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Helios Education Foundation awards grants to five Florida organizations to expand college access and completion. Partners were selected following a public request for proposals in January 2025. At Helios Education Foundation, we believe in the power of postsecondary education to transform lives and communities and are proud to announce a new round of investments. This funding supports Florida-based organizations working to increase college access, persistence, and completion for low-income and historically underrepresented students.
Through our Florida Student Postsecondary Success Request for Proposals (RFP), released earlier this year, five nonprofit organizations have been selected for their innovative and evidence-based strategies that help students chart a successful path to and through college. “We’re proud to support these organizations as they work to advance educational success across Florida.” said Paul J. Luna, President and CEO of Helios Education Foundation. “They are on the frontlines of change-removing barriers to postsecondary attainment and creating new opportunities for students to thrive. We’re excited to partner with them on this important work.”
The Friends of Broward County African American Research Library and Cultural Center is the recipient of this outstanding opportunity. AARLCC will help high school students in our surrounding communities, where college enrollment numbers are low, increase their test scores, navigate college admissions, and compete for scholarships through the ASPIRE (Achieve, Support, Prepare, Innovate, Reach and Excel) Academy, a college preparation program designed for first-generation and underserved learners. See the press release from the Helios Foundation here.
We’re excited to have
Traci Cloyd
serve as our MC for our Destination Juneteenth Celebration.
Traci is both a ‘personality’ and a journalist. She is known for:
her approach to news, unique “voice”, attention to accuracy, grammar and her and ability to tell a good story. She’s described by the Miami Herald as a ‘smart pretty, high energy news writer and anchor. The Miami New Times says she’s a very stunning and totally hilarious radio personality’. I’ve built a reputation as an accurate and dynamic storyteller. As a veteran journalist my work includes radio, tv and digital platforms. From anchoring breaking news and hurricane coverage to producing series and segments for South Florida PBS, I bring authenticity and credibility to every story.
I have thrived at the intersection of hard-hitting journalism and charismatic storytelling, earning the moniker The News Goddess® for my ability to quickly digest complex information and write about it in a way viewers and listeners easily understand. I’m a trifecta of professionalism, wit and warmth. Make sure you use the link below to purchase your ticket.
The Cowboys are Coming!
Please join us at our Destination Juneteenth and hear from participants of the South Florida Soul Rodeo which was hosted by T. Dogg’s Bigg Dreams Charity. T. Dogg’s will share the legacy of Black Cowboys and Cowgirls by honoring their history, grit, and pride. See article featured in the Palm Beach Post here.
The Juneteenth Experience, is an immersive concert-theater blend of music, movement, poetry, and film that honors Black history, presence, and joy.
Expect jumpin’ vocals, choreography that moves more than just bodies, and visuals that breathe life into the past. From classical to gospel to spoken word, we’re telling the stories that built this region, and we’re telling them our way.
Why come?
Because this is for us. Because you’ve never seen Juneteenth like this. Because your friends deserve to witness something powerful. Because art like this doesn’t happen every day.
Join us in June:
Saturday, June 14 – Parker Playhouse, Ft. Lauderdale (7:30PM)
Wednesday, June 18 – Colony Theatre, Miami Beach (7:30PM)
Thursday, June 19 – Colony Theatre, Miami Beach (7:30PM)
Bring the crew. Bring your elders. Bring the babies. Dance, sing and remember. Together
Get your tickets here 
WE PROMISE THIS LINK WORKS.
What happens when you mix some of Shakespeare’s most compelling works with the rhythm and energy of some of Hip Hop’s greatest hits played live by a 12-piece ensemble?
You get The Bard in Bars, presented by Art Prevails Project. Written and directed by Darius V. Daughtry, The Bard in Bars is a rhythmic, energetic journey that will transport you back to 11th grade English class while nodding your head to violins and cellos. Art Prevails Project’s talented ensemble of actors bring new and exciting energy to the classic words of one of history’s most prolific writers. From literary scholar to Hip Hop enthusiast, The Bard in Bars has something for every audience member to enjoy.
Are your young learners ready for summer? AARLCC is the place for you. Please review a copy of the 2025 Summer Learning Programs for Youth document and take advantage of what our libraries have to offer you and your child. Select the image in order to increase the size of the document.
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What’s Happening At AARLCC?
Black History Saturday School Series – STEM Projects
Saturday, June 07: 11:00am – 1:00pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Michael Bienes Seminar Room #2
Age group: Tweens Teens New Adults Families Adults
event type: Literacy/Learning Services, Arts & Cultural
Free monthly interactive Black History lessons for youth and families.
Sankofa Book Club: – Master of Me by Keke Palmer
Saturday, June 07: 1:00pm – 3:00pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Ellyn F. Walters Conference Room
Age group: Adults
event type: Summer Learning Program, Discussion/Lecture, Books
Join us for the next installment of AARLCC’s Sankofa book club series, facilitated by Aneatra King, Community Library Manager, Senior of AARLCC and Deanna Bryant, Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
A Summer Celebration of Paint & Possibility – Connect, grow, and thrive together. **
Saturday, June 07: 1:30pm – 3:00pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery B
Age group: Tweens Toddlers
event type: Summer Learning Program, Arts & Cultural
Join us for an inspiring journey where creativity comes to life. Let your imagination and spirit flourish on the canvas as you bring your unique vision to life.
Art for Kids: Workshop Inspired by Sam Gilliam – Color our World Summer Art Series with Young at Art Museum **
Tuesday, June 10: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Michael Bienes Seminar Room #2
Age group: Tweens Kids
event type: Workshop, Summer Learning Program, Class, Arts & Cultural
Join an art educator from the Young at Art Museum as we “Color Our World”. Sponsored by the Broward Public Library Foundation.
Will Loiseau: Healthier Households for Father’s Day – Young at Any Age: Secrets to Slowing the Aging Process **
Wednesday, June 11: 5:45pm – 7:30pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Michael Bienes Seminar Room #2
Age group: Families Everyone
event type: Summer Learning Program, Health & Wellness, Discussion/Lecture, Books, Author Events
Join the AARLCC in an engaging talk by local author Will Loiseau on his recently published book, “Young at Any Age: Secrets to Slowing the Aging Process.”
Using Technology to Explore Color **
Thursday, June 12: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Dianne Bienes Seminar Room # 1
Age group: Everyone
event type: Technology, Summer Learning Program, Creation Station, Class
Discover color in VR!
STEM Engineering Innovators Summer Series – Building Tomorrow’s Innovators **
Friday, June 13: 3:30pm – 5:00pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Michael Bienes Seminar Room #2
Age group: Tweens Teens Kids
event type: Workshop, Technology, Summer Learning Program, Literacy/Learning Services, Class, Books
Join the STEM Engineering Innovators Summer Series. Dive into hands-on challenges, build exciting projects, and develop key skills in science, technology, engineering, and math.
2025 Hurricane Preparedness Open House
Saturday, June 14: 10:00am – 2:00pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Auditorium,Lobby
Age group: Tweens Toddlers
event type: Speaker, Outreach, Information Table/Grab & Go
Broward County Office of Emergency Management
Excel for Accounting **
Saturday, June 14: 10:30am – 12:00pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Computer Lab
Age group: New Adults Adults
event type: Workshop, Technology, Discussion/Lecture, Class, Career/Business
Excel is one of the most important skills for an accountant to have, but it can be tough if you’re unsure of where to start or how to complete a specific task.
Genealogy 101 Meet Up Series – Tracing Your Roots **
Saturday, June 14: 1:00pm – 3:00pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Computer Lab
Age group: Teens New Adults Adults
event type: Discussion/Lecture, Class
Explore your Family History in this 6-month meet up series .Featuring a special presentation by the Historic Cemeteries Program, State Department of Florida.
Craft & Relax: Rock Painting **
Saturday, June 14: 3:00pm – 4:00pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Youth Service Story Room
Age group: Tweens Teens Kids
event type: Summer Learning Program, Health & Wellness, Crafting/Makers, Arts & Cultural
Get your creative juices flowing with a craft designed to relax you. All supplies provided. Ages 5 and up.