{"id":68490,"date":"2025-12-02T20:41:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-02T20:41:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/68490\/"},"modified":"2025-12-02T20:41:00","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T20:41:00","slug":"the-african-american-research-library-and-cultural-center-presents-soulful-christmas-a-celebration-of-music-culture-and-holiday-joy-a-celebration-of-community-and-culture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/68490\/","title":{"rendered":"The African American Research Library and Cultural Center Presents Soulful Christmas \u2014 A Celebration of Music, Culture, and Holiday Joy A Celebration of Community and Culture"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Broward\u2019s African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) invites the community to experience\u00a0Soulful Christmas, a lively weekend celebration of music, art, and cultural heritage that embodies the spirit of joy, unity, and the holiday season.<\/p>\n

This festive, family-friendly event transforms AARLCC into a tropical winter wonderland filled with creativity and community pride. Over two memorable days, guests will enjoy a\u00a0free\u00a0Soulful Christmas\u00a0Concert\u00a0on Friday evening and a\u00a0Community Day of Celebration\u00a0on Saturday afternoon\u2014two signature events designed to uplift, inspire, and bring people of all ages together.<\/p>\n

Generous sponsorship is provided by\u00a0The Friends of the Broward County African American Research Library and Cultural Center, Wayne and Lucretia Weiner, Walmart, Liberal Black Firefighters Association, Kiwanis Club of Tamarac, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, United Way of Broward County, South Florida Hunger Coalition, and Starbucks (Plantation Towne Square).<\/p>\n

Soulful Christmas\u00a0Concert<\/p>\n

Friday, December 12 | 7:00\u20138:30 PM
Location:\u00a0AARLCC Lobby & Auditorium
Presented by:\u00a0AARLCC & Hued Songs
Free and open to the public<\/p>\n

Located in the heart of Broward County,\u00a0Soulful Christmas\u00a0reimagines the holiday performance tradition\u2014combining live music, storytelling, and community voices into a lively celebration of culture. Inspired by classic seasonal shows\u00a0like The Nutcracker\u00a0and\u00a0Swan Lake,\u00a0Soulful Christmas\u00a0aims to create a cherished holiday tradition rooted in the spirit and history of Fort Lauderdale\u2019s historic Sistrunk community.<\/p>\n

\u201cSoulful Christmas\u00a0is a time when our entire community comes together to celebrate the season as one big family. Local organizations, businesses, and individuals unite with the African American Research Library and Cultural Center to ensure that every child leaves not only with a present but also with the presence of joy. The smiles throughout the building make this one of my favorite events of the year.\u201d\u2014 Aneatra King, Community Library Manager, Senior, Broward County Library \u2013 AARLCC.<\/p>\n

This vibrant celebration continues AARLCC\u2019s mission to educate, uplift, and unite the community through the power of art and cultural expression.<\/p>\n

Performance Highlights<\/p>\n

Artistic Director:\u00a0Kunya Rowley
\nMusical Director:\u00a0King Friday<\/p>\n

Featured Performers<\/p>\n

Ja\u2019Nia Harden\u00a0\u2014 Jazz & R&B Artist
\nErron Cooper\u00a0\u2014 Gospel Vocalist
\nBrittany Graham\u00a0\u2014 Soprano
\nWilkie Ferguson III\u00a0\u2014 Broadway\/TV Performer<\/p>\n

Reimagined Holiday Classics<\/p>\n

This\u00a0Christmas
\nSomeday at\u00a0Christmas
\n\u2026and more<\/p>\n

\u201cThis performance fills me with joy every year \u2013 it\u2019s become a celebration of hope, laughter, and incredible artistry. Our cast and band are phenomenal professional artists who pour their hearts into every note. I\u2019m deeply grateful for our partnership with The African American Research Library & Cultural Center as we present our third year in Broward. Just as The Nutcracker has become a holiday tradition, my hope is that\u00a0Soulful Christmas\u00a0will become the annual celebration our community eagerly anticipates each season.\u201d\u2013 Kunya Rowley, Executive Artistic Director, Hued Songs<\/p>\n

Soulful Christmas\u00a0Community Day of Celebration<\/p>\n

Saturday, December 13 | 1:30\u20135:30 PM
Location:\u00a0AARLCC \u2014 Caf\u00e9, Ellyn F. Walters Conference Room, Gallery B, Lobby, Michael Bienes Seminar Room #2, and the Harambee Room
Free and open to the public<\/p>\n

The celebration continues with an afternoon filled with community, creativity, and holiday fun. The day begins with a\u00a0live\u00a0Soulful Christmas\u00a0Concert by Hued Songs from 12:00\u20131:30 PM, followed by hands-on activities, performances, and cultural experiences.<\/p>\n

Event Highlights<\/p>\n

Photos with Santa<\/p>\n

Holiday storytelling & sing-alongs<\/p>\n

Gift giveaways (while supplies last)<\/p>\n

Snapology: LEGO\u00ae\u00a0Christmas\u00a0Ornament Making<\/p>\n

Delou Africa performance (Dance, Drum, Music, Art, Folktales & Culture)<\/p>\n

Super\u00a0Soul\u00a0Steppers performance<\/p>\n

\u201cGee Whiz, It\u2019s\u00a0Christmas!\u201d<\/p>\n

Go Tell It on the Mountain<\/p>\n

Additional performances celebrating Black holiday musical traditions<\/p>\n

\u201cMarvelous\u201d Ugly\u00a0Christmas\u00a0Sweater Decorating<\/p>\n

Broward Sheriff\u2019s Office Video Game Truck, Therapy Dog & Mounted Police Unit<\/p>\n

Holiday Canvas Art<\/p>\n

STEM & engineering activities<\/p>\n

Wags and Tales: Photos with festive therapy dogs Chewie & Lola<\/p>\n

Face painting & holiday crafts for all ages<\/p>\n

AARLC\u2019s\u00a0Soulful Christmas\u00a0honors the creativity, resilience, and joy of African American holiday culture through music, storytelling, and shared traditions. Its mission is to celebrate and preserve African American holiday traditions, bridge generations through shared stories and song, integrate community voices into performance art, and establish a lasting holiday tradition for families throughout Broward County.<\/p>\n

About the African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC)<\/p>\n

The African American Research Library and Cultural Center is one of Broward County\u2019s premier cultural institutions, dedicated to preserving and celebrating African American history, culture, and literature. Through dynamic exhibitions, educational programs, cultural events, and community partnerships, AARLCC serves as a vital hub for creativity, learning, and cultural exchange.<\/p>\n


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