The African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) in Fort Lauderdale holds a special place in my heart. I can still remember my first visit, just a few years after it opened in 2002. I was blow away by the architecture, especially the incorporation of African symbolism and art. One of the first things I noticed on the horizon was the Adinkra symbols on the exterior as well as the interior of the building. In the years since my first visit, I’ve continued to be impressed by the quality and caliber of the programs that have been held there. It is truly a jewel in the crown of South Florida’s cultural institutions.
That said, imagine my excitement when I was able to host a book event for Junebug and the Gumbo Garden at AARLCC. I wanted to put on a great program, something different that would really draw an audience. A friend suggested I conduct a scavenger hunt for the children based on the themes from the book.
Well, it was a task but it worked like a charm! Staff members tell me that my event was one of the best attended that they’ve had in a while. The children really got into the hunt and one lucky winner walked away with his own special “gumbo basket” with the equipment, seeds, and spices to grow his own pot of gumbo. At the end, we even had teacakes and lemonade, just like Junebug and Miss Gautier in the book! Fun times! Can’t wait to do it again!
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