A sold-out crowd of 200 attended the African American Heritage Society‘s black tie affair, which was dedicated to the late Dr. Christine B.J. Fulwylie, a co-founder and founding president of AAHS. Organizers chose the dandy theme as a tribute to Black style, celebrating how impeccably stylish expression in male fashion has helped shape Black identity through the blending of African American and European traditions.
Aaron Watson, Nehemiah Johnson, Brenton Goodman, Leroy Williams, Quint Studer, Sheriff Chip Simmons and Rev. Paul Blackmon were among 38 “Dandies” who modeled their outfits on a runway as part of what AAHS co-founder Cheryl Howard described as a “fantastic” event. Howard said the event sold out within 10 days after word spread through the AAHS newsletter and on social media.
- Background: Established in 1990, the AAHS has dedicated three decades to preserving and promoting African American history, heritage and culture across Escambia and Santa Rosa County. Its mission includes broadening public understanding of the African American experience and strengthening cultural tourism throughout the Gulf Coast. AAHS efforts have included advancing education, fostering cultural tourism and sharing the region’s diverse and unique legacy.
“I’m most proud of the fact we have been in continuous, uninterrupted operation for the entire 35 years, providing programming and exhibits,” Howard said.
One exhibit that stands out for Howard occurred in 2020 when AAHS celebrated its 30th anniversary by co-curating an exhibit with the New York Historical Society.
- “We had people during COVID coming here from all over the country to see it,” she said. “I’m proud that we kept going when many times it would have been easier to give up because with nonprofits you have ebbs and flows.”
Short-term goals for AAHS include renovations to the museum at 200 Church St. Howard said renovations will be expensive and AAHS is counting on community support through new memberships and donations.
“We’ve been in that building for 25 years, and it’s ready for a facelift,” she said.
Beyond renovations, AAHS is hosting an Art Talk at 6 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Museum of Commerce. Donald Partington, a retired attorney and founding member of the Clark Partington Hart law firm, will be the guest speaker. Partington will speak about his personally curated art collection, which will be exhibited in the AAHS gallery throughout the coming year.
Art Talk
Date: Friday, Dec. 12
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Museum of Commerce, 201 Zaragona Street, Pensacola’s Downtown Historic District
Cost: $25 for AAHS, Inc. members and $50 for non-members
For more information about membership or to join, please email: aahspensacola@gmail.com