calendar_web_copy.jpgThursday, Oct. 24

Screening of the Freedom Riders: The Old Dillard Museum will begin a series of discussion forums centered on civil rights documentaries with a full screening of the Freedom Riders at 2 p.m., at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. The museum will also sponsor an open forum public discussion at the museum on Thursday, Oct. 24 at 6 p.m. Call 754-322-8828.

Friday, Oct. 25

Big Bad Wolf Weekend Media Meet and Greet:
Will Call Miami is hosting two days of music, food and gifts, Oct. 25 and 26 from at 7 p.m., at 700 N.E. Second Ave., Miami. Featured acts include The Legendary JC’s and The Resolvers. Cover is $10. Call 305-577-5900.

Archdiocese of Miami Birthday Gala: The Archdiocese of Miami is celebrating its 55th anniversary with a gala to benefit the different archdiocesan outreach programs that serve the many needs of the poor in the community at 7 p.m., at the Miami Downtown Hilton, 1601 Biscayne Blvd. The gala’s title, “A Church for the Poor,” is a response to Pope Francis’ message of helping those who need the most and have the least. Entertainment will be provided by Gypsy Kings and Soul Survivor. Visit miamiarch.org

Youth Development Works:
Join CBS4’s Jim Defede as master of ceremonies and Miami Dade County Deputy Mayor Russell Benford as keynote speaker at Urgent Inc.’s annual fundraiser from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., at Camilus House, 1603 N.W. Third Ave., Miami. Tickets are $75. Visit urgentinc.org


Saturday, Oct. 26

America’s Got Talent Auditions: America’s Got Talent Auditions will be held at the Miami Beach Convention Center, Oct. 26-27 to kick off NBC’s No. 1 summer reality series search for season nine acts. Visit americasgottalentauditions.com

Sickle Cell Foundation Yard Sale: The public is invited to shop for treasures and finds at the Sickle Cell Foundation of Palm Beach County & Treasure County’s annual yard sale at 11 a.m., at the Foundation’s offices, 1600 N. Australian Ave., West Palm Beach. Donated items, ranging from household goods to electronics, will be on sale. Proceeds benefit the Sickle Cell Foundation programs and outreach.  Call 561-833-3113 or visit sicklecellpalmbeach.org

First Victim’s Walk:  MAMA (Mothers Against Murders Association) with the support of the Committee Against Gun Violence (CAGV) is walking to spread the No More Names message at 9:30 a.m., at Dreher Park (across from the zoo at the Forest Hill Boulevard exit), West Palm Beach. Call CAGV at 561-212-6924 to volunteer or donate, or call Angela Williams at MAMA at 561-842-4899. Visit mothersagainstmurderersassn.org

Women On the Move: Sistah to Sistah Connection is hosting its 8th Annual Women’s Luncheon to spread the message of hope and healing to all women from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at the Signature Grand, 6900 State Road 84, Davie. Tickets are $35. Call Evangelist Gigi Holloway at 786-246-7578 or visit sistahtosistahconnection.com

ACA Empowerment Series: Learn to understand President Obama’s Affordable Care Act at 10 a.m., at COH Empowerment Center, 1550 N. Federal Hwy., Boynton Beach. Visit cathedralofhopeministries.org

Sixth Annual DAC Awards Gala: Celebrate 15 years of outstanding service to and for the arts community and the community at large at 6:30 p.m., at Miami Shores Country Club, 10000 Biscayne Blvd., Miami Shores. Tickets are $50 and parking is free. The event will pay tribute to deserving individuals in the community and will feature outstanding cuisine, live music by national recording artists D.A. Smith & Soul Therapy; a silent auction and more. Call 786-237-5079 or visit dacmiami.org

Sunday, Oct. 27

Peace Pole Dedication Ceremony: The Miami Beach Community Relations Board invites the public to a Peace Pole Dedication Ceremony and Planting of the Peace Meditation Tree from 3-5 p.m., at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, 2000 Convention Center Dr., Miami Beach. Refreshments will be served. Contact Lynn Bernstein, committee liaison, at 305-673-7010.

Tuesday, Oct. 29

Women’s Self Defense Class: In observance of International Violence Against Women Act and Domestic Violence Month, the Broward County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. will host a free class designed to introduce women to self defense techniques that have proven to be life-saving at 6:15 p.m., at Kathleen C. Wright Development Center, 2250 N.W. 21 Ave., Fort Lauderdale.
Co-sponsored by Girl Jitsu Inc., the techniques taught are effective enough to be employed by tactical response teams and military personnel, but simple enough to be learned by the everyday citizen. Dress comfortably, preferably in work-out clothing. No jewelry or sharp objects are allowed on your person while class is in session. RSVP at 954-522-2840 to participate.
Wednesday, Oct. 30

A Business Survival Guide…It’s All About the People:
The Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce’s Professional & Workforce Development Committee has put together a program for small- and medium-sized businesses that helps address real-life workforce issues affecting businesses including: motivating employees to maximize productivity; the keys to retaining key employees; new health care legislation; trends in employee complaints; creating an engaged workforce; and solutions to cope with growth or contraction. This seminar will be held live as well as live-streamed — providing an innovative and interactive session at 8:30 a.m. at Miami Dade College’s Wolfson Campus, 300 N.E. Second Ave., Miami. In person participation is $35 per member and $45 per nonmember, while online participation is $10 per member and $20 per nonmember. Visit MiamiChamber.com. Contact Ivette Canales at 305-577-5458 or email icanales@miamichamber.com

Friday, Nov. 1

Calling All Professionals: Mix, mingle and connect with the Black Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Celebrity Restaurant & Lounge, 1300 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach. Admission is free for members who bring a paying guest, $10 for members without a guest, $15 for non-members and $20 at the door. RSVP at events@blackchamberpbc.com

Saturday, Nov. 2

5K Walk-Run: Fitness buffs, walkers, runners and joggers are invited to the Cell-abration 5K Walk/Run for Sickle Cell Foundation of Palm Beach County & the Treasure Coast at 7:30 a.m., at  Central Broward Regional Park, 3700 NW 11 Place, Lauderhill. The annual event benefits the programs and outreach of the organization serve four counties and is held on a certified trail. Registration is $25 for adults and $10 for children. Call 561-833-3113, visit sicklecellpalmbeach.org or email thesicklecellfoundation@yahoo.com

A Devastating Impact Stage Play:
How does Freda, a 19-year old college student who is a virgin, never did drugs or had a drug transfusion become HIV positive? See the dramatic journey for yourself at 1 and 6 p.m. respectively at the African American Research Library and cultural Center (AARLCC), 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Tickets are $20 and $15 for students and seniors. Visit tccaflorida.eventbrite.com

Grand Gala Ball and Awards Luncheon: The Jamaican American Bar Association presents its signature grand affair
hosted by Oliver Samuels at 6:30 p.m. at Sheraton Hotel, 1825 Griffin Rd., Dania. For tickets and information, call 305-510-3870 or visit jamaicanamericanbar.org.

Ongoing:

Branches Volunteers: The faith-based non-profit invites anyone interested in helping people Grow Deeper and Climb Higher to volunteers for its Thanksgiving Meal Delivery Program as drivers, chefs and more. The Branches is seeking volunteers to serve as tax preparers during tax season as well. Call 786-507-3996 or visit branchesfl.org

Volunteers Needed: Musicians On Call is currently seeking musicians and volunteers. The program brings live and recorded music to the bedside of patients in healthcare facilities and currently has weekly programs at South Miami, Jackson Memorial and Joe DiMaggio hospitals. Musicians and volunteers should be able to commit to one evening a month for two hours to help deliver the healing power of music. Email Monica at monica@musiciansoncall.org

Kiskeya Night: Enjoy a cultural night of poetry and other artistic expressions every third Thursday at 7 p.m. at Eclectic Miami Café, 13227 N.W. Seventh Ave., North Miami. Admission is $10. Call 786-210-8852 or visit eclecticmiami.com

Feed the Homeless: S.E.E.K. Inc. will feed the homeless in Overtown every first Saturday of each month from 2-4 p.m. between 14-15 streets and First Avenue.  S.E.E.K. is a not-for-profit organization serving youth of diverse backgrounds by providing public services that promote self-advocacy skills, strategic thinking skills, and community involvement to become lifelong problem solvers. Email seekingempowerment@gmail.com