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Lesson 4: Destination Sistrunk & African American Culture

Out of Many, ONE

Greater Fort Lauderdale has a long history of mixing and mingling people from different places, from different cultures. Cultures descended from African ancestry are no exception. There are several places and spaces in Broward County dedicated to celebrating this spirit of melding together and to teaching appreciation for the contributions African American and Caribbean culture have had on our County.

The African American Research Library and Cultural Center

African american research libraryAlthough this building does serve as a full-time library, it was created to be more than that: the vision laid out a plan to be a place for community gatherings, cultural events, training and learning for life.  As if that were not enough, The African American Research Library and Cultural Center is also home to about 85,000 books, documents and artifacts by and about people of African descent, for the U.S., the Caribbean, Brazil or Africa, itself.   This amazing (and massive) building is in the Sistrunk neighborhood of Fort Lauderdale, very close to Lauderhill.

The Old Dillard Museum

Not just a landmark, but an actual part of our history. The Old Dillard Museum first opened up as a school: the FIRST school, in fact, for black students. That was a little over 100 years ago, in 1907. Today it is part of the National Register of Historic Places.  

This museum transports visitors back to that time: its Heritage Gallery is complete with its original chalkboard and wooden desks, as well as memorabilia and displays. Dillard also offers guided tours, films, lectures, workshops, classes and other exhibits and celebrations.

The Old Dillard Museum is in Fort Lauderdale, also in the “Sistrunk Corridor."

Destination Sistrunk

This soon-to-open project is presented by two Broward County agencies: one called the Cultural Division and one called the Convention & Visitors Bureau (this is the team that hosts sunny.org). The idea is to create “a gateway to Black culture and heritage,” in this historically African American part of Greater Fort Lauderdale.

Destination Sistrunk will have a welcome center, which will feature movies, poetry and other spoken-word programs, musical artists and other presentations. Also, they will show information about Black museums, heritage sites, restaurants and more.

There will be a lot to see and do once Destination Sistrunk opens its doors!

Career Corner!

Community Relations Officer

A community relations job description includes implementing community outreach programs, events, coordinating volunteers, writing and releasing publicity material such as press releases and developing public relations strategies that will promote the organization’s mission.  This role may coordinate art exhibits, music performances, poetry readings, etc. for the community to enjoy at their organization.

Have you ever attended a Poetry Slam (vocabulary: poetry slam is a competition invented in the 1980s to draw attention to the art of performance poetry. The contest is judged by five randomly-chosen members of the audience) before?  

Quiz Time!

Click here to take the quiz.

Let Your Imagination Fly

Some questions for you to discuss with your parents, siblings and friends:

Can you imagine a time when some kids could not go to school because of their skin color?

Ask your parents to describe what they know about Broward County 100 years ago?

 

Career Corner!

Community Relations Officer

A community relations job description includes implementing community outreach programs, events, coordinating volunteers, writing and releasing publicity material such as press releases and developing public relations strategies that will promote the organization’s mission.  This role may coordinate art exhibits, music performances, poetry readings, etc. for the community to enjoy at their organization.

Have you ever attended a Poetry Slam (vocabulary: poetry slam is a competition invented in the 1980s to draw attention to the art of performance poetry. The contest is judged by five randomly-chosen members of the audience) before?  

Quiz Time!

Click here to take the quiz.

Let Your Imagination Fly

Some questions for you to discuss with your parents, siblings and friends:

Can you imagine a time when some kids could not go to school because of their skin color?

Ask your parents to describe what they know about Broward County 100 years ago?