The Friends of the Broward County African America Research Library & Cultural Center (AARLCC; formerly Friends of the Von D. Mizell Library) is an organization whose membership is the lifeblood of library support. Within the scope of its mission, the Friends of the Broward County AARLCC advocates for library services, and provides resources to support library programs.

The members of the Friends are people of all ages from all walks of life who represent all of the communities of Broward County and beyond. These “ordinary “ people work with the library administration in “building bridges” to develop and maintain youth and adult services for the community. They give of their time and special skills in support of library projects and activities that support the mission of the library. They also raise funds to support library programs, staff development and appreciation.

Each Friend serves as a public relations instrument for the library by increasing the public’s awareness of the library and its services. As we move forward to strengthen our advocacy efforts, increase contributions, face challenges, and utilize opportunities to meet the needs of the library, you are invited to become a Friend.

WE ARE ADVOCATES, WE ARE SUPPORTERS! – Join us today

UPCOMING FRIENDS EVENTS

 

What’s Happening at AARLCC?


“To Be Sold” Exhibition – Enslaved Labor and Slave Trading in the Antebellum South

African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Gallery C
Age group:   Tweens  Teens  New Adults  Kids  Families  Everyone  Adults
Event type:  Exhibit
The African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) presents the exhibition,
“To Be Sold: Enslaved Labor and Slave Trading in the Antebellum South”


Dr. Niara Sudarkasa Memorial Scholarship – Open to Graduate Students

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: 12/31/2025


Gallery Walk of the “To Be Sold” Exhibition

Friday, December 12: 11:00am – 12:00pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center
Age group:   Tweens  Teens  New Adults  Adults
Event type:  Exhibit
Delve into the harrowing realities of the domestic slave trade in the American South with archivist Erin Purdy.


Soulful Christmas Concert 2025 – Presented by AARLCC & Hued Songs

Friday, December 12: 7:00pm – 8:30pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Auditorium, Lobby
Age group:   Tweens  Teens  Preschool  New Adults  Kids  Families  Everyone  Adults
Event type:  Performances – Dance, Concerts & Theater
Soulful Christmas is a holiday celebration for all, featuring music, storytelling, and community.

Register


Soulful Christmas Concert 2025 – Presented by AARLCC & Hued Songs

Saturday, December 13: 12:00pm – 1:30pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Auditorium
Age group:   Tweens  Teens  Preschool  New Adults  Kids  Families  Everyone  Adults
Event type:  Performances – Dance, Concerts & Theater, Arts & Cultural
Soulful Christmas is a holiday celebration for all, featuring music, storytelling, and community.

Register


Wags & Tales

Saturday, December 13: 1:00pm – 2:00pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Youth Service Story Room
Age group:   Tweens  Preschool  Kids  Families
Event type:  Literacy/Learning Services, Clubs & Groups, Books
Read to a therapy dog at the library!

Register


Super STEM Engineering Explorers – Family Science Saturdays @ AARLCC

Saturday, December 13: 1:30pm – 2:30pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Dianne Bienes Seminar Room # 1
Age group:   Tweens  Teens  Kids  Families
Event type:  Workshop, Technology, Class, Books
Join us and engineer a Wiggle Art Bot; Mix chemicals that fizz, bubble & change colors, Build your own hydraulic claw, and much more

Register


Soulful Christmas – A Community Day of Celebration

Saturday, December 13: 1:30pm – 5:30pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center –
Café, Ellyn F. Walters Conference Room, Gallery B, Harambee Room, Lobby, Michael Bienes Seminar Room #2
Age group:   Tweens  Toddlers  Teens  Preschool  New Adults  Kids  Families  Everyone  Babies/Infants  Adults
Event type:  Arts & Cultural
A community celebration with festivities and fun for the entire community.

Register


Stories That Shape Us – Storytelling, identity, and creative writing.

Monday, December 15: 4:30pm – 6:00pm
African American Research Library and Cultural Center – Dianne Bienes Seminar Room # 1
Age group:   Tweens  Teens  Kids
Event type:  Literacy/Learning Services, Class, Books
Teen Advisory Board Program (TAB) Goal: Help youth explore their personal stories and build confidence in sharing them.

PAST FRIENDS EVENTS

Together, we engage with community organizations to build support for new programs and increase attendance to existing programs.

OUR MISSION

Bringing together community “friends” to advocate for libraries.   The Friends of AARLCC is a support group of the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center. This includes, but is not limited to presenting library needs to elected officials in order to obtain crucial financial support.

JOIN US
– Every member plays a vital role.

We actively collaborate with community organizations to build support for new initiatives and boost attendance at our existing programs. Our goal is to provide resources for acquiring additions, special collections, research materials, and historically significant artifacts for our library’s special collections.

Every member plays a vital role as an Ambassador for AARLCC, helping to raise public awareness about the library and its services. Join us in strengthening our advocacy efforts, increasing contributions, and embracing opportunities to meet the needs of AARLCC. Learn how you can become a Friend of the library.

We invite you to visit AARLCC. If you are a regular patron, we encourage you to continue supporting the programs and services that make AARLCC a “gem” in Broward County.

Be sure to check our website regularly for updates on special events and exhibits at AARLCC.

WE ADVOCATE
– Why Are We Here? Why Friends?

WE ARE FRIENDS

We are advocates for the life, history, and culture of African American history, serving as liaisons between the African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) and the community.

As supporters, we raise funds for programs, events, exhibits, and the archive at AARLCC to increase awareness of our work.

Our mission is to unite community, friend & in advocating for libraries. The Friends of AARLCC is a support group for the African American Research Library and Cultural Center. This includes, but is not limited to, presenting library needs to elected officials to secure crucial financial support.

Our advocacy activities involve meeting with the County Administrator, the County Mayor, and each County Commissioner to provide factual information about the importance of maintaining funding for library programs and services. We demonstrate how these services benefit the community. We encourage community members to be present at budget workshops, speak at public hearings, appear before the Broward Legislative Delegation, attend Library Days in Tallahassee to advocate for state aid to libraries, and participate in our advocacy campaigns.

We invite you to join us and become active in our advocacy efforts.

WE SUPPORT
– Our Community & Our People!

Funds Allocated & Programs We Support As An Organization

Soulful Christmas is a holiday celebration for everyone, featuring music, storytelling, and a sense of community. This multidisciplinary event offers audiences a musical journey through the decades, showcasing iconic music that has shaped the sounds of Black Christmas. Attendees will enjoy a range of genres, including gospel, spirituals, soul, and more, all led by a diverse cast of artists. Join us for this enriching holiday experience filled with music and connection.

Educational and essential youth programs that help build and cultivate our youth through STEM, arts and cultural events, financial literacy, and reading.

Furthermore, funding supports expanding youth impact, which includes but is not limited to an award-winning Black History Saturday school series, family literacy programs, and college preparation programs.

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Friends of The African-American Research Library and Cultural Center
2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT