On the year 1950, A public housing development called “The Courts” opens with 100 units.
City began removing housing stock in the Overtown area
In the year 1950, Under the “Slum Clearance Program” the city began removing housing stock in the Overtown area
First African American public health nurses hired by Sarasota County Health Department
During the 1950s, Henrietta Gayles and Edna Nothage, RNs were the first African American public health nurses hired by the Sarasota County Health Department to serve the African American community and seasonal migrant camp laborers.
The Colored Women’s Civic Club was formed by women
During the 1950s, the Colored Women’s Civic Club was formed by women in Newtown and led by Mrs. Mary Emma Jones. The Club was on the forefront of the battle for equal treatment and civil rights. Members were a catalyst that brought about major changes in health care, social services, and recreation for the Newtown community.
Civil Rights Era
Between the 1950s and 1960s was the Civil Rights Era: Many protests were held to desegregate schools, beaches and restaurants.