Broward County’s African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) is inviting families to the Ashley Bryan Art Series (ABAS) Youth Art Festival on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 2650 Sistrunk Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale. This free, family-friendly festival celebrates literacy, art, and heritage with a full day of activities for children and families.
A signature program of the Broward County Library since 2002, the ABAS Festival honors the legacy of Ashley Bryan, a trailblazer in Black children’s literature and art, whose work continues to inspire creativity, imagination, and cultural pride.
Featured Guests for 2025
This year, the festival spotlights the award-winning mother-son duo:
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Carole Boston Weatherford, author of more than 80 books and 2024 Young People’s Poet Laureate. Her accolades include the Newbery Honor, Coretta Scott King Award, Caldecott Honors, and NAACP Image Awards. Her latest book, Kin: Rooted in Hope, traces her ancestral roots through lyrical verse and historical insight.
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Jeffery Boston Weatherford, illustrator, spoken-word poet, and author of You Can Fly: The Tuskegee Airmen. A Romare Bearden Scholar with an M.F.A. from Howard University, he will also lead a high-energy “Rap It Up” workshop blending poetry, rhythm, and hip-hop.
Additional guest artists and educators include:
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Yesenia Moises, illustrator and author, leading a hands-on visual art workshop.
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Edna M. Bland (“Miss Edna”), award-winning puppeteer, presenting the vibrant Beautiful Blackbird puppet show and family workshop.
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Tony Weaver, award-winning graphic novelist and social media influencer.
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Frankie Red, spoken word artist guiding kids and teens in exploring voice, identity, and creativity through poetry.
Festival Highlights
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Visual art workshops
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Storytelling and puppet theater
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Spoken word and creative writing sessions
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Genealogy class for families
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Local authors showcase and book signings
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My First Library Card Celebration: a VIP party for K–5 children who received their first Broward County Library card between April 1 and September 20, 2025, with stories, games, prizes, and surprises
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Arts and crafts stations, sidewalk chalk art, DJ She-J Hercules, and face painting
A Celebration of Culture and Community
“The ABAS Festival is more than an event—it is a joyful celebration of culture, learning, and family,” said Dr. Tameka Hobbs, historian and manager of the African American Research Library and Cultural Center. “Through stories, art, and music, we honor Ashley Bryan’s legacy while inspiring the next generation to dream, create, and carry our history forward.”
Event Details
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Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
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Time: 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
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Location: African American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
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Admission: Free; registration requested. RSVP at aarlcc.broward.org
