New Permanent Exhibit Explores the History and Impact of Broward County’s Black Community
Submitted by Fran Folic
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL– Broward County’s business, political and community leaders and collaborators gathered on February 19th to celebrate the grand opening of History Fort Lauderdale’s newest permanent exhibit, “Roots of Resilience: The Journey of Black Broward.” This significant exhibit, developed in collaboration with esteemed local organizations including the African American Research Library and Cultural Center, Broward Main Library Historic Archives, American Legion Post 220, Northwest Federated Woman’s Club, Links Inc., Broward County’s Black fraternities and sororities and Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor & Restaurant, explores the rich history and enduring impact of Fort Lauderdale and Broward County’s Black community from 1793 to the present day.
The Black History Month celebration included a soulful serenade by Yanique Cunningham & Friends followed by opening remarks from Patricia Zeiler, History Fort Lauderdale’s executive director, Erin Farrington-Finlen, president of History Fort Lauderdale’s board of trustees, City of Fort Lauderdale Vice Mayor/Commissioner – District 2 Steven Glassman, Dr. Yvette Giles Stuart, historian and exhibit curator, Bobby Henry, publisher of The Westside Gazette, Baldwyn English, external affairs manager at Florida Power & Light and Jonathan Allen, vice chair of the Community Foundation of Broward and division director for Broward County Water and Wastewater Services.
After a ceremonial ribbon cutting, dignitaries and visitors received a personal tour of the multimedia exhibit led by Giles Stuart.
The exhibition features a collection of artifacts, historic photographs, and oral histories from African American residents and ancestors highlighting challenges, triumphs, and heroes. From slavery through Jim Crow laws, desegregation, and the civil rights era through the present day, visitors will learn about Black residents’ unique stories of oppression to freedom and how their invaluable contributions shaped our region’s cultural, social and political fabric.
Support for History Fort Lauderdale’s “Roots of Resilience: The Journey of Black Broward” has been provided by the Community Impact Fund at the Community Foundation of Broward. Additional funding has been provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), NextEra Energy Foundation, Florida Power & Light Company’s charitable arm, Jacarlene
Foundation, the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward County Cultural Council and Visit Lauderdale.
History Fort Lauderdale hosts a variety of engaging multicultural experiences, year-round. It seeks to bring awareness to the community through both traveling exhibits and multiple permanent exhibits including “Women Trailblazers,” “Fort Lauderdale – the Early Years,” “Fashion & Musical Theatre,” “From Dugouts to Dream Yachts: the story of boatbuilding along the New River,” Seminole Arts & Culture,” “New River Archaeology,” and “Take PRIDE, a retrospective on LGBTQ life in South Florida.”
History Fort Lauderdale is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. with docent guided tours, daily, at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Group walking tours are available upon special request. Admission is $15 for adults; $12 for seniors and $7 for students (through age 22 with a valid student ID). Admission is free for members, military, and children ages six and under. Tickets are available online at
