A cultural center in Fort Lauderdale’s historic Sistrunk neighborhood looks set to cancel or rebrand events celebrating the African diaspora due to Florida’s anti-DEI law, which comes into force in 2027. <\/p>\n
Earlier this year, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 1134 into law. Beginning Jan. 1, it will limit how local governments can spend public money on certain diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs.<\/p>\n
The African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) is among many organizations in South Florida taking evasive action after finding themselves in the crosshairs of the bill. <\/p>\n
It is one of the few specialty libraries in the U.S. focused on African, African-American and Caribbean history. The collection holds more than 1 million items and has held more than 38 exhibits since its opening in 2002.<\/p>\n
The library is also a valued part of the community, hosting a variety of events its staff fear could be branded as DEI initiatives \u2014 leading to blowback not just to themselves. <\/p>\n
“That in itself would make us a target and make our elected officials a target, and we don’t want that,” said Luwando Wright, president of Friends of AARLCC, a philanthropic group supporting the center. “We want to make sure that we are following the lines of the law, but also continuing to provide stellar programming to our community that deserves it.”<\/p>\n
It means they have already planned to cancel or change some county-supported events, such as their annual Kwanzaa celebration.<\/p>\n
\u201c\u200aWe recognize historic people in our community that exemplify and promote the various pillars of Kwanzaa, and we started a recognition program last year that we were very excited about,\u201d she said. \u201cBut due to the new implementation of the new law, the county, meaning AARLCC, can no longer support it.\u201d<\/p>\n