St. Petersburg, FL — The Woodson African American Museum of Florida, in partnership with the St. Pete Arts Alliance, joined museums across the nation in celebrating Free Museum Day, welcoming hundreds of visitors from across the Bay Area.
This year’s gathering carried special meaning. As a prelude to the museum’s upcoming gallery opening, The Woodson reimagined the recently defaced Black History Matters mural, a beloved and symbolic welcome mat for guests. In a moving display of unity, participants stood shoulder to shoulder and toe to toe, forming the mural’s words with their bodies to declare that indeed, Black History Matters still.
Terri Lipsey Scott, Executive Director of The Woodson, credited her staff and the community for bringing the vision to life: “This was an opportunity not only to take a stand, but to elevate our mission of preserving, presenting, celebrating, and educating others about Black history and culture while uniting the broader community.”
The program opened with “Lift Every Voice and Sing” performed by Taylor McCray Honor, followed by
10-year-old Demilee Nicole Wilson recited the poem “I Am Black History.”
a Prayer of Peace led by Minister Leonte Tukes. Guests were captivated by 10-year-old Demilee Nicole Wilson, who delivered a stirring recitation of the poem “I Am Black History.” Inspirational words were shared by Council Member Cory Givens, alongside heartfelt prayers of reconciliation from Pastor Andy Oliver and Rev. Ben Atherton-Zeman—the two ministers previously arrested during the mural’s removal. State Representative Michele Rayner also offered words of support and solidarity.
Other elected officials in attendance included Mayor Ken Welch, Council Members Deborah Figgs-Sanders and Richie Floyd, and School Board Member Caprice Edmond, underscoring the event’s significance to the broader community.
The energy swelled with the electrifying performance of Mt. Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist Church’s youth Drumline. Guests then filled the sidewalks with colorful chalk art and unifying messages of hope and inspiration.
Following the mural recreation, visitors were guided into the museum’s Legacy Garden, where they were welcomed by the extraordinary Harriet Tubman Beacon of Hope sculpture created by renowned artist Wesley Wofford. The garden came alive with a drumming circle, storytelling, a balloon art station, and hands-on crafts for all ages.
Inside the museum, families engaged in an interactive scavenger hunt designed to deepen their connection to the extraordinary exhibition curated by Black Art in America: Beacons, Griots, and the Journey to Freedom.
The day was further strengthened by the presence of community partners, including Dr. Kanika Tomalin, CEO of the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg; Nikki Capehart, CEO of the Pinellas County Urban League; Danny White, CEO of RaceWithoutIsm; Brian Longstreth, of StandUpStPete; and Dr. Byron Green-Calisch, President of St. Pete Pride—among many others who stood in solidarity with The Woodson’s mission.
The day concluded with attendees proudly donning Black History Matters shirts and securing commemorative posters, amplifying the museum’s ongoing message of unity and resilience.
Reflecting on the day’s impact, Woodson Board Member Chiquita Clark remarked, “When you write the vision and make it plain, it can’t be erased—only reimagined.”
Special thanks were extended to the museum’s dedicated staff—Vanessa Sweat, Lynette Hardy, Taylor McCray Honor, and Bianca Pastrana—whose efforts ensured the success of a day that blended history, art, culture, and community.
