UPCOMING EVENTS
Message from our friends at BLINC
Thanks for Making Sankofa Book Club A Success!
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us on Saturday, June 27, for the Pride Edition of the Sankofa Book Club at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center. We are equally grateful to the AARLCC for inviting BLINC to host and moderate this special event.
Thank you to LeNora Jaye, whose stunning performance set the tone for the conversation ahead. Executive Director G Wright guided a rich, layered panel discussion and live exchange with author Raquel Willis, who joined us virtually. We are incredibly thankful to panelists Brayland M. Brown and Camille Danyell Lewis for bringing the themes of The Risk It Takes to Bloom to life with such honesty and depth. Drawing from their own lived experiences, they reflected on what resonated most in Raquel’s journey, where their personal stories took different turns, and how their ongoing community work continues to reflect and expand those themes.
We also want to extend our gratitude to our in-person and online audiences. Your thoughtful questions and diverse perspectives truly enriched the dialogue. A special shout-out to the many allies who showed up, listened intently, and held space alongside us.
Above all, we are deeply grateful to Raquel Willis for writing such a vital and powerful book. The Risk It Takes to Bloom is not only an intimate account of her own path but also an essential historical reminder—one that underscores the central, often uncredited role transgender people have played in the LGBTQ+ liberation movement. It challenges us to protect and uplift trans lives and stories, now more than ever. If you haven’t read it yet, we highly encourage you to do so.
Explore our program booklet.
And for those able to join Raquel for Thicker Than Water: A Cookout for Black Affirming & Chosen Families in Georgia, RSVP here.
Photos by David I. Muir
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AARLCC is GENERATIONAL
The love of AARLCC is Generational. Please see our visitors in the Youth Services area participating in our Summer Learning Program. We were delighted to host a Great-Grandmother, Grandmother and Granddaughter at AARLCC. Thanks for sharing from staff members Venkata Madiraju and Aneatra King.
AARLCC ASPIRE Academy A7MQ Life Management Session Highlight
June 30, 2026 | Nova Southeastern University | Levan Innovation CenterToday’s A7MQ Life Management Session was a resounding success!
Twenty-five ASPIRE Academy students gathered at the Levan Innovation Center at Nova Southeastern University for a powerful, eye-opening experience centered on what it truly means to become an adult and the real cost of getting there.
The session was facilitated by Dr. Rozalia Williams, Founder of the College Student Development Center, Inc. (CSDCI) and author of Life Management: What’s Your A7MQ? A transformative 260-page text that guides students through the seven major questions that prepare them to transition from dependent adolescents to independent adults.
Dr. Williams holds an Ed.D. in Administration, Planning, and Social Policy from the Harvard University Graduate School of Education and a Master of Science in Counselor Education from Florida International University, and brings over four decades of experience counseling and educating high school and college students.
During the session, students received an engaging introduction to Adult Life Readiness, taking a candid look at society’s expectations of adulthood and the financial realities that come with it. From eye-opening discussions on independence and responsibility to an introduction to the Life Management: What’s Your A7MQ? Workbook, the experience set the tone for a new year of intentional growth and preparation.
Each ASPIRE student received their own 260-page Life Management: What’s Your A7MQ? Workbook upon acceptance into the program as a personal guide, they are expected to actively use throughout the school year as they navigate their journey toward independence and adulthood.
Students also enjoyed a tour of the Alvin Sherman Library and the Levan Innovation Center, adding an enriching campus experience to an already impactful day. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Levan Innovation Center for their generous support in opening their facility to ASPIRE Academy and for their thoughtful gift of a professional portfolio notebook for each of our participants, a gesture that reflects their commitment to investing in the next generation.
The momentum continues AARLCC ASPIRE students will reunite for Session Two July 29th, where they will dive deeper into the work of building the life skills and mindset needed to thrive beyond high school.
Echoes of the Islands: Opening Brunch Reception
Join multidisciplinary artist Lisema “Lise” Sinord for the opening brunch of Echoes of the Islands, an immersive exhibition that combines photography, Caribbean-inspired soundscapes, lighting, and visual storytelling to explore memory, culture, and connection.
Guests will enjoy complimentary refreshments, a guided exhibition tour, a live Kompa dance demonstration, and the opportunity to connect with fellow creatives, community leaders, and entrepreneurs.
Saturday, July 11, 2026
11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Broward County Main Library – Storefront Art Space
100 S. Andrews Avenue, 6th Floor
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
This event is free and open to the public. Registration is requested to help with the brunch head count.
RSVP: CLICK HERE
Learn more: echoesoftheislands.com/
Presented in partnership with Broward County Libraries and made possible with support from the Broward County Cultural Division.
SAVE THE DATE!
What’s Happening at AARLCC?
Alcee Hastings: A Legacy of Service in Florida and Beyond
Every day: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery D
Age group: Tweens Teens New Adults Kids Families
event type: Exhibit
New Alcee Hastings CollectionUnearth a Story – African Tales & Music with Windell Campbell
Thursday, July 02: 10:30am – 11:30am
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Auditorium
Age group: Tweens Toddlers
event type: Summer Learning Program, Performances – Dance, Concerts & Theater, Arts & Cultural
Unearth a story with Windell Campbell! Experience African tales, music, and rhythm that bring folklore, courage, and culture to life for youth of all ages.
2026 Dr. Niara Sudarkasa Memorial Scholarship – Open to Graduate Students
Monday, July 06: All day unit 8/21/2026
African American Research Library and Cultural Center
Age group: Adults
event type: Information Table/Grab & Go
The award supports graduate students pursuing advanced research in anthropology, Africana/African American studies, African diaspora, educational leadership, or related fields. Deadline: 8/21/2026
Creative Expressions Presented by The Color Bubble – A Youth Art Series Celebrating Art, Culture & Creativity
Monday, July 06: 1:00pm – 2:30pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery B
Age group: Tweens Teens Kids
event type: Workshop, Summer Learning Program, Arts & Cultural
Join us for summer art! In this six-week series, participants will explore art, culture & creativity in hands-on workshops.
Register
Crochet Club for Tweens & Teens: Stitch & Dig Dinosaurs – Stitch, Create, Explore: Dino Fun for Teens
Tuesday, July 07: 3:30pm – 4:30pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery B
Age group: Tweens Teens
event type: Summer Learning Program, Arts & Cultural
Join our Crochet Club for Youth: Stitch & Dig Dinosaurs: Learn beginner crochet skills while creating fun dinosaur-themed projects.
Register
ASPIRE College Readiness Mentorship Program – ASPIRE Parents: Help Your Teen Get College Ready
Tuesday, July 07: 4:30pm – 5:30pm
AARLCC ASPIRE Academy VIRTUAL Interest Meeting – A FREE COLLEGE PREP PROGRAM – Zoom Virtual Meeting – Zoom Virtual Meeting
Age group: Teens Adults
event type: Workshop, Ready for College, Online/Virtual, Discussion/Lecture, Class
ASPIRE Academy helps students build the confidence, knowledge, and support system they need to navigate the college-going process with purpose. ASPIRE Parents
Venue detailsThis is part of the Ready for College: College Readiness Workshop series. Workshops are presented in partnership with local experts, The Scholarship Plug. Questions about this program can be directed to Libraries Community Engagement by email to communityengagement@
College Admissions: Everything You Need to Know
Learn how to navigate the college admissions process, stand out to top schools, and make informed decisions about high school choices, extracurriculars, and building a strong college list.
Register
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL II – Evolutionary Arts Life Foundation
Wednesday, July 08: 7:00pm – 8:30pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center
Age group: Teens New Adults Kids Families
event type: Performances – Dance, Concerts & Theater, Arts & Cultural
The Evolutionary Arts Life Foundation invites you to a spectacular performance of High School Musical 2
Register
ASPIRE College Readiness Mentorship Program – ASPIRE Academy VIRTUAL Interest Meeting-A FREE COLLEGE PREP
Thursday, July 09: 11:00am – 12:00pm
AARLCC ASPIRE Academy VIRTUAL Interest Meeting – A FREE COLLEGE PREP PROGRAM – Zoom Virtual Meeting – Zoom Virtual Meeting
Age group: Teens Adults
event type: Workshop, Ready for College, Online/Virtual, Discussion/Lecture, Class
ASPIRE Academy helps students build the confidence, knowledge, and support system they need to navigate the college-going process with purpose.
Venue detailsASPIRE Academy VIRTUAL Interest Meeting-A FREE COLLEGE PREP
ASPIRE Interest Meeting
Register
Beyond the Pattern: An Experimental Embroidery Workshop – By Hued Songs
Saturday, July 11: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Michael Bienes Seminar Room #2
Age group: Everyone
event type: Class
Explore freedom through thread, texture, and imagination in this hands-on experimental embroidery workshop.
Register
Canvas Painting – Beneath the Brush Dinosaur Painting Lab
Saturday, July 11: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Youth Service Story Room
Age group: Tweens Teens
event type: Summer Learning Program, Arts & Cultural
Join the Canvas Dinosaurs Painting Lab to paint dinosaur-themed canvases as a family while exploring “Underneath a Story” through fossils, discovery, and creativity.
Register
Southeast Regional Behavioral Health Interagency Meeting – Foster Community Partnerships and Enhancing Quality of Care
Monday, July 13: 10:30am – 12:30pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Auditorium
Age group: New Adults Everyone Adults
event type: Outreach, Health & Wellness, Discussion/Lecture
A collaborative meeting hosted by the Department of Children and Families (Substance Abuse and Mental Health) to address opportunities for improving Florida’s behavioral health system.
Register
Creative Expressions Presented by The Color Bubble – A Youth Art Series Celebrating Art, Culture & Creativity
Monday, July 13: 1:00pm – 2:30pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery B
Age group: Tweens Teens Kids
event type: Workshop, Summer Learning Program, Arts & Cultural
Join us for summer art! In this six-week series, participants will explore art, culture & creativity in hands-on workshops.