BROWARD COUNTY, FL - Broward County Library is holding a year-long celebration of the 20th anniversary of the African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC), 2650 Sistrunk Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311, 954-357-6282.

On October 26, 2002, AARLCC opened as the nation's third public research library focused on the history and culture of people of African, African American and Caribbean descent. Throughout 2022, AARLCCC will offer programs and events marking its Vicennial of Black Excellence: 

• February 11, Collectors' Duet: The Lifelong Librarianship of Vivian D. Hewitt and Dorothy Porter Wesley, exhibit and AARLCC rededication celebration, featuring two AARLCC archival art and artifact collections. Sponsored by Cigna. (Register)
• March 25-27, Head Above Water: The Life of Esther Rolle, performances of an original play in a drive-in, live theatre experience. (Register) 
• April 8, Black Women in Librarianship, a Cultural Conversations at the Center event, with panelists Safiya Umoja Noble, Ph.D., Meredith Evans, Ph.D., Ms. Tracie D. Hall and Nicole Cooke, Ph.D. Sponsored by the Broward Public Library Foundation. (Register)
• April 30, Art of Community Festival, a showcase for five AARLCC artists-in-residence whose work addresses critical social justice issues impacting the Black community. Sponsored by Community Foundation of Broward and Bank of America. (Register)
• June 10 and 11, Be Alive Through Music (BAM!), an annual celebration of Juneteenth, Black Music Month and LGBTQ Pride Month. BAM highlights musical diversity and historical intersections of race, gender and sexuality. Sponsored by Friends of AARLCC. (June 10 - Register; June 11- Register)
• September 30 and October 1, 20th Annual Ashley Bryan Art Series Conference (ABASC), celebrates children's literature and hosts nationally recognized children's book illustrators of African descent. (Sept. 30 - Register; October 1 - Register)
• December 30, SoFlo Kwanzaa & Night Market, a celebration of the fifth Kwanzaa principle, Nia (Purpose), with health and wellness holistic workshops and a Night Market featuring artisans and vendors. (Register) 

To sponsor or participate in AARLCC's 20th anniversary events, contact AARLCC Regional Manager Makiba J. Foster at mjfoster@Broward.org or 954-357-6176. Follow #AARLCCFOREVER

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