“MERCHANTS OF VENICE” CAST OF COLOR: One of the first productions at the new Victory Black Box Theatre Sistrunk Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, whose adaptation inspiration came years ago while researching the Underground Railroad, debuts July 7. Visit Eventbrite.com.

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“TOP GUN” MIAMI BEACH ONSTAGE! Fans can catch the original on Thursday, July 7, 8:30 p.m. at 13 Street and Ocean Drive in Lummus Park, and cinematic blockbuster “Top Gun: Maverick” touches down for a unique outdoor showing Thursday, Sept. 15, 8:30 p.m. at Pride Park outside the Miami Beach Convention Center. Other free events in city parks and public spaces all summer long through September range from synchronized swimming and poetry to Brazilian and Latin jazz and The Rhythm Foundation’s Seaside Summer 2022. For a complete visit mbartsandculture.org/onstage.

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CALL FOR FOOD DONATIONS: The Salvation Army of Broward County is in dire need of non-perishable items to replenish food pantry to assist residents in immediate need. Food drop-offs can be made between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., 1445 W. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Distributions take place Thursday, July 7 and each Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon.

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SOUTH FLORIDA HBCU PICNIC: Bring the kids, family, picnic baskets and lawn chairs, July 9, 1 – 6 p.m., Florida Memorial University, 158000 NW 27th Ave., Miami Gardens. Visit Eventbrite.com.

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MLK PEN & PENCIL PEACE CAMP: The Martin Luther King Jr. Coordinating Committee hosts the annual program enabling boys and girls to improve their reading, writing, artistic and musical skills, Saturdays 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on July 9, 16, 23 at the In Time Church of God in Christ Fellowship Hall, 1025 7th St., West Palm Beach. Call 561-832-4682.

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BOB MARLEY’S “THREE LITTLE BIRDS”: City Theatre and the Adrienne Arsht Center present the jammin’ musical featuring lyrics based on the children’s book (“Every Little Thing”) by his daughter Cedella Marley, sharing the legendary reggae artist’s message of peace and love with a new generation of songbirds, through July 9 at various times, Carnival Studio Theater, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. Mama says "breathe easy," but Ziggy’s afraid to leave the house. He’s too busy worrying about tropical storms, evil spirits and steering clear of that sneaky, hair-snatching Duppy! But with the help of Dr. Bird and his feathered friends, Ziggy’s reminded that "every little thing gonna be all right!” Tickets $20 and $30, call 305-949-6722 or visit arshtcenter.org.

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CHATARIUS "TUTU" ATWELL CAMP: The Los Angeles Rams wide receiver and Miami native who attended Miami Northwestern Senior High School is hosting a full day of free youth activities, sports camps and a football tournament, to include football, baseball, soccer, track and field, basketball, cheerleading and dance stations for kids of all ages, Satuerday, July 9 at Charles Hadley Park, 1350 NW 50th St., Miami. Registration 9 – 10 am. From 10 – 11 a.m. members of the community will open the day with a welcome and introduction to include a motivational speech to the youth. The sports and dance stations will open at 11 a.m. and run throughout the day. At 3 p.m. begins The Battle of Miami 7 on 7 Invitational including 12 high schools from Broward and Miami-Dade. A $5,000 donation will be awarded to the winning football program. The day will conclude with an awards and trophy presentation. Each camper will receive a camp T-shirt, free lunch and giveaways. There will be honored and distinguished guests from the community and surprise NFL stars. Email lemoncitycommunity@gmail.com or call 305-923-2533.

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EARLY CHILDHOOD & AFTERSCHOOL JOB FAIR: More than 25 employers, including child care centers, public and private schools, and recreation centers, will recruit on Wednesday, July 13, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Palm Beach State College Lake Worth campus Public Safety Conference Center, room PSD 108, 4200 Congress Ave. Free and open to the public, attendees should bring multiple copies of their resume and will be asked to register at the fair – there is no advance registration. Job seekers will be able to apply for more than 100 full- and part-time positions, ranging from early childhood educators, teacher assistants, tutors, and center directors and administrators to preschool and VPK teachers, afterschool counselors, substitute teachers, bus drivers and more

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SOUNDS OF LITTLE HAITI: Family-friendly live outdoor concert hosted by Mecca Grimo, featuring Miami’s own Nulook Konpa band led by Arly Larivière, July 15, 6 – 11 p.m. at Little Haiti Cultural Complex, 212 NE 59th Ter., Miami. $5 in advance, $35 VIP. Visit Eventbrite.com or call 305-328-8599.

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MIAMI GARDENS STREET FAIR & MARKETPLACE: Support local small businesses, July 16, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., NW 183rd St. and NW 27th Ave., Miami Gardens. Back-to-school edition, free bookbags and school items while supplies last. Visit Eventbrite.com or call 305-622-8000 ext. 2789.

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HIDDEN HISTORY OF AFRIKA: Series with guests lecturers Drs. Leonard and Rosalind Jeffries, continues Saturday, July 16, 2 – 5 p.m. at 3113 W. Atlantic Blvd. Pompano Beach. Visit Eventbrite.com or call 720-839-8721 or 954-588-1964.

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VIRTUAL CANDIDATE FORUMS: The League of Women Voters of Broward County is hosting or co-hosting via livestream to the league Facebook page in advance of the Aug. 23 election. No account needed, go to www.facebook.com/BrowardLWV/ or type @BrowardLWV in your browser. Forums will be recorded and uploaded to the league YouTube channel for later viewing: July 19, 7 p.m. – County Court Judicial Candidates July 20, 7 p.m. – Circuit Court Judicial Candidates July 21, 6 p.m. – County Commission Districts 8 & 9 (co-host Urban League) July 26, 6 p.m. – School Board District 5 (co-host Urban League) More forum dates will be posted at https://lwvbroward.org.

FREE SUMMER MEALS JUST TEXT “FOOD”: When school is out many programs kids rely on for critical meals disappear. Programs run by local schools and community groups can help fill the gap at no cost. No Kid Hungry makes it quick and easy for families to find their nearest summer meal site at familiar places like parks, pools, libraries and rec centers. Parents, grandparents and caregivers can simply text “FOOD” or “COMIDA” to 304-304 to find free summer meals in their community.

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MARVIN DIXON 50 SHADES OF COMEDY: Dixon brings his signature style to Stage 954 alongside friends Big Talle, Donte Ray and Shaun Jones on Saturday, Aug. 6 at 8 p.m. Attendees must be 21-plus. Tickets $25-$30, VIP table $60 per person. The Casino @ Dania Beach, 301 E. Dania Beach Blvd., Dania Beach, continues to salute South Florida teachers all summer long through Sept. 21 as educators can enjoy a 15% discount for every performance in the Summer Concert Series using the promotional code TEACH15OFF.

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BACK TO SCHOOL DRIVE SUPPLY DRIVE: The Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center (CDTC) is accepting donations now through Aug. 8 in preparation for its large-scale backpack distribution on Wednesday, Aug. 10 and Thursday, Aug. 11 at its headquarters, 1401 S. Federal Hwy. in Fort Lauderdale. The public and businesses are welcome to collect backpacks, notebooks, pencils, pens, crayons, markers, folders, glue sticks, etc., or gift cards. Donations may be dropped off at CDTC Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Visit childrensdiagnostic.com/back-to-school/

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