HISTORY OF KWANZAA EXHIBIT: View a special glass case exhibit on Kwanzaa’s history, traditional ceremonies, and foods, in the lobby at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC), 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Call 954-357-6282. The annual celebration of African roots in African American culture, Dec. 26 through Jan. 1, was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor of Africana Studies at California State University, author, scholar and activist who felt there was an indispensable need to preserve, continually revitalize and promote African American culture. Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday, not a religious one, thus available to and practiced by Africans of all religious faiths who join together based on the rich, ancient and varied common ground of their Africanness. The celebration focuses on seven principles known as the (Nguzo Saba). The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase "matunda ya kwanza" which means "first fruits" in Swahili. Kwanzaa builds on the five fundamental activities of continental African "first fruit" celebrations: ingathering, reverence, commemoration, recommitment and celebration. Learn more about Kwanzaa at officialkwanzaawebsite.org.

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JAZZ AT THE BEACH: Bring your blankets and chairs as free live music concert series continues, Thursday, Dec. 29, 7 – 10 p.m., 2401 Ocean Ave., Riviera Beach. Call 561-845-4070 or visit rivierabch.com.

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HAITIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY: Rep. Marie Woodson (D-Hollywood) will partner with the City of Hollywood to host a free celebration to provide education on Haitian history and culture, Jan. 1 at the Boulevard Heights Community Center, 6770 Garfield St., Hollywood, with traditional food, music, historical presentations, art and more. Call 954-965-3700.

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“HADESTOWN AT KRAVIS”: Come see how the world could be, where a song can change your fate, in a haunting and hopeful theatrical experience that grabs you and never lets go, Kravis On Broadway, Jan. 3 – 8. Winner of eight 2019 Tony Awards including Best Musical and 2020 Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. Call 561-832-7469 or visit kravis.org.

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“ALADDIN” AT THE ARSHT: Disney’s hit Broadway musical from the producer of “The Lion King” is a timeless story and extraordinary theatrical event in a thrilling new production filled with unforgettable beauty, magic, comedy and breathtaking spectacle, where one lamp and three wishes make the possibilities infinite, Jan. 3 – 8 at various times, tickets from $39, part of the 2022-2023 Broadway in Miami Series at the Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County, 1300 Biscayne Blvd, Miami. Call 305-949-6722 or visit arshtcenter.org.

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MLK COORDINATING COMMITTEE: 2023 Kick Off Service Friday, Jan. 6, 6:30 p.m. MLK Landmark Memorial 2200 N. Flagler Dr. (Currie Park) West Palm Beach

[Reception immediately following with takeouts.] Unity Day/Interfaith Service Sunday, Jan. 8, 4 p.m.

Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church 1220 Pioneer Rd., Mangonia Park.

[Reception after service. Follow COVID-19 rules. Wear a mask. Meal takeouts available after service.]

MLK Breakfast/Essay Awards Monday, Jan. 16, 8 a.m. PB County Convention Center 650 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach Visit mlkccpbc.org to pay online.

South Florida Fair MLK Day Monday, Jan. 16, 3 – 5 p.m. 9067 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach, Community Stage Bus leaves 1 p.m., Trinity United Methodist Church Visit mlkccpbc.org or call 561-236-8549.

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ANTI-GUN VIOLENCE COMMUNITY DAY: Jan. 7, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Scott Lake Park, 17710 NW 15th Ct., Miami Gardens. Visit fredscloset.org or call 786-2779168.

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UNDERSTANDING CRACK-ERS: A spiritual approach to comprehending why White people are so hateful, book launch with author Michelle Hollinger, Jan. 7, 9:30 p.m., Center for Black Innovation, 937 NW 3rd Ave., Miami. Wine and cheese VIP reception with author, 7:30 – 9 p.m. Register at iammichellehollinger.com.

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RIVIERA BEACH MLK CELEBRATION: “Advancing the Dream and Building Harmony!” free event Saturday, Jan. 14, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Parade route Congress Avenue and Blue Heron Boulevard, ending at new Avenue L viewing location. Register your band, dance team or group, lineup 8 a.m. Call 561-845-4070 or visit rivierabch.com/mlk2023.

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KING HOLIDAY CELEBRATION PARADE: Join us as we honor the memory of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as this 2023 annual march for nonviolence departs on Jan. 16, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, at 9:30 a.m. from Sistrunk Boulevard and NW 5th Avenue, then heads west along Sistrunk Boulevard, and then north on NW 15th Avenue, ending at Carter Park for a multicultural festival. Presented by the Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation Department and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee, Inc.

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