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Discover the history of the Leonard Reid House and Colson Hotel this Black History Month
Sarasota's rich tapestry of African American history is vividly embodied in landmarks like the Leonard Reid House and the Colson Hotel. These sites not only tell stories of resilience and community but also invite visitors to experience the vibrant cultural heritage of Newtown.
Sarasota's rich tapestry of African American history is vividly embodied in landmarks like the Leonard Reid House and the Colson Hotel. These sites not only tell stories of resilience and community but also invite visitors to experience the vibrant cultural heritage of Newtown.
The Leonard Reid House
The Leonard Reid House, once the residence of one of Sarasota's pioneering Black leaders, Leonard Reid, has undergone a meticulous restoration. The Reid home was built in 1926. The trailblazer’ single-story 1,400-square-foot home helped establish and anchor Sarasota’s first black community, Overtown, now known as the Rosemary District.
Originally from South Carolina, Reid arrived in Sarasota in 1900 and became a trusted employee and confidant of Col. Hamilton Gillespie, Sarasota's first mayor. Reid played a significant role in laying out Sarasota’s first golf course and was instrumental in establishing the city's African American community.
The historic home was preserved and relocated to the heart of Newtown at 2529 N. Orange Ave. in in May 2022. The restored Reid House now serves as a community hub for arts and culture, celebrating Black life and history.
Visiting the landmarks offers a profound glimpse into the lives and legacies of Sarasota's Black pioneers. The Leonard Reid House, now a vibrant cultural center, hosts exhibitions and events that showcase African American art, history, and culture. Visitors can stroll through its halls through an immersive experience into the narratives that shaped the community and the current Black artists and creatives who now call Sarasota home, continuing the city’s legacies of Black contributions in the arts and beyond.
The Colson Hotel
Similarly, the Colson Hotel stands as a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit and determination of Sarasota's Black community. Lewis Colson, one of the first African Americans to arrive in Sarasota, was an assistant to surveyor Richard Paulson and played a pivotal role in the city's development. He became a well-respected civic leader, known as Reverend Colson, and was the first minister of Bethlehem Baptist Church. The Colson Hotel, constructed around 1925, provided lodging and a gathering place for African Americans during an era of segregation, reflecting the community's resilience and unity.
The Colson Hotel, with its storied past, stands as a monument to the hospitality and unity that characterized Newtown's history. While a year-long battle for ownership and a demolition created some community frustrations in 2024, the historic site was purchased in December 2024 and plans for its restoration are underway by a local philanthropic collective. The hotel's façade and historical markers offer a tangible connection to the past, inviting visitors to reflect on the journeys of those who walked its halls.
In celebration of Black History Month, these sites beckon travelers to delve deeper into Sarasota's diverse heritage. Engaging with the stories of the Leonard Reid House and the Colson Hotel not only honors the past but also enriches our understanding of the present, fostering a greater appreciation for the cultural mosaic that defines this vibrant community.