The Boxser Diversity Initiative promotes diversity and inclusion to encourage a better understanding of the diverse groups — racial, religious and gender — in Southwest Florida that embrace the mission of diversity, inclusion and community. The initiative has brought global speakers, commentators and scholars to Southwest Florida.
Latest News
Award-Winning Scholar, Educator and Activist Dr. Timothy McCarthy Joins BDI Board of Advisors
The Boxser Diversity Initiative is honored to announce that Dr. Timothy Patrick McCarthy has agreed to join our Advisory Board.
Historical Lynching Marker Unveiled on February 24, 2024
From 1882 to 1968, 4,743 lynchings occurred across the U.S., according to the NAACP. In Manatee and Sarasota County, the legacy of lynching – where a mob kills someone for an alleged offense without a [...]
Historical Marker Stands in Remembrance of Manasota’s Racial Lynching Victims
Dr. Caryl Sheffield, Chair of the Manasota Remembers Historical Marker Dedication Committee, and her husband, Dr. James B. Stuart talk to Renée Gilmore of ABC7's "Empowering Voices" about the value of the Manasota Remembers Historical Marker honoring victims of racial terror.
BDI is Honored to have Charles Williams on our Board of Directors
The Hon. Charles E. Williams was the first Black circuit judge in the 12th Judicial Circuit of Florida, appointed by Gov. Lawton Chiles on November 8, 1997. Williams took office in January of 1998.