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We, Too, Sing America: 250 Years of Black Life and Culture
Festival explores 250 years of Black life, culture, and resistance through scholarship, literature, music, and community.
The 2026 Africana Arts &
AAHF is the flagship annual gathering of AARLCC, a nationally recognized institution dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and promoting the global Black experience through research, scholarship, arts, and community involvement.
Every year, the festival turns AARLCC into a lively center for learning and cultural exchange. With lectures, literary talks, performances, youth activities, family events, and curated cultural exhibits, AAHF showcases the richness and diversity of the African diaspora.
2026 Theme
“We, Too, Sing America: 250 Years of Black Life and Culture”
Inspired by Langston Hughes’ iconic poem “I, Too,” this year’s theme celebrates 250 years of Black life, creativity, and resistance that have deeply shaped the American story. The 2026 festival emphasizes historical perspectives, modern scholarship, artistic
“For 250 years, Black life, culture, art, and resistance have shaped the story of America,” said Tameka Hobbs, historian and regional library manager at AARLCC. “We invite the community to experience powerful conversations and performances that explore where we’ve been and where we’re going. Through music, literature, scholarship, and storytelling, we celebrate the richness of the African diaspora. This is more than a festival — it’s culture, history, and community.”
Featured Speakers
Karsonya Wise Whitehead, Ph.D., is the President of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), the organization founded by Carter G. Woodson. Dr. Whitehead is a nationally respected public historian, cultural critic, and professor at Loyola University Maryland. Her work centers on Black public memory, racial justice, and social change, and she is widely seen as a national voice on equity, heritage, and storytelling.
Kellie Carter-Jackson, Ph.D.
is an award-winning historian and author of We Refuse: A Forceful History of Black Resistance. Dr. Carter-Jackson specializes in African American history, resistance movements, and nineteenth-century freedom struggles. Her book received widespread national acclaim, including recognition as a New York Times Editors’ Pick and a Kirkus Best Book of the Year, challenging traditional narratives of nonviolence by illustrating the many ways Black communities resisted enslavement, segregation, and racial violence.
Randal Maurice Jelks, Ph.D. – Professor, documentary producer, and author of My America: Langston Hughes on Democracy. Dr. Jelks explores Hughes’ vision of democracy and traces his journey from Kansas City to global cultural centers. Born in New Orleans, he is a descendant of the Georgetown 272, enslaved persons sold to pay off Georgetown University’s debts.
This free event is open to the public. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Festival Highlights
Friday, March 27, 2026
Evening keynote conversation and reception
Saturday, March 28, 2026
Family Day and youth activations
Children’s readings and storytelling
Practical cultural experiences
Author showcase sessions
Bookstore event with Pyramid Books, including book signings and literary vendors.
Event Information
Africana Arts & Humanities Fes
African-American Research Library and Cultural Center-2650 Sistrunk Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
Dates:March 27–28, 2026
Ph:954-357-6282
Registration is free.
For the complete schedule and to sign up, visit:
https://www.broward.org/
The Africana Arts &
