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presenters Dr. Karsonya Whitehead, LaVie, Dr. Randal Jelks, Dr. Kellie Carter-Jackson and Bryan Carter

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​2026​ Africana Arts & Humanities Festival

March 27 & 28
​​African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC)

Register/View all events​

​The annual Africana Arts & Humanities Festival blends lectures, literary events, performances, youth activities, family programming, and curated cultural installations that illuminate the richness of the African Diaspora.

This year's theme, "We, Too, Sing America: 250 Years of Black Life and Culture," is inspired by Langston Hughes' iconic poem "I, Too." The poem and the festival honor the dignity, resilience, and rightful place of Black voices within the American story.

2026 Africana Arts & Humanities Festival Schedule:

Friday, March 27, 7:30-9:30PM

  • Evening Keynote Conversation
  • Eat. Drink. Read. Reception and Fundraiser​
    After the opening talk, enjoy an evening of music, food and fun featuring performances from vocalist LaVie. This is a ticketed event presented by the Friends of AARLCC. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased on Eventbrite. You must be 21 years old or older to attend.
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Saturday, March 28, 11AM-8PM
  • Family Day and Youth Activities
  • Children's readings, storytelling, and hands-on cultural activities
  • Author showcase sessions and book signings

Featured Speakers and Performers
  • Dr. Karsonya (Kaye) Wise Whitehead: President, Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). Dr. Whitehead is a nationally respected public historian, cultural critic, and educator whose work centers on Black public memory, racial justice, and social transformation. Free/Register

  • Dr. Kellie Carter-Jackson: Historian and author of We Refuse: A Forceful History of Black Resistance (Seal Press). Dr. Carter-Jackson is an award-winning historian specializing in Black resistance, freedom movements, and 19th-century African American history. Free/Register​

  • Dr. Randal Maurice Jelks: Professor, documentary producer, and the author of four books, including his latest, My  America, a revelatory portrait of celebrated poet and writer Langston Hughes (1902-1962) and Hugh's writing on democracy. Free/Register

  • Bryan Carter: Tony award-winning musician and composer, Carter's sextet explores a vast repertoire from jazz standards to classics from Ray Charles and Burt Bacharach.​ Free/Register

The Africana Arts & Humanities Festival is generously funded by Wayne and Lucretia Weiner, The Friends of AARLCC and Broward Cultural Division.
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Media: AARLCC 2026 Africana Arts & Humanities Festival​, 02/09/2026

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  • An Evening with Dr. Karsonya "Kaye" Whitehead
    Friday, March 27, 6-7:30PM. Dr. Whitehead is a nationally respected public historian, cultural critic and educator whose work centers on Black public memory, racial justice and social transformation.
    Free/Register
  • Fundraiser: Eat. Drink. Read. Reception & Concert
    Friday, March 27, 7:30-9:30PM. Enjoy music, food and fun as we raise funds to support the Africana Arts & Humanities Festival. Entertainment by LaVie. You must be 21+ to attend.
    $75/Get Tickets
  • Dr. Randal Maurice Jelks: My America - Langston Hughes on Democracy
    March 28, 1-2PM. A conversation with Dr. Randal Maurice Jelks as he explores Langston Hughes' enduring vision of democracy through his groundbreaking book, "My America: Langston Hughes on Democracy."
    Free/Register
  • Refusal as Resistance: A Conversation with Dr. Kellie Carter-Jackson
    March 28, 2:30-3:30PM. A conversation with Dr. Kellie Carter Jackson as she explores the history and necessity of Black resistance through her groundbreaking book, "We Refuse: A Forceful History of Black Resistance."
    Free/Register
  • The Bryan Carter Sextet
    March 28, 6-7:30PM. Leading his generation as the torch bearer of a timeless sound, Carter's sextet explores a vast repertoire from jazz standards to classics from Ray Charles and Burt Bacharach.
    Free/Register

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