasota ASALH Freedom School is a free, community-based program dedicated to enriching students' leadership skills while providing comprehensive education on Black history.
To bridge the critical gap in Black history education, we create an open and inclusive space for students to learn comprehensively about their heritage. The Freedom School serves as a beacon of truth and enlightenment in today’s climate of political polarization and ideological division. We ensure that all children have access to the complete, shared history of America and the global African experience.
Mission & Purpose
The mission of the Manasota ASALH Freedom School is to teach the truthful history of Africans and African Americans in the founding, formation, and development of American society and culture to any child, from Kindergarten through 12th grade, in a free, community-based Saturday program.
Our purpose is to provide a truthful and comprehensive education on Black history, encompassing the rich and diverse narratives of Africans, African Americans, and the global African diaspora in the formation and development of American society and beyond. We welcome all children, from Kindergarten through 12th grade, to join us in a free, inclusive, and community-centered learning environment every Saturday.