virginia-key-beach_web.jpgFriday, March 6
Bike Rodeo: Bicycle Month comes once again to Broward County! Today, the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, 2400 Charleston St. in Hollywood, is hosting a Bike Rodeo from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. For a more complete listing of events this month, please visit www.broward.org/parks/bicyclecalendar.htm or call 954-921-3412.
 
 
Saturday, March 7
30 Americans: For the past three years, the Rubell Family Collection, 95 N.W. 29th St. in Miami, has been traveling around the country, speaking to various artists, curators, and critics in order to piece together a portrait of contemporary African-American art. The exhibit, “30 Americans,’’ with its display of more than 200 pieces by 31 artists, was the result of all their efforts. The exhibit will run until May 2009. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $5 for ages 18 years and younger and students with IDs, and $10 for all others. For more information, please call 305-573-6090.
 
African Diaspora Coach Tour: The Historical Museum of South Florida, 101 West Flagler Street in Miami, is hosting an African-American Diaspora Coach Tour. The tour focuses on the contributions made by Caribbean Americans throughout South Florida. Listen as historian Dr. Paul George leads a tour to such historical destinations as Bahamian Coconut Grove, the Charlotte Jane Cemetery, the Caribbean Market Place and Notre Dame d’ Haiti. The tour is scheduled to last from noon until 3 p.m. Tickets are $39 for museum members and $44 for non-members. Advance reservation is required. To RSVP or receive additional information, please call 305-375-1492.
 
Sunday, March 8
Africa and Its Diaspora III: The Women’s International Film Festival continues with three short films at the Joseph Caleb Center, 5400 N.W. 22nd Avenue in Miami. The first, Mattress Hustle, follows the trials of a couple of recent college graduates who are forced to move back home and how they handle being adults under their parents’ roof. The second film, G-Trification, tells the story of gentrification from the point of view of a widow who is about to lose her brownstone in Harlem. The final film, Talkin’ Water, follows four teenage girls who set out to make a movie about post-Katrina New Orleans. The event starts at 4 p.m. and admission is $10. For more information, please call 305-653-9700.

Friday, March 13
Bruce Bruce: As a host, comedian Bruce Bruce generated some of the highest ratings ever for the long running BET “Comic View” show. As  as an actor, he has created memorable characters in comedies such as Beauty Shop. Now, Bruce is coming to the stage to remind audiences of his pure comedic talents. On March 13, 14 and 15, Bruce will perform at the Miami Improv, 3390 Mary St., No. 182 in Coconut Grove. For show times and tickets, please visit www.miamiimprov.com or call 305-441-8200.
 
Saturday, March 14
Virginia Key Beach Eco-history Tour: Today in Miami, saying that you’re “going to the beach’’ could mean that you’re visiting any one of the dozens of beaches here. But 60 years ago, if you were black in Miami, that phrase only meant one destination – Virginia Key Beach, 4020 Virginia Beach Drive in Miami. With its sandy beaches, carousel and other amenities, Miami’s only “colored beach’’ quickly became a popular hang-out spot. Although the beach closed for many years, it was restored and reopened in 2008. Come out and rediscover Virginia Key Beach with the Historical Museum of South Florida’s walking tour! Tickets are $20 for museum members and $25 for non-members. For information, such as directions and meeting place for the tour, please call 305-375-1621.
 

Sunday, March 15
Florida AIDS Walk 2009: By now, you've heard the grim statistics: the metropolitan area of Miami has the highest rate of AIDS infection in the nation, followed by the Fort Lauderdale metropolitan area. According to Care Resource.org, 56 percent of all new AIDS cases in Miami affect African Americans. The point? Your loved ones, neighbors and community need a cure. So why not help raise funds for the fight by participating in the Florida AIDS Walk 2009? The 10k walk starts at 10 a.m. from Fort Lauderdale’s Huizenga Plaza, One E. Las Olas Blvd. There is also a shorter 5k route. Need just a little extra incentive to grab your walking shoes? Actor Blair Underwood is also scheduled to appear at the event! For more information, please visit www.FloridaAIDSWalk.org.

Kaila.Heard@Gmail.com

Photo: Virginia Key Beach