Southampton African American Museum fundraiser honors leaders and raises support

The Southampton African American Museum gathered supporters at its annual Bubbles & Bloom Brunch in Southampton on July 29, 2026, raising funds for exhibitions, education and preservation work. The event highlighted African American history and community leadership while recognizing 2026 honorees and closing out a weekend of Art & Soul: Hamptons programming.

Why it matters: - The Southampton African American Museum depends on fundraisers like Bubbles & Bloom to support exhibitions, educational initiatives, public programming and preservation of African American heritage on the East End. - The event also reinforces SAAM’s push to grow from a virtual museum into a permanent cultural institution in Southampton.

What happened: - The Southampton African American Museum hosted its annual Bubbles & Bloom Brunch at the Southampton Inn on July 29, 2026. - The fundraiser brought together supporters, artists, philanthropists and cultural leaders for a brunch-and-champagne celebration centered on African American history, art and creativity. - Guests wore floral-inspired attire and took part in an interactive Bloom Bar, live entertainment, an awards ceremony, a curated auction and VIP gift bags. - Brenda Simmons, SAAM co-founder, president and CEO, welcomed guests and spoke about sustaining the museum as a permanent cultural institution on the East End. - Jean Shafiroff served as event chair and joined Simmons in recognizing supporters of the museum’s mission.

The details: - The 2026 honorees were Dede Gotthelf, who received the Visionary Supporter of the Arts Award; Claude and Yvette Weir, who received the Champion of the Arts Award; and Sharon Joseph, who received the Community Empowerment Award. - The Bloom Bar let attendees create personalized floral arrangements to take home. - The curated auction featured artwork, luxury items and distinctive experiences. - Entertainment came from Dwayne Kerr. - Funds raised from the brunch will support SAAM’s exhibitions, educational initiatives, public programming and work to preserve and share the region’s African American heritage. - The event concluded a July 17-19 weekend of Art & Soul: Hamptons programming focused on Black art, history and creativity. - That weekend included a screening of Crossroads followed by a discussion with Brenda Simmons, Director Horane Henry, Producer Victorious De Costa and Actress Okema T. Moore. - Additional Art & Soul: Hamptons events included a guided art crawl, the opening of Damien Davis’ exhibition Hedges and Edges: Barbershops, Community Gardens, and the Architectures Care, and an evening of live music, Caribbean cuisine, artist conversation and dancing. - Notable guests included Brenda Simmons, Jean Shafiroff, Dede Gotthelf, Claude & Yvette Weir, Sharon Joseph, Legislator Anne Welker, Village Trustee Rob Coburn and Village Trustee Willa Bernstein. - 2026 event partners and sponsors included ART & SOUL: Hamptons, Southampton Inn, Bespoke Flowers, New England Sweetwater, White Rain, Tea Fortē, Beautiful Amore Skincare, Pause by BBraxton, Cambridge Chemists and British M.

Between the lines: - SAAM is using the fundraiser not only to raise money, but also to keep its community visible through art, programming and public recognition. - The awards and guest list show a strategy that blends cultural preservation with donor cultivation and civic relationships. - The weekend programming suggests the museum is building a broader cultural platform around Black history and contemporary creative work, not just a single fundraising event.

What's next: - SAAM will continue using the proceeds from Bubbles & Bloom to support exhibitions, education and community programming. - The museum is also advancing its long-term effort to establish a permanent home at 245 North Sea Road in Southampton, known as “The Barbershop.” - SAAM’s website is more information.