Former Broward County Library Director Samuel Morrison was honored with this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award from the Southeast Florida Library Information Network (SEFLIN).
Morrison served as director of Broward County Library from 1990 until his retirement in 2003.
Under his leadership, Broward County Library was awarded “Library of the Year” in 1996 and grew to 38 branches.
He passionately fundraised for the creation of the African American Research Library and Cultural Center, which functions
as a public library as well as a special collections research center dedicated to African American history and culture.
He is pictured here at AARLCC’s groundbreaking ceremony on October 23, 1999.
Events Re-Cap
Happy Halloween Treats from the Youth Department
Staff from the Youth Department at AARLCC distributed Halloween sweet treats to the students that visited.
The students looked amazing in their costumes. Thank you, Venkata Madiraju, for always sharing the Youth AARLCC experiences.
First Friday at the Tower Club
The Friends of AARLCC had a wonderful experience at First Friday Social at the Tower Club.
The purpose of the social was to create an opportunity to network with Black Professionals at the Tower Club.
Thank you, Dr. Rozalia Williams, for the invitation. We’re looking forward to the Kwanzaa celebration on December 5, 2025.
Nominate a Leader Who Embodies Kwanzaa’s Principles
AARLCC is seeking nominations for outstanding leaders and organizations who embody the Nguzo Saba (seven principles) of Kwanzaa.
The deadline for submission is December 6, 2025.
In celebration of the seven principles of Kwanzaa, the African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) and
the Friends of AARLCC invite the community to participate in the Nguzo Saba Awards Program. This initiative honors seven
individuals whose service, leadership, and values reflect the Nguzo Saba, the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa.
We are accepting nominations for individuals or organizations which embody one of the following principles:
Umoja (Unity) – To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.
Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) – To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves.
Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) – To build and maintain our community together and make our brothers’ and sisters’ problems our problems.
Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) – To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together.
Nia (Purpose) – To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.
Kuumba (Creativity) – To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.
Imani (Faith) – To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.
Eligibility: Nominees may be individuals or organizations who have made a significant, positive impact on the Broward County community.
Who Can Nominate: Anyone may submit a nomination—community members, colleagues, students, and family members are encouraged to participate.
Deadline for Submissions: All nominations must be received by Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
Selection Process: A community panel convened by AARLCC will review all submissions. One honoree will be
selected for each of the Seven Principles based on demonstrated impact, leadership, and alignment with the values of Kwanzaa.
Recognition: The seven honorees will be publicly recognized during AARLCC’s Annual Kwanzaa Celebration on Saturday, December 27, 2025, held at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk
Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Each honoree will receive a Nguzo Saba Award and will be featured in AARLCC’s communications
and social media channels.
Love & Hate (and everything in between) is a journey of the human experience, told through drama, music, and poetry.
This latest installment of Art Prevails Project’s multidisciplinary experience, The Happening: A Theatrical Mixtape, explores
themes of self-worth, relationships, and the complexities of work and family dynamics, pulling from current events, popular music,
and classic literature. With moments that will make you smile, move, and reflect, Love & Hate examines who we are and how
we show up for ourselves and each other.
We’re heading back to our home at the African American Research Library & Cultural Center for another Soulful Christmas.
December 12th, 2025 @ 7:00PM EST December 13th, 2025 @ 12:00PM EST
Come experience an evening where gospel, spirituals, and soul come together to celebrate the season.
Featuring an all-star cast: Wilkie Ferguson, III, Ja’Nia Harden, Brittany Graham, and Erron Cooper under the direction of
Director, Kunya C. Rowley and Musical Director, King Friday.
Monday, November 10: All day
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery C
Age group: Tweens, Teens, New Adults, Kids, Families, Everyone, Adults
Event type: Exhibit
Wednesday, November 12: 2:30pm – 3:30pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Computer Lab
Age group: Adults
Event type: Technology, Class
As the world continues to experience rapid advancements in technology, it’s vital to ensure accessible spaces for older Americans
to stay informed and connected. Register
Thursday, November 13: 11:00am – 12:30pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center
Age group: Tweens, Teens, New Adults, Adults
Event type: Health & Wellness
Nourish your mind and body with 14-weeks of yoga at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center. Whether you’re seeking
stress relief or joyful movement, all are welcome to the program. Register
Copyright (c) 2025
Broward County Friends of the African American Research Library and Cultural Center
Mission:
The Broward County Friends of the African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) is an organization that
brings together community friends to advocate for AARLCC. The Friends promote community understanding of library services
and present the library needs to government officials in order to obtain crucial financial support.
