Black History in Bloom

The Southampton African American Museum’s Bubbles & Bloom Brunch brought supporters together for an afternoon of culture, philanthropy and celebration, honoring community leaders while raising funds for exhibitions, education and the preservation of African American history on the East End.

The Southampton African American Museum brought culture, community and philanthropy together at its annual Bubbles & Bloom Brunch, held at the Southampton Inn. The museum’s signature summer fundraiser welcomed artists, supporters, philanthropists and cultural leaders for an elegant afternoon celebrating African American history, art and creativity.

Guests embraced the floral theme through colorful summer attire and flower-inspired details. The program included brunch and champagne, live entertainment, an interactive Bloom Bar, an awards presentation, a curated auction and VIP gift bags. The Bloom Bar invited attendees to create personalized floral arrangements, adding a hands-on element to the celebration.

Brenda Simmons, SAAM’s co-founder, president and CEO, welcomed guests and emphasized the importance of sustaining the museum as a permanent cultural institution on the East End. Funds raised through the event will support exhibitions, educational initiatives, public programs and the museum’s ongoing work to preserve and share the region’s African American heritage.

Event chair Jean Shafiroff joined Simmons in recognizing the supporters whose leadership has helped advance the museum’s mission. A centerpiece of the afternoon was the presentation of SAAM’s annual awards. Dede Gotthelf received the Visionary Supporter of the Arts Award; Claude and Yvette Weir received the Champion of the Arts Award; and Sharon Joseph received the Community Empowerment Award.

Entertainment by Dwayne Kerr helped create an afternoon that balanced celebration with cultural preservation and community investment. The curated auction, featuring artwork, luxury items and distinctive experiences, gave guests another opportunity to contribute to the museum’s continued growth.

The brunch concluded a weekend of programming presented as part of Art & Soul: Hamptons, a celebration of Black art, history and creativity. Events included a screening of Crossroads followed by a discussion with director Horane Henry, producer Victorious De Costa and actress Okema T. Moore; a guided art crawl; and the opening of Damien Davis’ exhibition, Hedges and Edges: Barbershops, Community Gardens, and the Architectures Care. The weekend also featured live music, Caribbean cuisine, artist conversation and dancing.

Notable guests included Brenda Simmons, Jean Shafiroff, Dede Gotthelf, Claude and Yvette Weir, Sharon Joseph, Legislator Anne Welker, Village Trustee Rob Coburn and Village Trustee Willa Bernstein.

SAAM began in 2005 as the East End African American Museum and Center for Excellence. Its permanent home at 245 North Sea Road, affectionately known as “The Barbershop,” was once a gathering place for local African Americans and became Southampton Village’s first designated African American historic landmark. Through events such as Bubbles & Bloom, the museum continues to protect that legacy while inviting new audiences to become part of its future.

For more information please visit: www.saamuseum.org
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