dr-niara-sudarkasa_web.jpgFriday, October 30
The Life and Times of Dr. Niara Sudarkasa Exhibit:
If you need inspiration to live your best life now, then go view the Life and Times of Dr. Niara Sudarkasa exhibit now on display at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd. near Fort Lauderdale. The living scholar and activist has been appointed to posts by Presidents (George H.W.) Bush and Clinton, while receiving more than 100 national and international awards, 17 academic fellowships and awards, and 13 honorary degrees. Now retired and living in Fort Lauderdale, Sudarkasa donated a collection comprising personal items, professional papers and cultural objects donated and officially appraised at more than $273,800. The exhibit will run through Dec. 31, 2009. For more information, please call 954-625-2800 ext. 2266.

Saturday, October 31
Cinerama Saturdays:
Forget the impromptu YouTube videos, does your teen want to learn how to make – from producing, screenwriting, to directing – a real movie? The Florida Film Institute is sponsoring a comprehensive film workshop dubbed “Cinerama Saturdays” at the Little Haiti Cultural Center, 260 N.E. 59th Terrace in Miami. As part of the free, 20-week workshops, participants will have the opportunity to shoot a short film and present it at the screening scheduled for the final day of the program, Saturday, April 10. Instruction for the workshops will be provided by local film professionals. All teenagers between the ages 14 and 18 are invited to attend the open audition on Saturday, Oct. 31 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Bring any artwork, photography or writing samples (poem, monologue) you may have. For more information, please call 305-891-3456.

Words Not Weapons Poetry Slam 2009 Auditions: The Palm Beach Association of Black Journalists is taking a stand against youth violence with its second Words Not Weapons Poetry Slam. Open to middle and high school students in Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie counties, the second and final audition for the slam will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Sat., Oct. 31, at The Palm Beach Post, 2751 S. Dixie Highway, in West Palm Beach. Students should bring at least one poem to read or recite. For more information, call poetry slam committee member Kyoto Walker at 561-389-2902.

Thursday, November 5
Beyond the Bedroom:
Supposedly, ignorance is bliss. But when it comes to your sexual health, ignorance can lead to sexually transmitted diseases and death. In other words, it’s better to know. So come out to the Beyond the Bedroom event. Led by a nurse practitioner, Beyond the Bedroom is a lecture and open question forum where topics will include the importance of female sexual health issues including sexual dysfunctions, and when women should consider speaking with their partners and their health care providers about their concerns. Light refreshments will be served. The event costs only $2, but there are restrictions: The event is for women only, and women must join the social-networking group named The Fabulous South Florida Women (membership is free). Also, RSVPs are required. The event starts at 7 p.m. at the Sage Bistro & Oyster Bar, 2000 Harrison Street in Hollywood. For more information, please call 786-399-4554 or visit www.meetup.com/FabulousSouthFloridaWomen.

Gary Owen: Now if Tyler Perry, the one-man film, TV and theater empire, thinks you’re funny, then you should definitely consider yourself gifted. Comedian Gary Owen was written into a regular role on Perry’s “House of Payne” after a single meeting on a radio talk show. Ah, the miracles of networking. If you want to appraise Owen’s skills yourself, then catch him live at the Palm Beach Improv at City Place, 550 S. Rosemary Ave Ste 250 in West Palm Beach. Owen will perform until Sunday, Nov. 8. Tickets are $15. For more information, please call 561-833-1812.

Friday, November 6
Lavell Crawford:
Comedian Lavell Crawford returns to the Seminole Hard Rock Improv, 5700 Seminole Way near Hollywood. With appearances on "Showtime at the Apollo," "BET's ComicView" and "Russell Simmons' Def Comedy Jam," under his belt, the busy comedian continues to deliver what audiences like. He’ll perform until Nov. 8. Tickets are $25.82. For exact show times and additional information, please call 954-981-5653.

Kaila.Heard@Gmail.com

Photo: Dr. Niara Sudarkasa