This weekend, Fort Lauderdale will buzz with excitement as the Africana Arts and Humanities Festival returns, a significant celebration of Black art, history, and culture. The festival arrives at a crucial time, coinciding with vibrant national discussions surrounding democracy, public memory, and education.
This year’s theme, We, Too, Sing America: 250 years of Black Life and Culture, draws inspiration from Langston Hughes’ iconic poem, “I, Too,” symbolizing resilience and the enduring spirit of Black Americans. It sets the stage for a weekend filled with enlightening events at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center.
Kicking off the festival is a keynote conversation on Friday, featuring Dr. Karsonya “Kaye” Wise Whitehead, a nationally recognized public historian, cultural critic, and educator. Dr. Whitehead’s focus on Black public memory, racial justice, and social transformation is expected to resonate deeply with attendees.
The festival continues on Saturday with an array of cultural events, performances, and literary readings, showcasing diverse voices and perspectives on Black life in America. Notable speakers like Dr. Randal Maurice Jelks, a professor, documentary producer, and author of My America, will delve into Langston Hughes’s pivotal writings on democracy and resistance.
Emphasizing the need for a broader narrative, Dr. Tameka Hobbs, a historian and regional library manager, highlights the complex tapestry of Black history that extends far beyond simple celebration. “This is a big anniversary for the country; there is this desire to be celebratory in what we’re doing, but the reality of Black history is that we have a very different experience,” she explains.
The festival offers an opportunity to reflect on America’s history, particularly as it relates to Black Americans. The nation declared independence in 1776, yet many Black individuals were still enslaved. The abolition of slavery with the 13th Amendment in 1865 and the right to vote with the 15th Amendment in 1870 marked milestones, yet the struggle for true equality continued into the 20th century.
Dr. Hobbs points out that the story of Black Americans is one of resilience and ongoing struggle. “Black people fully being able to enjoy all of the benefits of citizenship in a basic way is still recent history, and that is the part of Black culture that needs to continue to be explored.” Her insight reminds us that many of the battles for equality were fought long after the legal end of slavery.
South Florida contributes its own rich narrative. The region’s development owes much to Black labor, from Bahamian workers building Coral Gables to Black railroad workers who constructed Henry Flagler’s railroads. However, systemic racism confined many Black families to neighborhoods like Sistrunk, pushing them away from the region’s beaches and economic opportunities.
<p"Dr. Hobbs underscores a crucial point: "There is a geographic history to the racialization of our neighborhoods," noting that laws and customs historically dictated where Black people could live and work. This deep-seated legacy impacts the quality of life and opportunities available to residents today.
As the festival invites reflection on Black contributions to American culture, Dr. Hobbs emphasizes the importance of storytelling. “For me and my family, that has been the part of America that has made my existence better than that of my parents, that made my parents’ existence better than their parents’ existence,” she shares. The ongoing dialogue about civil rights, protest, and societal change serves not only as a tribute to the past but as a call to action for the future.
“Those are stories that we really need to continue to tell; there is no shame in that,” Dr. Hobbs states with conviction. “I think that it is a part of what makes America what it is.” The Africana Arts and Humanities Festival provides the perfect platform to honor these narratives, ensuring that they are neither forgotten nor overlooked.
IF YOU GO
What: 2026 Africana Arts & Humanities Festival
When: Friday, March 27 – Saturday, March 28
Where: African American Research Library and Cultural Center
Ticket and guest information: Here
