Friends of AARLCC Summer Newsletter

Hello Friends,

We thank you for your support for AARLCC. The Friends of AARLCC work to support programming at AARLCC.

“The Porch is the Tree is the Watering Hole Where We Gather - Black in Sistrunk” is an art exhibit at AARLCC. This exhibit highlights the Black experience in the Sistrunk community. Bring your friends and families to see the spectacular exhibit at AARLCC until May 30, 2021. Social distancing and masks are required.

“For the Love of AARLCC” is another successful virtual event hosted by the Friends of AARLCC in February. The theme being why the community loves AARLCC. If you were not able to attend, see the replay at https://www.facebook.com/friendsofaarlcc. If you have a story about why AARLCC is important you, please share it with us at friendsofaarlcc@gmail.com.

During Women’s History Month, March, we celebrated the centennial birthday of Esther Rolle Pompano Beach native, Emmy Awarding winning, actor, civil rights activist, and honorary member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. The original play “Let the Good Times Rolle: The Life and Legacy of Esther Rolle” debuted March 4, at AARLCC in a drive-in setting. The Esther Rolle Exhibit will be on display in the Gallery until May 29,2021.

Join us at the virtual 10^th Annual South Florida Book Festival July 15-16, 2021. The featured author is Candacy Taylor, author of the “Overground Railroad: The Green Book and the Roots of Black Travel in America” on Thursday July 15 in collaboration with Florida Memorial And the Social Justice Common Read on Thursday July 15,2021.

At AARLCC Black history is 365, join us www.friendsofaarlcc.org.

Stay well,

Pamela Adams, President

Thank You for Your Donation

The Friends of AARLCC would like to extend our gratitude to Carol and Charles Webster of the African American Success Foundation for their generous donation of $4,996.27. We would also like to thank them for their efforts for more than 20 years to fund grants and scholarships for graduates to conduct research to study African American success, particularly in the area of education. We are especially appreciative that they have chosen to donate their research and data to AARLCC Special Collections.

The History of AARLCC

Friends of AARLCC member Julie Hunter shares how AARLCC became a leader in the community during this quick video.

The Porch is the Tree is the Watering Hole

Come out and view the free new exhibit at the African American Research Library & Cultural Center. The Porch is the Tree is the Watering Hole exhibit will be open to the public on Thursdays and Saturdays from 11AM - 2PM starting Saturday, December 12, 2020 through May 29, 2021.

Viewed through the lenses of art, architecture, photography, and poetry, The Porch is the Tree is the Watering Hole is a dynamic exploration of space and community within the African diaspora. Highlighting the Black experience in Black neighborhoods, the exhibition celebrates the history of the Sistrunk community with works by: Germane Barnes, Darius V. Daughtry, David I. Muir, Adler Guerrier, Olalekan Jeyifous, Adrienne Chadwick, Marlene Brunot, and George Gadson. The exhibition is curated by Dominique Denis.

The Porch is the Tree is the Watering Hole will be at the African American Research Library & Cultural Center, 2650 NW Sixth St. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 Capacity is limited due to physical distancing guidelines; reservations are required to attend. To register for this free exhibit, click here.

Featured Special Collection at AARLCC: Ethel Mae Mizell Pappy Family

In March, during Women’s History Month Celebration, the Special Collections at AARLCC highlighted ETHEL MAE MIZELL PAPPY, born in Dania Beach, Florida, the firstborn daughter of

fourteen children born to Isadore and Minnie Moore Mizell. Her long and fruitful life was characterized by positive family principles, extensive educational training, strong and avid church affiliation and widespread community service. .

She loved libraries. After serving for the first Library for blacks in the Dixie Court project (founded by her brother, Ivory Mizell), she was the force behind the development of the former Von D. Mizell Library on Sistrunk Street. She became the first president of the Friends of the Von D. Mizell Library (now the Friends of the African American Research Library and Cultural Center) and was honored twice by the Friends for her Lifetime Achievement.

The Mizell Family has contributed their family papers to the African American Research Library and Cultural Center. The collection includes personal letters, news clippings, photographs, and memorabilia of the Mizell Family of Broward County, FL. More information about the life and times of the illustrious and talented Ethel Mae Mizell Pappy is available in the Ethel Mae Mizell Pappy Family Collection in the Special Collections of AARLCC.

AARLCC Celebrates Vice President Kamala Harris Inauguration at Drive-In Watch Party

The community came on to enjoy Kamala Harris becoming the first woman to be vice president by attending the watch party outside of the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center. Thanks to all of you who attended our Drive-In Inaugural event at AARLCC.

Membership Roundup

Thanks to all of you who showed up and showed out for our membership event – “For The Love Of AARLCC”. Over 200 people viewed either through Facebook and/or Zoom! From this event we gained 22 new and renewing members – and a special thanks to those who donated. Donations are always accepted!

Members will be added to our email blast so that you won’t miss another event. Because of you, we are able to present relevant community-centered events.

Join us today at our website – www.friendsofaarlcc.org – or send us a check made payable to Friends of AARLCC. Also, you can click on the button at the bottom of this page to join or renew your membership with the Friends of AARLCC or make TAX DEDUCTIBLE donation today!

Why Join the Friends of AARLCC?

President’s Greeting