Action Board workshop at Enoch Davis Center, led by Office Manager Vanessa Sweat
As the new year begins, so does another season of exceptional programming at The Woodson African American Museum of Florida. While the museum is temporarily displaced during renovations, its mission and vision remain firmly rooted in community engagement, education, and cultural preservation, moving forward with renewed excitement and purpose.
The Woodson launched its 2026 program year with a focus on vision through action. On January 12, the museum hosted an Action Board workshop at Enoch Davis Center, led by Office Manager Vanessa Sweat. Rather than centering on abstract dreams, the interactive session challenged participants to identify concrete steps they will take in 2026 to become the best versions of themselves—personally, professionally, and collectively.
Continuing its long-standing commitment to civic leadership, The Woodson will support its affiliate organization, the St. Petersburg Metropolitan Section of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), by hosting the 40th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Awards Breakfast. The event will take place on Monday, January 19, at the St. Petersburg Coliseum and will honor individuals whose leadership and service embody Dr. King’s enduring legacy.
Later in the month, The Woodson will partner with Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital to present Raise Your MENtality, a transformative program designed to equip men, particularly fathers, with the tools, resources, and encouragement needed to thrive. Guided by a dedicated program coordinator, the initiative focuses on building confidence, connection, and active engagement in children’s lives. The program is free and open to the public, with no registration required.
Raising your MENTality Workshop
The museum will also welcome the return of one of its most beloved programs, At the Feet of the Elders, on Tuesday, January 27, at the President Barack Obama Main Library, 3795 9th Avenue North, beginning with lunch at 11 a.m., followed by the program at noon. January’s featured panelists, lifelong friends of more than 80 years, Betty Hayward, Betty Harden, and Helen Shaw, will share reflections on theirlived experiences in St. Petersburg and beyond. 
Their stories promise a rich and captivating conversation steeped in history, resilience, and wisdom. Tickets are selling quickly, and the community is encouraged not to miss this unique opportunity.
Despite temporary relocation, The Woodson African American Museum of Florida continues to demonstrate that its work transcends walls, remaining deeply connected to the people, stories, and purpose it serves.
Let’s Get Lit, Feb 5
Black History Trivia Night, Feb 9 Feb
