Portrait Bust of Pompano Beach Trailblazer to be Unveiled at Event
Kay Renz Public Relations
Pompano Beach Arts is proud to announce the renaming of The Historic Ali Cultural Center Courtyard as a tribute to Hazel K. Armbrister. A portrait bust of the esteemed teacher, activist, and historian will be unveiled during a special event organized by Reverend Marguerite Kelley Luster, Armbrister’s sister, and the dedicated team at Rock Road Restoration Historical Group. Featuring music, dance, and remarks by Mayor Rex Hardin, the courtyard dedication and bust presentation will take place on July 10, 2024, from 6-8pm at the Ali Cultural Arts Center. The event is free and open to the public. Learn more at www.pompanobeacharts.org
“Mrs. Armbrister exemplified a steadfast dedication to her community throughout her lifetime,” said Ty Tabing, Director of the Cultural Affairs Department. “Without her advocacy, The Historic Ali Cultural Arts Center would not have been preserved and transformed into the vibrant cultural hub it is today. We honor her commitment to preserving our community’s history with this renaming and the unveiling of a beautiful portrait bust of her likeness created by Bordin Studios. With this tribute, future visitors will always learn about the remarkable woman who accomplished so much for this City.”
A native of Perry, Florida, Armbrister resided in Pompano Beach’s Liberty Park neighborhood for over 60 years. Encouraged by her late husband David C. Armbrister, she pursued education, and obtained degrees from Miami Dade Community College, USF, and Miami-Dade College.
Armbrister dedicated 31 years to teaching in both Dade and Broward counties, positively influencing numerous generations. Her extensive community involvement led to numerous awards, including induction into Broward County’s Women’s Hall of Fame and the Senior Hall of Fame. She co-founded the Florida Black Democratic Caucus and the Gwen Cherry Women’s Political Caucus and was an active member of various local organizations.
Throughout her life, Armbrister tirelessly advocated for women’s and black rights, notably participating in the “Wade-In” protests against segregated beaches in Fort Lauderdale during the 1960s. In 2017, she was appointed as the “Pompano Beach City Historian” and played key roles in preservation efforts and on cultural committees. She founded the Rock Road Restoration Historical Group, housed in the Ali Cultural Center, a landmark she passionately fought to preserve.
Her legacy endures through her unwavering commitment to community service, education, and advocacy. While her absence leaves a void, her impact remains deeply woven into the fabric of her community.
About Rock Road Restoration
The Rock Road Restoration Historical Group, Inc. 501(c)(3) was created to collect meaningful artifacts, preserve history and educate others about the past, present and future contributions of Black residents west of Dixie Highway in Pompano Beach, Florida. As it continues to highlight the history and culturally enhance the community, Rock Road Restoration Historical Group, Inc. will continue to act as a change agent in preserving local heritage.
About Bodin Studios
In 1978, Brodin Studios began as a small company founded by two brothers, Neil Brodin, a Minneapolis police officer and artist, Roger Brodin. In 1982, they were joined by a third brother, John, a sergeant with the MPD at the time they were developing their first miniature statue for police officers, in what would become known as “The Law Enforcement Recognition Program.” Today hundreds of police departments, fire departments, and federal agencies have bronze miniatures and monuments created to honor law enforcement and fire/rescue. Today the company is owned and operated by Nick Christensen in Kimball, MN. He started sculpting for Brodin Studios in 2003.
About Ali Cultural Arts Center
The Mission of the Historic Ali Cultural Arts is to both celebrate the history and culture of the African American community in Pompano Beach and to enhance local access to the cultural arts, with a focus on dance, music and the spoken word, including poetry, storytelling and theater, as part of the Downtown Pompano Creative Arts District. Ali Cultural Arts is a platform to enrich the community through visual and performing arts. Visual art exhibitions feature the best in local, regional, national artists, while intimate receptions will engage patrons in creative dialogue as they enjoy eclectic musical programs.
