Fort Lauderdale, FL - Broward County Library'sAfrican American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) marks its 20th anniversary with a rededication celebration and the opening of a new exhibit, Collectors' Duet: The Lifelong Librarianship of Vivian D. Hewitt and Dorothy Porter Wesley, at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 11, 2650 Sistrunk Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311, 954-357-6282. The event is free and registration is required.
The Vicennial of Black Excellence will commence during Black History Month with a Rededication Celebration connecting AARLCC supporters, past and future. The evening will include music and entertainment to honor the achievement of visionary and former Broward County Library Director Samuel F. Morrison, whose dream and years of hard work made AARLCC a reality on October 26, 2002.
AARLCC will also present the opening of a new exhibit, Collectors' Duet: The Lifelong Librarianship of Vivian D. Hewitt and Dorothy Porter Wesley, which showcases the career triumphs of two pioneering Black librarians through their writings, photographs, and art collections highlighting the African diaspora.
Both librarians are well represented in AARLCC's Special Collections. The Dorothy Porter Wesley Collection includes first editions and rare books along with writings by Dorothy Porter Wesley. The John H. and Vivian Hewitt Collection contains art by Haitian artists, along with correspondence and art memorabilia.
The Friends of the African American Research Library and Cultural Center (Friends of AARLCC) is proud to support AARLCC in celebrating a year-long commemoration of 20 years of collecting, preserving, and sharing local, national, and international Black history and culture. Throughout 2022, AARLCC will host a slate of exciting programs and events for its Vicennial of Black Excellence, honoring the mission, vision, and people who helped AARLCC become the nation's third library devoted to African and African American culture, history, literature and arts.
Friends of AARLCC is excited to partner with Cigna and Jack Daniels for this kickoff celebration. Additional support for upcoming 20th anniversary programs throughout 2022 will include sponsorships from JM Family Enterprises, Inc., Bank of America, and the Broward Public Library Foundation.
To RSVP for the free event, click here.
To learn more about becoming a Friend of AARLCC, visit https://friendsofaarlcc.org. For sponsorship and donor opportunities, please contact Pamela Adams at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
