In a region rich with culture and creativity, the Green Book of Tampa Bay stands as a vital force dedicated to amplifying Black voices across the Tampa Bay area, not just during Black History Month, but every day of the year.
Inspired by the legacy of the historic Green Book travel guide that once helped Black travelers navigate safe spaces across America, the Green Book of Tampa Bay serves as a modern-day cultural hub. Through curated artist directories, community programming, exhibitions, and storytelling initiatives, the organization connects residents with Black artists and businesses, shaping our local landscape. Learn more about the organization, its initiatives, and its directory online.
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The Green Book ensures that the stories and contributions of Black creatives in St. Petersburg are accessible.
Leadership rooted in community
The organization’s work is grounded in building strong partnerships and maintaining close alignment with its mission. A proud longtime resident of Tampa Bay and alumnus of the University of South Florida, Board President Joshua Bean brings meaningful experience from his work with Pinellas County Schools, where he supported marginalized youth. His leadership demonstrates a sustained dedication to advancing equity and strengthening communities.
Serving as Board Vice President, Dr. Hillary M. Van Dyke is a Florida native whose work spans education, advocacy, and storytelling. She earned her Ph.D. in education from the University of South Florida. In 2024, she premiered the award-winning documentary “A Splash of Color,” which highlights Black aquatic sports advocates in Tampa Bay and brings greater visibility to stories often overlooked in mainstream narratives.
Together, their leadership embodies the organization’s core values of cultural preservation and authentic community connection.
Investing in artists through residency
The organization’s Artist Residency Program further deepens its commitment to creative development. Hosted at their studio inside the Arts Xchange in the Warehouse Arts District, the residency is open to Green Book-listed artists and MFA students. Sponsored by the Gobioff Foundation, the program provides support for emerging and established creatives alike.
Community members are invited to visit during the Second Saturday Art Walk (5–9 PM, except June and December) to engage directly with resident artists and experience works in progress.
Upcoming: Green Book Annual Artist Exhibit
This spring, the Green Book of Tampa Bay will present its Annual Artist Exhibit, featuring work by artists listed in the Green Book directory.
- Opening Night: May 30, 2026 | 6–9 PM
- Exhibit Runs: Throughout the month of June
- Location: Studio@620
620 1st Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL
Visit & Connect
Beyond exhibitions and residencies, the Green Book of Tampa Bay maintains a growing directory of Black-owned businesses, artists, and cultural leaders throughout the region. Their work has been featured in local media, including coverage by The Weekly Challenger, helping to extend the reach of the artists and entrepreneurs they platform. Learn more about Green Book of Tampa Bay here.
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