Broward County Library celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024. All locations participated in a one-day, systemwide party, and each library was tasked with creating their own anniversary programming tailored to their customers. At the African American Research Library and Cultural Center, staff reimagined an existing event, the South Florida Book Festival, and created the Africana Arts & Humanities Festival. The festival theme, “Rootedness: A Retrospective on 50 Years of Black Literature & Culture,” was inspired by an essay by Toni Morrison about the didactic role of ancestors as a source of identity/continuity. It also referenced the celebration of the library’s 50 years of service, which began in 1974. The 1970s were a politically and culturally important decade in Black American history. The Africana Arts & Humanities Festival was designed to illuminate the dynamic, courageous spirit of the 1970s by educating the public about the work of Black creatives who emerged in this era.

One key element of innovation was the festival’s expansion of its scope as a vehicle for education. What was once the South Florida Book Festival underwent a metamorphosis and became an inclusive event geared to learning, offering diverse cultural elements that go beyond books and reading. Held March 21-23, 2024, the Africana Arts & Humanities Festival featured three days of online and in-person sessions, workshops and presentations. Guests enjoyed live cultural performances, attended business symposiums, engaged with authors and danced at an evening reception. Another element of innovation was the inclusion of three types of free tours offered to festival attendees. These included a Broward Black history bus tour, an opportunity tour with the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Community Redevelopment Agency highlighting local investment opportunities and tours of AARLCC’s Special Collection of over one million items related to Black history and culture.

The Africana Arts & Humanities Festival transformed from a singular book event into a vibrant, multi-disciplinary platform for education about Black culture and history while honoring Broward County Library’s 50 years of service. Expanding beyond literature, it seamlessly integrated music, business, history, genealogy and art, creating a comprehensive, entertaining and enlightening experience. Strategic partnerships with the JM Family Foundation and Bank of America were instrumental in elevating the festival’s impact. Collaborating with Destination Sistrunk, Broward Cultural Division, Broward County Parks and Recreation, the Center for Black Innovation and Urban League of Broward County, the African American Research Library and Cultural Center successfully created a platform that not only showcased diverse talents but also fostered community engagement and economic development. Over the festival’s three days, there were 778 in-person attendees and 1,825 virtual attendees.