Broward’s African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) is turning up the holiday spirit this season with Soulful Christmas — a two-day celebration that blends music, culture, art, and community joy into one festive weekend. The event, happening December 12–13, invites families from across South Florida to experience a tropical winter wonderland that centers Black heritage and holiday tradition.
This year’s festivities kick off Friday, December 12, with a free Soulful Christmas Concert presented in partnership with Hued Songs. The performance reimagines classic holiday shows by weaving together live music, storytelling, and community voices—an effort inspired by beloved productions like The Nutcracker and Swan Lake, but rooted firmly in the legacy of Fort Lauderdale’s historic Sistrunk community.
“Soulful Christmas is a time when our entire community comes together to celebrate the season as one big family,” said Aneatra King, Community Library Manager, Senior at AARLCC, in a press release. “The smiles throughout the building make this one of my favorite events of the year.”
The concert features an impressive lineup of performers under the direction of Artistic Director Kunya Rowley and Musical Director King Friday. Audiences can expect reimagined holiday favorites such as “This Christmas,” “Someday at Christmas,” and more, performed by artists including Ja’Nia Harden, Erron Cooper, Brittany Graham, and Broadway performer Wilkie Ferguson III.
Rowley hopes the show will become a lasting staple for Broward families. “Just as The Nutcracker has become a holiday tradition, my hope is that Soulful Christmas will become the annual celebration our community eagerly anticipates each season,” he said.
The celebration continues Saturday, December 13, with the Soulful Christmas Community Day of Celebration—an afternoon packed with hands-on activities, performances, and family fun across multiple rooms inside AARLCC. The day opens with another live performance from Hued Songs, followed by activities including LEGO ornament-making, cultural showcases by Delou Africa, holiday storytelling, photos with Santa, gift giveaways, a video game truck, STEM workshops, therapy dog photo sessions, face painting, and more.
With support from community partners and sponsors like The Friends of AARLCC, Walmart, the Kiwanis Club of Tamarac, United Way of Broward County, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, and others, Soulful Christmas continues to grow as a beloved community tradition that celebrates African American culture, creativity, and joy.
The weekend aims to not only spread holiday cheer but also bridge generations, uplift local families, and preserve the rich holiday traditions within Broward’s Black community.
Both events are free and open to the public.
This is a Hy-Lo News Staff Report.
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