Building Bridges
Breaking Barriers

Wesley Walther/GARCIA

April 15 - 16 | Noon to Noon

Fuel Bending the Arc this Giving Challenge!

After 17 years of dedication, the Boxser Diversity Initiative (BDI) continues to build bridges and break barriers across Southwest Florida's diverse communities.

BDI's Bending the Arc program elevates Sarasota-Manatee high schoolers to be the leaders we need to move America forward. Through a year-long Civil Rights education and a spring break at historic sites in Alabama, 20 Scholars soak up a world of inspiration and an invaluable skill set.

#BeTheOne who elevates our youth right here in Sarasota & Manatee Counties this Giving Challenge, when donations will be matched 100% thanks to the Patterson Foundation!

LEARN MORE ABOUT BENDING THE ARC

BOOKMARK OUR GIVING PAGE

Sunday, April 19, 2026 | 3 - 5 PM

Celebrate Our 2025-26 Bending the Arc Scholars with Us!

SAVE YOUR SEAT

“The event was wonderful!!! Thank you to BDI for making it possible! The students really give me hope for the future, especially during this time when I have lost so much hope!!”

Guest, 2023 Racial Justice Essary Contest Award Ceremony

Our Latest News

ABC7: Boxser Diversity Initiative is bridging gaps with "The Stories We Keep: Why Black History Matters"

In the News

Mar 100 min read

BDI Announces Leadership Transition

The Boxser Diversity Initiative (BDI), a leading nonprofit dedicated to fostering education, dialogue and connection across Southwest Florida, announced this week that Executive Director Julie Matus will be stepping down from her role later this month.

Press Releases

Jan 211 min read

Award-Winning Journalist Michael Luo to Kick off BDI’s 2026 Building Bridges Season

Updated: Nov 18 SARASOTA, Fla. — Nov. 17, 2025 — The Boxser Diversity Initiative (BDI) will launch its 2026 Building Bridges Discussion Series with award-winning journalist and The New Yorker executive editor Michael Luo , who will headline the opening event, Strangers in the Land, on Jan. 8, 2026, at the Historic Asolo Theater of the Ringling Museum of Art. Luo, a George Polk Award and Livingston Award recipient , will explore the deeply resonant and often overlooked hist

Press Releases

Nov 18, 20252 min read

Sparking Conversations & Building Understanding Across Southwest Florida's Diverse Communities

Through education, dialogue, and cultural programming, the Boxser Diversity Initiative elevates voices from around the world—bringing scholars, thought leaders, and changemakers to our region. Our talks, film screenings, exhibits, and events explore the urgent social issues of our time and inspire meaningful conversation, learning, and connection.

Learn More