“Celebrating Freedom: Haiti and Florida” is a three-day program series scheduled for May 18-20 at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC), 2650 Sistrunk Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311,  that includes Haitian Flag Day, Destination Freedom and Florida’s Emancipation Day celebration events.

These observances were designed to provide the platform for a transnational conversation about freedom struggles in the Caribbean and the Americas. The powerful trio of programs that comprise “Celebrating Freedom: Haiti and Florida” include:

• Haitian Flag Day, from 6 to 8PM on Thursday, May 18th, an opportunity to learn about Haitian heritage, revolution and independence, . Preregistration requested for this free public program.
• Destination Freedom, from 6 to 9PM on Friday, May 19th, a long-awaited return to the Friday night “Destination” series, focuses on an evening of the cuisine and music of Haiti and America. This is a ticketed, adults 21-and-over-only event; pre-sale tickets are $15 and $20 the day of the event. Parking and refreshments included. Preregistration is requested.
• Florida’s Emancipation Day, on Saturday, May 20th from 11AM to 5PM, an anniversary tribute and a full day of food trucks, festivities, and activities for children such as crafts, storytelling, and face painting. Shop Broward County Black Market vendors presented through the Broward County Black Chamber of Commerce.

The series represents a unique grouping of conversations and celebrations highlighting the shared history of enslavement and liberation in Florida and Haiti. Since 1865, the Emancipation Day holiday has historically been observed in many areas in Florida on May 20th. AARLCC will honor this date by unveiling of the 20th of May Digital History Portal.

Event sponsorship is courtesy of the Friends of AARLCC, EducaVision, Inc., YMCA of South Florida, Broward Black Chamber of Commerce, Children’s Services Council of Broward County and Gelin Benefits Group. For questions about the events, contact Tameka Hobbs at 954-357-6149 or thobbs@broward.org.

Preregistration requested for this free public program.