Exhibit focuses on history of civil rights in state

FORT LAUDERDALE — Beginning June 15 through Aug. 15, the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) is showcasing Civil Rights in the Sunshine State, a special exhibit produced by the Museum of Florida History. Through videos, interactive elements, and narratives, visitors can explore the significant contributions Florida made to the state and national civil rights movement.

The exhibit explores the actions of Floridians that led to historic legislation and the struggles the civil rights movement faced in Florida,” says Elaina Norlin, Regional Library Manager. The Museum of Florida History produced Civil Rights in the Sunshine State in collaboration with a number of universities, organizations, and individuals.

Many of the photographs on display are from the State Archives of Florida. Civil rights activists from Tallahassee, Jacksonville and other cities served as advisors on the exhibit, along with historians from Florida State University, the University of Florida, Florida A&M University, and the Florida African American Heritage Preservation Network (FAAHPN).

The African-American Research Library and Cultural Center is located at 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Call the Welcome Desk at 954-357-6210.  For more information about Broward County Libraries, visit broward.org/library.

Leaders host citizenship clinics in Dade, Broward

MIAMI — A coalition of legal service providers, community organizations and volunteers will work together to assist hundreds of eligible legal permanent residents apply for citizenship in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

The New Americans Campaign (NAC) and local organizations will provide a free Immigration clinic at Broward College, North Campus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at 1000 Coconut Creek Blvd. in Coconut Creek. Among the represented organizations will be Catholic Legal Services of the Archdiocese of Miami, Florida Immigrant Coalition, the FIU Immigration and Human Rights Clinic, Hispanic Unity, and the International Rescue Committee.

On June 20, the City of North Miami and the Haitian Lawyers Association will provide free assistance with citizenship applications from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Gwen Margolis Community Center on 15990 NE 123 St. in North Miami.

FAU creates summer program targeting emotionally disabled

BOCA RATON — Florida Atlantic University will offer a new opportunity this summer for young adults with emotional disabilities to learn independence in a university campus setting. The FAU Summer Opportunity for Adult Readiness (SOAR) will take place from Monday, July 13 through Friday, July 24 at FAU, 777 Glades Road in Boca Raton.

Young adults between the ages of 18 to 25 with an emotional disability, or on the autism spectrum, are eligible for the program. Participants must also be able to self-administer all medications and be able to navigate the community with support.

Students will focus on employment skills, personal health, personal finance, and leadership. Social activities include fitness, swimming, and group recreation. They also will learn time management, meal preparation, and domestic skills.

FAU campus staff will offer 24-hour support by facilitating daily activities and supervising students in the evening.

Program fees are $1,500 per session and a $75 non-refundable application fee. Rooms, meals and all activities are included.

For more information, contact Michelle Rubin at michellerubin@autismafter21.org.

Compiled from staff, wire reports