Come Join Us!
Meet the Honorees
(from left to right)
Andra Mentore – Community Service and Distinguished Achievement
Dr. Sharetta Remikie – Lifetime Achievement
Jarrod Mills – Heritage and Distinguished Community Service
Michael Hylton – Community Service and Distinguished Achievement
Dr. Sylvia Sloane Jones – Heritage and Distinguished Community Service
On behalf of the African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC), I would like to extend my sincere gratitude for your support of the Third Annual Dr. Niara Sudarkasa Memorial Lecture.
As many of you are aware, recent political and institutional challenges have required organizations across the country to reconsider how they sustain and advance programs centered on scholarship, diversity, culture, and community engagement.
In response to these circumstances, we made the decision to transition this year’s memorial lecture to a virtual format in order to ensure broad accessibility and continued participation.
We are especially grateful to the Friends of AARLCC, whose generosity and support have made it possible for this year’s memorial lecture to move forward. Their commitment has allowed us to continue honoring Dr. Sudarkasa’s extraordinary legacy.
We are pleased to invite you, your faculty, students, colleagues, and community partners to join us for this year’s virtual program:
Third Annual Dr. Niara Sudarkasa Memorial Lecture
Saturday, October 3, 2026
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
The Friends of AARLCC had an amazing time supporting our neighbor the Urban League at their annual Red Gala! We had a wonderful time celebrating their amazing work. Thank you Sam Morrison for always providing this opportunity for the Friends to fellowship.
ANNUAL MEETING RECAP
Thank you to the members of the Friends that attended our Annual Meeting. It was a wonderful time of fellowship, fun and food. The following Executive Board members were elected:
Luwando Wright – President
Jarrod Mills – 1st Vice President
Corresponding Secretary – Pamela Wells-Johnson
Financial Secretary – Angelica Curry
At Large Board Member – dRene Benson
At Large Board Member – Karen Smith
Thank you for always being a Friend!
Welcome New Members
Belvit Jordan
Sheena Sewell
Ramona LaRoche
Evelyn Grooms – Centennial Member
Lisema Sinord – Corporate Member
Kelly Houston – Corporate Member
AARLCC – October 2026 Events
“Sistrunk: Then & Now” Exhibition
October 1–31, 2026, Monday–Saturday
10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Location: Gallery C
Age Group: Everyone
Event Type: Exhibit
Dive into the rich vibes of Sistrunk’s past and present with stories and sights that bring the neighborhood to life.
MODS STEMobile – Museum of Discovery and Science Character Corners
Thursday, October 8
4:00–5:00 p.m.
Location: Michael Bienes Seminar Room #2
Age Group: Preschool, Kids, Families
Event Type: Workshop, Story Time, Exhibit
MODS STEMobile for Character Corners.
Early Voting for General Election
October 19–November 1, 2026
7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Location: Café, Dianne Bienes Seminar Room #1, Harambee Room, Lobby, Michael Bienes Seminar Room #2
Age Group: Adults
Event Type: Outreach
General Election.
Medicare 101: Thrive Past 65
Tuesday, October 27
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Location: Ellyn F. Walters Conference Room
Age Group: New Adults, Adults
Event Type: Health & Wellness
Presented by SHINE: Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders. This free program is offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the local Area Agency on Aging.
Become a member of the Friends and join our Board of Directors.
