MARCH 13-15 • 2025
African American Research Library and Cultural Center 2650 Sistrunk Boulevard Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33311
Message From THE DIRECTOR
Greetings,
As Director of Broward County Library, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2025 edition of the Africana Arts & Humanities Festival, one of our cherished signature programs.
This year will be incredibly special, as we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Harlem Renaissance, paying tribute to a singular time and place in the Black experience when art, music, literature, dance and every aspect of Black creativity was kaleidoscopically merging, flourishing, recombining and exploding. What a period!
There are moments in history when place, genius and zeitgeist come together to produce a remarkable era. The Black enclave of Harlem, in 1920s -1930s New York, was such an instance. It thrills us to re-imagine it and it challenges us to sample it with you.
It’s our privilege to share the next three days with you in cultural immersion. Open yourself to the “Reveal the Beauty” curated exhibition; sashay through the glamourous “Eat. Drink. Read. Speakeasy Edition” bash for an unforgettable evening of music, art and storytelling; delight in the hands-on sculpture and collage classes for children, encouraging them in the steps of great African American artists; lean in to discussions to enlarge our perceptions by distinguished scholars in the fields of history, literature, and art history; participate in a Neighborhood Revitalization Symposium with Urban League of Broward County; be there to hear a panel of local authors sharing on the creative process. Walk with us as we trace the footsteps of cultural giants and listen for their century-old echo, still reverberating today.
I am also gratified that you will become acquainted with an extraordinary librarian of historic significance, Dorothy Porter Wesley, whose archive was posthumously donated to AARLCC’s Special Collections and contains over five thousand bibliographic treasures and Black history memorabilia. These items were collected, preserved and documented by her at a time when such material was relegated to trash bins rather than cataloged in libraries. When you tour our exhibit and listen to Dr. Laura Helton’s talk on how Black collectors remade history, you will understand why I take pride in being a member of Dorothy Porter Wesley’s profession, and why I admire her for deploying librarianship to assert the humanity of Black people.
Thank you for accepting our invitation to join us this year. I encourage you not to miss a moment!
Allison Grubbs Broward County Library Director
Message From THE REGIONAL MANAGER
Welcome to the second annual Africana Arts & Humanities Festival!
The festival continues to build upon the legacy of the African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) as a hub of scholarly engagement, cultural preservation and artistic expression.
Our theme for this year’s festival is “Renaissance: Celebrating the Centennial of the Harlem Renaissance”—a tribute to the era that shaped Black artistry and literature across generations.
By honoring the Harlem Renaissance, we also acknowledge its influence not only on literature but also on music, visual and performing arts and activism. The programming of the festival is specifically curated to inform on some of the unknown history from this era—elements that continue to inspire today’s creators. Acclaimed authors like Jonathan Escoffery will lead insightful discussions, while the panels and workshops explore themes of literature and creative expression. Jazz luminary Nicole Yarling and the captivating LaVie will bring the Harlem Renaissance’s musical spirit to life, blending historical resonance with contemporary flair.
A major highlight of this year’s festival is our exhibition, Reveal the Beauty: The Literature and Art of the Harlem Renaissance, which showcases selections from the Dorothy Porter Wesley Collection. Dorothy Porter Wesley was a pioneering librarian and scholar whose groundbreaking work at Howard University’s MoorlandSpingarn Research Center laid the foundation for Black archival preservation. Her personal collection, now housed at AARLCC, includes rare books, manuscripts and ephemera that offer an unparalleled glimpse into the intellectual and artistic forces that fueled the Harlem Renaissance. This exhibition underscores our commitment to preserving and celebrating the many narratives that shaped history and literature.
Our hope is the Africana Arts & Humanities Festival fosters conversations about the future—how we preserve and expand cultural legacies while uplifting new voices. Through engaging discussions, performances and interactive experiences, we aim to inspire attendees to embrace the power of art and storytelling in shaping our community identity and progress.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has contributed to making this festival a reality. This event would not be possible without the dedication of the AARLCC team, our esteemed partners and our generous sponsors.
It is my hope that your time here is enriched with a deeper appreciation for the enduring impact of Black art and culture.
Tameka Bradley Hobbs, Ph.D. Regional Manager
African American Research Library and Cultural Center
Message From DR. SHAWN ANTHONY CHRISTIAN
It is a privilege to serve as chair of AARLCC’s 2025 Africana Arts & Humanities Festival.
This year, our festival theme—Renaissance—celebrates the lasting literature, art, music, challenges, and triumphs of the New Negro or Harlem Renaissance a century later. For the writers, artists, and everyday people striving during this vibrant cultural movement, the Harlem Renaissance represented a rebirth—a blend of redefinition, racial pride, protest, and the creation of a Black world.
Today, from our vantage point here in Florida, let’s take a moment to reflect on the Harlem Renaissance, particularly recognizing our role in its origins. While it is more celebrated than ever, many experiences that influenced the music and poetry of James Weldon Johnson, the novels and folklore of Zora Neale Hurston, and the sculptures of Augusta Savage began in various parts of our state. Each of them left Florida as young adults and headed to Harlem, New York. Like many of their peers from other Southern states, the Caribbean, and Africa, they participated in the Great Migration that fueled the Harlem Renaissance. However, our local Black communities contributed more than just support for this talent. From Jacksonville to Miami, numerous towns and cities showcased vibrant arts and cultural scenes, earning the title “Harlem of the South.”
As a library community, we are fortunate to access a rich and comprehensive resource that enables us to celebrate this era while exploring the Renaissance experience throughout the African Diaspora. This year, we are utilizing the AARLCC’s Dorothy Porter Wesley Rare Book Collection, a cultural gem, to deepen our understanding and appreciation of the Harlem Renaissance. To enhance this year’s festival, our exhibition “Reveal the Beauty: The Literature and Art of the Harlem Renaissance” draws from the collection, showcasing novels, poetry, and newspapers that depict and document Black life during the early decades of the 20th century. With the expert guidance of co-curator Christopher Norwood, Dr. Hobbs and the AARLCC staff, we pair selected items from the collection with paintings, illustrations, and other visual art to make the Harlem Renaissance not only tangible but also a vibrant part of our living history.
The writers’ talks, youth events, music, performances, and intergenerational and cross-cultural conversations we have planned will transport you back to the 1920s and 1930s, affirm you in the present, and, we hope, energize your visions for a collective future. We invite you to journey with us and hope you enjoy the experience as much as we enjoyed planning and presenting the 2025 Africana Arts & Humanities Festival.
Dr. Shawn Anthony Christian
Associate Professor and Chair Department of English
Florida
International University
WAYNE & LUCRETIA WEINER
Thank You!
Celebrating the Centennial of the Harlem Renaissance
TIME EVENT LOCATION
THURSDAY, MARCH 13
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Jazz Concert featuring Nicole Yarling AARLCC, Auditorium
FRIDAY, MARCH 14
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM Neighborhood Revitalization Symposium Urban League of Broward County 560 NW 27th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM An Evening with Author Jonathan Esco ery AARLCC, Auditorium
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM Eat. Drink. Read. The Speakeasy Edition AARLCC, Gallery B featuring La Vie and The Arts Prevails Project
SATURDAY, MARCH 15
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM Sculpting Freedom Youth Program: AARLCC, Dianne Bienes Honoring Augusta Savage Seminar, Room #2
11:00 AM -12:30 PM "A Life of Service: Augusta Savage" with Dr. Je reen M. Hayes AARLCC, Gallery B
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Exploring the Harlem Renaissance: AARLCC, "The New Brownies' Book" Dianne Bienes Seminar with Dr. Karida L. Brown and Charly Palmer Room # 1
Fe ival Schedule At-A-Glance
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Gallery Walk of “Reveal the Beauty: The Literature and Art of the Harlem Renaissance” with curators
Dr. Shawn Christian & Chris Norwood
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM A Little Renaissance: A Jazz History Costume Party for Teens and Tweens!
AARLCC, Gallery C
Auditorium
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Black Bibliophiles on the 20th Century: A Conversation with Dr. Laura Helton AARLCC, Gallery B
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Collage & Culture: Exploring the Art of AARLCC, Dianne Bienes Romare Bearden Seminar Room #2
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Gallery Walk of “Reveal the Beauty: The Literature and Art of the Harlem Renaissance” with curators
Dr. Shawn Christian & Chris Norwood
AARLCC, Gallery C
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM Stories Unveiled: Local Author Panel AARLCC, Dianne Bienes Seminar Room # 1
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THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 2025
Jazz Concert featuring Nicole Yarling
Time: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Location: AARLCC Auditorium
Enjoy the timeless rhythms of jazz vocalist/violinist Nicole Yarling and her sextet in an unforgettable evening of music featuring the compositions of one of the greatest composers of American music—Duke Ellington. Beyond her performing career, Yarling is a passionate advocate for music education and mentorship. She serves as an Assistant Professor and Director of Popular Music at Florida Memorial University and is a full-time faculty member at the Frost School of Music. Her leadership extends to programs such as Jazz Encounters, the Jazz Education Community Coalition, and Phil Collins’ Little Dreamers organization, where she fosters the next generation of jazz musicians. Honored with the Jazz Hero Award from the Jazz Journalists Association and inducted into the South Florida Jazz Hall of Fame, Yarling continues to break barriers in jazz education and performance. Her participation in this year’s festival not only enriches our celebration of the Harlem Renaissance but also underscores its continued impact on culture, history, and artistic innovation.
FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2025
Neighborhood Revitalization Symposium: Affordable Housing and Economic Development
Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Urban League of Broward County 560 NW 27th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
This symposium gathers community leaders, innovators and policymakers who are dedicated to transforming our neighborhoods. Learn about effective strategies to increase affordable housing options, support local entrepreneurship, and promote sustainable economic growth within our communities. The engaging discussions will focus on community improvement and provide opportunities to connect with passionate leaders and neighbors who are committed to making a positive impact. Gain insights on affordable housing and community development from both local and statewide perspectives.
Nicole Yarling
DISCUSSION: The challenge and promise of affordable housing
Moderator: Dr. Germaine Smith-Baugh, President and CEO of the Urban League of Broward County
PANEL:
Ashon Nesbitt, CEO of the Florida Housing Coalition
Sen. Nan H. Rich, Broward County Commissioner - District 1
Michele Collie, SVP with City National Bank
DISCUSSION: How today’s plans impact our future
Moderator: Shaheewa Gelin, Esq., Founder of the Broward Black Chamber of Commerce.
PANEL:
Lorraine Mizell, Owner of Ivory’s Takeout
Christina Anthony, CEO of Turn 2 Construction
Dr. Germaine Smith-Baugh
Shaheewa Gelin, Esq.
Ashon Nesbitt
Lorraine Mizell
Sen. Nan H. Rich
Michele Collie
Christina Anthony
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An Evening with Jonathan Escoffery
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: AARLCC, Auditorium
Dive into the compelling world of Jonathan Escoffery, the award-winning author of If I Survive You, a groundbreaking linked story collection that explores identity, migration, and generational struggles. Hailing from South Florida with deep roots in Jamaica, Escoffery’s work masterfully captures the nuanced lives of Jamaican and Jamaican-American characters navigating their paths amid cultural expectations and systemic challenges. A New York Times and Booklist Editor’s Choice, an IndieNext Pick, and an International Bestseller, his debut has been lauded globally, earning nominations for prestigious honors. Escoffery’s stories, shaped by his own upbringing as the son of Jamaican immigrants, reveal the unspoken realities of a generation striving for promised upward mobility amidst the backdrop of financial collapse and social upheaval. Escoffery’s insights will redefine what it means to belong, challenge and thrive.
Moderator: Calibe Thompson, President and Co-Founder Island SPACE Caribbean Museum
Eat. Drink. Read.: The Speakeasy Edition
Time: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: AARLCC, Gallery B
We celebrate the power of storytelling with a dynamic performance by LaVie, whose artistry reflects the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance. LaVie captivates audiences with uplifting music that inspires resilience, empowerment, and selfdiscovery by blending soul, Jazz and Caribbean influences. From her debut album, Life Music, to standout performances at Jazz in the Gardens, she continues to leave a lasting impact.
Also featured is the Arts Prevails Project, which showcases new and emerging writers and performers through poetry performances that present original content in both traditional and non-traditional ways.
Artist: LaVie
Poetry by The Art Prevails Project
Jonathan Escoffery
LaVie
SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 2025
Sculpting Freedom Youth Program: Honoring Augusta Savage
Time: 10:15 AM – 11:15 AM
Location: AARLCC, Dianne Bienes Seminar Room #2
Our Youth Program celebrates the incredible legacy of Augusta Savage. This event immerses young people in Savage’s work as a pioneering sculptor who used her art to express themes of freedom and identity. Participants will create clay sculptures and animals that symbolize freedom, as well as craft clay hands to represent strength and resilience.
A Life of Service: Augusta Savage by Jeffreen M. Hayes, Ph.D.
Time: 11:00AM – 12:30PM
Location: AARLCC, Gallery B
Dr. Jeffreen Hayes
Dr. Jeffreen Hayes delves into the extraordinary life and enduring impact of Florida native Augusta Savage, a trailblazing sculptor who overcame poverty, racism and sexism to shape the artistic landscape of 20th-century America. In her acclaimed work, Augusta Savage: Renaissance Woman, Dr. Hayes celebrates Savage’s role as a community builder, activist, and educator who co-founded the Harlem Artists’ Guild and led the Harlem Community Art Center. Savage’s influence extended beyond her sculptures, mentoring iconic artists like Jacob Lawrence, Romare Bearden, and Norman Lewis. Through a rich tapestry of fifty works, period photographs, and personal correspondence, this powerful exploration underscores Savage’s legacy as a cornerstone of the Harlem Renaissance and a beacon of hope and resilience.
Exploring the Harlem Renaissance: Youth Program with Dr. Karida L. Brown and Charly Palmer
Time: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: AARLCC, Dianne Bienes Seminar Room # 1
Dr. Karida L. Brown and Charly Palmer, co-authors of The New Brownies Book: A Love Letter to Black Families, offer a profound exploration of Black life and culture that recently garnered the 2024 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work – Non-Fiction. Dr. Brown, a sociologist and professor at
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Emory University, is celebrated for her impactful research on systemic racism and the richness of Black experiences. Her work seamlessly integrates social science with the arts, aiming to inspire equitable change. Charly Palmer, an award-winning artist, has significantly contributed to racial discourse through his evocative visual narratives. His commissions range from the United States Postal Service’s Black Heritage stamp to John Legend’s Grammy-winning album. Palmer’s art has graced prestigious collections, including those of JP Morgan Chase and The Coca-Cola Company, and he played a pivotal role in the iconic July 2020 Time Magazine cover. Dr. Brown and Palmer merge academic rigor with artistic expression in The New Brownies Book, celebrating Black families’ history, storytelling and cultural reflection.
Gallery Walk of “Reveal the Beauty: The Literature and Art of the Harlem Renaissance”
featuring curators Dr. Shawn Christian and Chris Norwood
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Location: AARLCC, Gallery C
Experience the Harlem Renaissance through an immersive gallery walk showcasing its influential literature and vibrant artwork. Curated by Dr. Shawn Christian and Christopher Norwood, J.D., this exhibition explores the era’s cultural impact and its lasting legacy.
Dr. Christian, an FIU English professor and expert in African American literary culture, has authored works on the Harlem Renaissance and curated exhibitions on its influence. Christopher Norwood, a consultant and community advocate, serves on the editorial board of The International Review of African American Art and has dedicated his career to education, equity, and social impact.
Dr. Karida L. Brown
Dr. Shawn Christian
Charly Palmer
Christopher Norwood, J.D.
A Little Renaissance: A Jazz History Costume Party for Teens and Tweens!
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Location: AARLCC, Auditorium
Step back in time to the vibrant era of the Harlem Renaissance, where music, art, and culture thrived. Children dress as legendary figures—jazz musicians, poets, dancers, and artists—bringing history to life in a fun and interactive way. Listen to the sounds of classic jazz and learn and try out popular dance moves from that era.
Black Bibliophiles on the 20th Century: Unearthing Stories, Reimagining History
A Conversation with Laura Helton, Ph.D.
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Location: AARLCC, Gallery B
Dr. Laura Helton, historian, and author of Scattered and Fugitive Things: How Black Collectors Created Archives and Remade History, invites you to discover how Black collectors and librarians reshaped the world by preserving stories that mattered most. This groundbreaking book reveals how early 20th-century African American archives and libraries sparked new ways of imagining race, identity, and history. As an Associate Professor at the University of Delaware, Dr. Helton is passionate about teaching African American literature and archival studies while exploring how collecting and curating information shapes the stories we tell. Whether you’re curious about how archives hold power or want to learn how to protect your community’s history, Dr. Helton’s insights will inspire you to look at history—and the future—in a whole new way.
Collage & Culture: Exploring the Art of Romare Bearden
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: AARLCC, Dianne Bienes Seminar Room #2
This event allows teens to unleash their creativity while learning about Romare Bearden, a master of collage and visual storytelling. Inspired by his innovative use of mixed media, teens will create collages using personal memories, cultural themes and bold imagery—just as Bearden did. Discover how African American history,
Dr. Laura Helton
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literature, jazz, and global artistic traditions influenced Bearden’s art. This event will encourage selfexpression while celebrating the rich artistic legacy of the Harlem Renaissance. No prior art experience is needed—just a passion for creativity and culture!
Stories Unveiled: Local Author Panel
Time: 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: AARLCC, Dianne Bienes Seminar Room # 1
This engaging event features some of your favorite local authors! Learn about their writing process, inspirations, and maybe even some sneak peeks of their upcoming works. This event is your chance to connect with the literary community in our area.
