The Manasota Branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) is launching its first Black History Month Scholarship Luncheon on Friday, February 6, at 11:30 a.m., held at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota.
This event isn’t just a gathering, it’s a push for real change. All proceeds go straight to the Manasota ASALH Scholarship Program, fueling opportunities for students and driving academic excellence forward.
This year’s luncheon carries the theme “An Unusual Emphasis on Scholarship: Carter G. Woodson, Omega Psi Phi, and the Power of Black History.” It’s a nod to Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the visionary behind ASALH and the architect of Black History Month, and a tribute to the impact of education.
Dr. Maurice Hobson, professor of Africana Studies at Georgia State University and lead historian for Omega Psi Phi’s latest history book, will give the keynote address. Afterward, Dr. Hobson sits down with Dr. Jim Stewart, a respected economist, Black history scholar, professor emeritus at Penn State, and past president of Manasota ASALH, for a lively conversation about how scholarship shapes communities, preserves history, and inspires the next generation.
“More than a celebration, this luncheon is a call to action,” says Jada Wright-Greene, executive director of Manasota ASALH. “With support from our community, we’re opening doors to education, lifting up talented students, and making sure opportunity keeps reaching the leaders of tomorrow.”
Wright-Greene has a clear goal: raise $50,000 for the Manasota ASALH Scholarship Program. Since 2000, the program has awarded over $701,000 to 333 students in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Many of these scholars have earned top grades and gone on to study at some of the nation’s most prestigious universities, including Ivy League schools and HBCUs.
At the 2025 Scholarship Awards Ceremony, Manasota ASALH gave $45,000 in scholarships to 17 local students. On top of that, they provided another $10,000 to help returning scholars continue their college journeys—a strong sign of their commitment to seeing students reach graduation and long-term success.
“These students bring determination and purpose into everything they do,” Wright-Greene says. “Our job is to break down financial barriers so they can keep moving ahead.”
About Manasota ASALH
Manasota ASALH is the local branch of the National Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), founded in 1915 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the father of Black History Month. Since 1995, the Manasota Branch has worked to research, preserve, interpret, and share the rich history and culture of people of African descent, both at home and globally. Their programs make an impact, like the Manasota ASALH Freedom School, which offers K–12 students a powerful and honest education about African and African American history. The branch also drives academic achievement through its scholarship program, supporting high school students from Sarasota and Manatee counties who are heading to college. In the past 23 years, Manasota ASALH has awarded more than $701,000 in scholarships to 333 local scholars. For more information, visit www.asalh-manasotafl.org.
Manasota ASALH Inaugural Black History Month Scholarship Luncheon
Friday, February 6
Marie Selby Botanical GardensTickets are $125, and there are options for sponsorships and tables. To grab a ticket or learn more, reach out at info@asalh-manasotafl.org or visit www.asalh-manasotafl.org.
