When Sarasota Magazine sits down to tell a story about Newtown, you already know one name is going to rise to the top: Valerie Buchand. Organizer. Truth-teller. Bridge-builder. Defender of Newtown’s past and champion of its future.
In the newest installment of In Their Own Words, proudly presented by Gulf Coast Community Foundation, journalist Kim Doleatto captures the heart and grit of a woman who has spent decades fighting for her neighbors — not for profit, not for applause, but because, as Valerie says, “We need people willing to fight… but do right. Always do right.”
Read the full Sarasota Magazine article
A Daughter of Newtown, Raised in Community and Connection
Valerie’s story begins on 27th Street — now Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way — back when Newtown was home to thriving Black-owned businesses, corner stores built on trust, ice-cream shops where kids gathered, and restaurants where everyone felt like family.
That sense of connection shaped her then — and fuels her leadership now. As she puts it, “We had what we needed back then. The community was like family.”
Today, Valerie carries that spirit into every meeting, every hearing, every fight for representation.
The Birth of Newtown Nation: From Food Desert to Community Power
In 2015, Valerie and a group of residents made a decision:
If the systems around us won’t invest in our community, then we build it ourselves.
Newtown Nation was born out of necessity — and love.
- Food insecurity? They founded the Newtown Farmers Market, partnering with SNAP to make fresh food accessible despite ongoing federal cuts.
- Culture and pride? They launched the beloved Big Mama’s Collard Green Festival, now a cornerstone of Newtown’s calendar.
- Community voice? They organized, mobilized, and advocated to ensure families could live, grow, and thrive with dignity.
Valerie’s leadership has always been simple and powerful: show up, speak up, and lift up others while you’re at it.
A Tireless Advocate for Fairness and Representation
Boundary lines might look like paperwork, but in Newtown, they determine who gets a voice and who gets erased.
In 2019, Valerie led the fight against county redistricting that shifted Newtown out of its longtime district — diluting the voting power of thousands of Black residents.
Even though the lawsuit was lost, the message was loud:
“People with money and power control what happens. Citizens spoke up, but leaders didn’t listen.”
And still — she persists.
Valerie continues to speak truth in rooms that weren’t built for her. And Newtown Nation continues to back her, every step of the way.
Protecting History. Training Leaders. Building a Stronger Newtown.
Beyond activism, Valerie’s heart is firmly rooted in preservation and education:
- Safeguarding the historic Woodlawn and Galilee cemeteries, where Sarasota’s earliest Black families rest.
- Completing Neighborhood Resilience Project training to help residents define their own priorities, needs, and vision for the future.
- Mentoring young people as they step into community leadership roles with courage and clarity.
She’s not just fighting for Newtown—she’s preparing the generation that comes next.
Why Valerie’s Story Matters Now More Than Ever
Newtown is changing. Sarasota is changing.
But one thing remains constant:
The power of a community rooted in history, resilience, and justice.
Valerie’s voice reminds us why Newtown Nation exists and why our work continues.
Her message to young people still rings true:
“Be ready for the challenge, but do right. Always do right.”
We couldn’t say it better.
Celebrate Valerie. Celebrate Newtown. Celebrate Community Power.
We encourage our supporters and neighbors to read the full Sarasota Magazine feature and share it widely. Stories like Valerie’s aren’t just history — they’re fuel. They remind us who we are, where we come from, and how strong we are when we stand together.
And keep an eye on Newtown Nation as we continue the work Valerie started:
uplifting families, protecting our history, and fighting for a stronger, fairer Newtown — always.
