The 2026 Africana Arts & Humanities Festival (AAHF) returns March 27–28 at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC), uniting scholars, authors, artists, performers, and families for a vibrant celebration of Black history, culture, and creativity.

AAHF is AARLCC’s signature annual cultural and intellectual convening, transforming the library into a hub of learning and cultural exchange. Through lectures, literary conversations, performances, youth activations, family programming, and curated cultural installations, the festival illuminates the richness and resilience of the African diaspora.

2026 Theme: “We, Too, Sing America: 250 Years of Black Life and Culture”
Inspired by Langston Hughes’ iconic poem “I, Too,” the theme reflects on 250 years of Black life, creativity, and resistance that have shaped the American story. This year’s festival emphasizes historical perspectives, contemporary scholarship, artistic excellence, and intergenerational learning, celebrating the enduring contributions of Black communities.

Featured Speakers:

Karsonya Wise Whitehead, Ph.D. – President of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) and nationally respected public historian. Her work centers on Black public memory, racial justice, and social transformation.
Kellie Carter-Jackson, Ph.D. – Award-winning historian and author of We Refuse: A Forceful History of Black Resistance, recognized as a New York Times Editors’ Pick and a Kirkus Best Book of the Year. She reframes traditional narratives of nonviolence by documenting how Black communities resisted enslavement, segregation, and racial violence.
Randal Maurice Jelks, Ph.D. – Professor, documentary producer, and author of My America: Langston Hughes on Democracy. Dr. Jelks explores Hughes’ vision of democracy and traces his journey from Kansas City to global cultural centers. Born in New Orleans, he is a descendant of the Georgetown 272, enslaved persons sold to pay off Georgetown University’s debts.

Festival Highlights:
Friday, March 27: Student-focused programming in the morning; keynote conversation and evening reception.
Saturday, March 28: Family Day and youth activations, storytelling sessions, hands-on cultural activities, author showcases, and bookstore activation with Pyramid Books featuring signings and literary vendors.

Event Info:
African-American Research Library and Cultural Center
March 27–28, 2026
954-357-6282
Registration is free: AAHF Full Schedule & Registration

The festival is generously funded by Wayne and Lucretia Weiner, The Friends of AARLCC, and the Broward Cultural Division.

“For 250 years, Black life, culture, and resistance have shaped the story of America. We invite the community to experience conversations, performances, and storytelling that explore where we’ve been and where we’re going,” said Tameka Hobbs, Historian and Regional Library Manager at AARLCC.