Betty Johnson’s AACRC African American Cultural Resource Center
Welcome to the African American Cultural Resource Center
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The African American Cultural Resource Center houses a rich collection of books and artifacts highlighting the history and brilliance of the African diaspora. Whether you are conducting deep research or are simply curious about the vibrant history of the Newtown Community, our doors are open to you.
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As a growing hub for community connection, the center offers engaging cultural programming for both children and adults. We are proud to host Newtown’s Annual Kwanzaa celebrations and look forward to expanding our community projects in the coming months.
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Get Involved: We are looking for passionate volunteers to join our team and help us extend our operating hours. Together, we can keep this vital resource accessible to everyone.
Cheryl Coleman,
AACRC Executive Director
AACRC Hours
Tues. & Thu. 5pm - 7:30 pm
2nd & 4th Sat. Afternoons
Appointment Only
Who we are....embraces our inspired community of literary appreciators. The past, the present, and the birth of a community that values the reading, writing, and listening of expressions and experiences.
We exist because of our ancestors sharing their stories with us. We imagine what life was like. We envision what life in our community will be like.
We volunteer in this space while preserving the research material for you...when you are ready to come to the African American cultural Resource center to visit with us.
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The AACRC reading room and research facility contain books, art, artifacts, and media. AACRC volunteers are available by appointment or during select hours to assist with questions and research.
​To arrange for an appointment send email to:
Our History
Mrs. Lovette W. Harper
Founder of AACRC
July 18, 1924 - December 8, 2023
Vision
The vision is for The African American Cultural Resource Center to be the premier venue for the study of African and African American Life, history and culture in the Sarasota/Manatee communities and beyond.
Mission
The African American Cultural Resource Center at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Public Library, Inc. (BJJNSPL) houses a special collection of books, periodicals, media, art, and artifacts pertinent to the Global Black Experience. Created by the Friends of BJJNSPL, Inc, it is a reading room and research facility with materials not only about African Americans but also about African people living in Africa and in many other parts of the world. There is a special section with information about the history of Newtown and African Americans in Florida. The African American Cultural Resource Center is available for use by students, scholars, historians, researchers, and other interested individuals in the larger community.
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