Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Event Center, Michael’s on the Bay
The Manasota Branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) proudly presents its inaugural Black History Month Scholarship Luncheon—a dynamic celebration of academic excellence, cultural heritage, and community empowerment.
Guests will enjoy a thought-provoking and uplifting afternoon featuring a powerful conversation with two distinguished scholars:
Centered on the inspiring theme, “An Unusual Emphasis on Scholarship: Carter G. Woodson, Omega Psi Phi, and the Power of Black History,” this event honors the legacy of Dr. Carter G. Woodson and the enduring impact of education in shaping our future.
Proceeds from the luncheon will benefit the Manasota ASALH Scholarship Program, directly supporting students in Manatee and Sarasota counties as they pursue their academic dreams. Click here for tickets.
Learn about becoming a valued sponsor.
To send us a check, please make it out to ASAHL Manasota and mail to: PO Box 2356, Sarasota FL, 34230.
Online orders will be charged a processing fee so 100% of your gift helps support our work.


Dr. Maurice Hobson is a Professor of Africana Studies and Historian at Georgia State University. He earned the Ph.D. degree in History, focusing on African American History and 20th Century U.S. History from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His research interests are grounded in the fields of African American history, 20th Century U.S. history, comparative labor, African studies, oral history and ethnography, urban and rural history, political economy, and popular cultural studies. He is the author of award-winning book titled The Legend of the Black Mecca: Politics and Class in the Making of Modern Atlanta and the lead historian for the forthcoming With Faith in God and Heart and Mind: A History of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, both with the University of North Carolina Press as well as a corpus of peer-reviewed journal articles.
Dr. Hobson engages the social sciences and has created a new paradigm called the Black New South that explores the experiences of black folk in the American South, with national and international implications, since WWII.

Dr. James B. Stewart is a Professor Emeritus at Penn State University. He previously served as Vice Provost for Educational Equity and Director of the Black Studies Program. As Vice Provost he was responsible for planning, developing, coordinating, articulating, and advocating the University’s goals, policies, and procedures pertaining to diversity, equity, and inclusion. He has served as a consultant for many universities and the Department of Defense. Stewart has authored, co-authored, edited or co-edited thirteen monographs, including Introduction to African American Studies, Transdisciplinary Approaches and Implications. Stewart has also published over 75 articles in Economics and Black Studies professional journals. He has served as President of three national professional organizations including the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). Stewart is the past president of the Manasota Branch of ASALH and a board member of several Sarasota-area non-profit organizations.

Your sponsorship will directly support scholarship funding and allow us to continue changing lives through education. Sponsorship levels include visibility at the luncheon, promotional recognition, and the opportunity to publicly align your brand with a mission of equity, education, and community impact.
Championing transformative change with enduring impact.
Includes: Premier logo placement, 2 VIP tables (16 guests), name recognition on
stage, full-page ad, website & social media recognition.
Empowering future leaders through education and opportunity.
Includes: Priority logo placement, 1 VIP table (8 guests), name recognition on stage,
full-page ad, and website & social media recognition.
Preserving our shared history and cultural contributions.
Includes: Reserved seating for 6 guests, half-page ad, logo in program & online,
recognition in program.
Uplifting the community through collaboration and inclusion.
Includes: Reserved seating for 4 guests, quarter-page ad, name/logo in
program and website.
Supporting the message, mission, and momentum of ASALH.
Includes: Reserved Seating for 3 guests, name listing in program
and website.
Thank you for your continued support of educational excellence and for helping us preserve and promote Black history through action. Please note, there is a small processing fee when purchasing online so 100% of your amount goes towards ASAHL Manasota.
Please download, complete and return the commitment form with your check.
Your generous gift provides scholarship aid to worthy Black college-bound students residing in Manatee and Sarasota Counties. Scholarship recipients are selected by the quality of the GPAs, their essay writing skills, and their leadership & community involvement. We are grateful for your support.
If you prefer to make your donations via check, please make your donation check out to: MANASOTA ASALH and mail it to:
Manasota ASALH, Attention: 2026 BHM Sponsorship
P.O. Box 2356, SARASOTA, FL 34230
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT
ASALH Manasota
Manasota ASALH branch is located in the Bradenton Sarasota area. ASALH mission is to promote, research, preserve, interpret and disseminate information about Black life history and culture. Branch meetings of Manasota ASALH, attended by members and friends of Sarasota and Bradenton areas, are opportunities to network and to plan for ASALH events. Each meeting begins with a Moment in History, a brief presentation about a key point in local, national, or historic African American History. These presentations enrich our knowledge base and help to deepen the connection between Manasota ASALH and the Manatee and Sarasota community.
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Manasota ASALH, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit.