For 24 years, the Friends of the African American Research Library and Cultural Center has used its annual luncheon to shine a light on the South Florida leaders helping strengthen their communities.
That tradition continues this fall as the organization prepares to honor five community changemakers during its 24th Annual Honoree Luncheon on Saturday, Oct. 31, at 1 p.m. at Signature Sunrise in Sunrise.
This year’s celebration, themed “Rooted in Community: Honoring Those Who Brought Change,” will recognize Andra Mentore, Dr. Sharetta Remikie, Jarrod Mills, Michael Hylton and Dr. Sylvia Sloane Jones for their contributions to South Florida.
The 2026 honorees include:
- Andra Mentore: Community Service and Distinguished Achievement
- Dr. Sharetta Remikie: Lifetime Achievement
- Jarrod Mills: Heritage and Distinguished Community Service
- Michael Hylton: Community Service and Distinguished Achievement
- Dr. Sylvia Sloane Jones: Heritage and Distinguished Community Service
The masquerade-themed luncheon is also a fundraiser for Friends of AARLCC, which supports and advocates for the African American Research Library and Cultural Center, known as AARLCC.
The organization’s work comes at a time when conversations around how African American history is taught, documented and preserved continue to play out across the country. For Friends of AARLCC, that makes the work of libraries, archives and cultural institutions particularly important.
“Preserving history is not simply about protecting the past. It is about ensuring that future generations have access to the knowledge, stories, and experiences that help them understand who they are and the communities that came before them,” said Luwando Wright, president of Friends of AARLCC, in a press release.
Wright said supporting institutions like AARLCC is increasingly important as efforts to restrict or diminish portions of African American history continue.
“Our community has a role in ensuring these stories remain accessible, documented, and protected,” Wright said in the release.
Friends of AARLCC works alongside library leadership to strengthen AARLCC’s programs, collections, services and community engagement. Its fundraising and advocacy efforts help support programming, exhibits, archives, special collections, research materials, historically significant artifacts and other initiatives connected to the library’s mission.
The organization also serves as an ambassador for AARLCC, helping connect residents with the library’s resources and advocating for continued investment in the institution.
That work helps maintain AARLCC as a space where residents can research local and national history, young people can encounter stories that reflect their heritage, and scholars, families and community members can access significant collections.
The annual luncheon brings that mission together with the recognition of individuals who have made their own contributions to the community.
“ For 24 years, this event has enabled us to recognize extraordinary people and bring the community together around a shared purpose: protecting our history and investing in the future,” Wright said in a press statement.
The Oct. 31 celebration is expected to bring together community leaders, elected officials, educators, advocates, professionals, library supporters and residents for an afternoon of recognition, networking and fundraising.
Tickets are available for the luncheon, and community members who cannot attend can support Friends of AARLCC through donations or membership.
The 24th Annual Honoree Luncheon will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at Signature Sunrise, 10610 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Sunrise, Florida.
This is a Hy-Lo News Staff Report.
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