LIBERTY CITY READS FEST: A multicultural celebration of published literature from local writers in Miami, featuring ongoing programs such as a writing competition, poetry contest, and diverse and inclusive storytelling, with the goal to promote literacy among children, parents, educators, and local organizations in the community, Friday, July 19, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center, 6161 NW 22nd Ave., Miami. Close to 15 local authors are expected to participate in this fun-filled event.

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WAKE UP BLACK VOTE: Fort Lauderdale / Broward Branch NAACP forum featuring candidates for Broward County School Board, Thursday, July 18, 6:30 p.m. at Saint Christopher’s Episcopal Church, 318 NW 6th Ave., Fort Lauderdale.

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LINK UP THE VOTE FORUM: Hear from the candidates for Broward’s constitutional offices and meet the judicial candidates for the circuit and county courts, Thursday, July 18, reception 6-7 p.m., forum 7-9 p.m., at Redeeming Word Christian Center, 2800 W. Prospect Rd., Fort Lauderdale.

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SPECIAL GUEST MAXINE WATERS: The Broward Democratic Party’s inaugural countywide Open House Convention will host the California congresswoman during the July 19-20 event at the Marriott Coral Springs Hotel & Convention Center, 11775 Heron Bay Blvd., Coral Springs, an opportunity for Broward Democrats to engage with community leaders, elected officials, candidates, and Democratic-aligned organizations. The weekend will feature a variety of activities including a kickoff reception July 19 at Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill in Plantation, followed by a full day of sessions, trainings, and an expo-style Open House Exhibition on July 20 at the convention center with complimentary admission for registered Democrats. For registration and additional details visit Bdpfl.us/convention2024.

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SOUNDS OF LITTLE HAITI: Summer edition at Choublak, 5556 NE 2nd Ave., Miami, Friday, July 19, 7 – 11 p.m., with music by DJ Bullet, admission $5. Immerse yourself in the new authentic atmosphere reminding you of Haiti at this lush garden space.

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MLKCC PEACE CAMP: The Martin Luther King, Jr. Coordinating Committee’s annual summer program enabling boys and girls to improve their reading, writing, artistic and musical skills, continues July 20 and 26 at In Time Church of God in Christ, 1025 7th St., West Palm Beach. To make (tax deductible) donations in support via PayPal visit our website, mlkcc.org; or for Zelle by phone at 561-2368549.

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SPECIAL NEEDS FAMILY FUN DAY: The Extraordinary Kids Foundation is hosting on Saturday, July 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Village of Wellington Community Center Promenade, 12150 Forest Hill Blvd. Enjoy a fun-filled day with food, games, a bounce house, arts & crafts, music and face painting along with a back-to-school supply giveaway for all school-aged children, with special needs organizations providing information and resources for parents. Free event, register at Eventbrite.com.

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T’S EXPRESS AT SUMMER JAZZ SERIES: Band founder and leader Timothy Moss and the quintet specialize in the music of Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea, July 20, 7-9 p.m. at the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County, 601 Lake Ave., Lake Worth Beach. Tickets $20 – $25, call 561-471-2901 or visit palmbeachculture.com.

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BAHAMIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY: 51st anniversary celebration July 21, 6 – 9 p.m. at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, 3251 S. Miami Ave., Miami, will recognize the impact of outstanding individuals on the South Florida community and the preservation of the history of the Bahamians and their descendants in South Florida. This is the third celebration sponsored by the Curtis Foundation Corporation spearheaded by local historian Dr. Enid Curtis Pinkney. The Hon. Curt G. Hollingsworth, Miami’s Consul General for the Bahamas, will be among the attendees. Tickets $80 available at vizcaya.org. For other information contact pinkne@bellsouth.net or 305-297-7912 or cdavishenley@verizon.net or 301-3850872.

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SMALL BUSINESS TOWNHALL: The Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce hosts, Monday, July 22, 8 – noon, 512 NE 3rd Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Call 954-828-5130 or visit economicdevelopment@fortlauderdale.gov.

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TIKIMARKET: At the Riviera Beach Marina Village, Sundays 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., with island eats, exotic treats, Calypso beats. Visit TikimarketRB@gmail.com.

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HOTEL OWNERSHIP & INVESTMENT: National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators & Developers (NABHOOD) 28th annual summit and trade show, July 24-26 at the Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay. Friday luncheon speaker the Hon. Charles Washington Misick, premier, Turks & Caicos Islands Visit nabhood.net.

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“SEEKING”: Darius V. Daughtry, one of South Florida’s best-known poets, authors, directors and educators, brings his journey of self-discovery in the midst of an everchanging world to the stage on Friday, July 26 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, July 27 at 2 and 7 p.m. in the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The new production brings music and magic to the stage as the audience follows the story of a young musician’s quest for independence. This leads to his discovery of how instrumental his family’s past is to him in finding his future. Evening performances are followed by Art Prevails Project’s signature artist talk and a special reception with complimentary drinks and light bites. Tickets start at $30 with student prices at $20, at the box office, call 954-462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org.

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SUITS FOR SENIORS: Impact lives at our Scholarship Breakfast, July 27, 11 a.m. at Manatee Lagoon, 6000 N Flagler Dr, West Palm Beach. Register at suitsforseniors.org/awards.

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MIAMI TAKEOVER (MTO): Washington, DC, and Miami Beach unite for the 16th annual three-day celebration of legacy, culture and community, July 26-29, dedicated to Go-Go music, spoken word, and community service, offering professionals and tastemakers of color a unique blend of parties, networking, community service, diversity, and an authentic Miami experience. The theme of the weekend is to celebrate the unique culture of DC, centered around its deeprooted affinity for Go-Go music. The highlight and central focus of this year’s MTO is “The Art of Go-Go Culture Fest,” which will feature interactive art installations curated by Demont “Peekaso” Pinder. The music, dance, and culture celebration will be held at the Miami Beach Bandshell, 7275 Collins Ave., on July 27 from 5 – 11 p.m. Tickets at eventnoire.com/events/mto2024.

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AIN’T NO LIMITS: Experience the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum’s latest exhibit before it closes July 29, featuring eight artists collaborating to challenge societal boundaries for Black women and women of color through original visual and literary works, at the Spady, 170 NW Fifth Ave., Delray Beach. Upcoming exhibit programs include Virtual Artist Talk, May 16, 7-8:30 p.m. Call 561-279-8883 or visit spady.org.

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JAMAICA INDEPENDENCE FESTIVAL: Bring your family and friends to this unforgettable event that promises to be a true celebration of Jamaican heritage and independence where we’ll be jammin’ to reggae beats, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2 – 10 p.m., Wellington Amphitheater, 12100 Forest Hill Blvd. Visit Eventbrite.com.

AMERICOLOR: Palm Beach Atlantic University hosts the Urban Color Fields exhibition featuring the works of street photographer Dennis Church, known for his vibrant and dynamic street photography, on view Aug. 12 through Oct. 4, 2024, at the Tauni De Lesseps Art Gallery in The Warren Library, 300 Pembroke Pl., West Palm Beach. Opening reception Sept. 19, 6 – 7:30 p.m., with discussion led by the artist. Visitors are invited to join the conversation and to explore the unexpected meanings and connections in the work. Parking in regular campus lots free after 6 p.m. Visit library.pba.edu.

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SPACE EXPLORERS: THE INFINITE: An immersive experience featuring 360degree videos of space at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. Inspired by NASA missions, the larger-than-life journey covers the spaceship, astronauts, and the universe beyond our planet. Viewers not only get a taste of life aboard a space station, but also learn how the machines work, what astronauts do, and facts surrounding the glory of space. Children ages 8-12 will need a waiver signed by their parent/guardian before starting the experience. Through Sept. 2, call 561-833-8300 or visit kravis.org.

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FROST MUSEUM MIAMI: Exhibitions such as Journey into Space in the 250seat Frost Planetarium with surround sound and a vast dome takes you on dazzling visual odysseys to outer space. The three-level Aquarium carries you from the surface to the depths of South Florida’s crucial aquatic ecosystems and beyond, at 1101 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. Call 305-434-9600 or visit frostscience.org.

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