An African-American Gem

West of downtown Fort Lauderdale's Arts & Sciences District, in the heart of the African-American community along Sistrunk Boulevard, lies a gem once discounted as a grand idea unlikely to get off the ground.

Yet in late 2002, Fort Lauderdale's African-American Research Library and Cultural Center soared into reality as a sparkling two-story, $14 million repository of history and heritage of African, African-American, and Caribbean cultures, with historic books, papers, and art, much of it pertaining to the African Diaspora. There's a 300-seat auditorium, a story-time area, and 5,000 square feet of gallery space for exhibits. African symbols appear as part of the decor.

For Samuel F. Morrison, now-retired Broward County Library director, the center is the culmination of his dream, a vision to create a worthy showcase reflecting African-American heritage. Broward County anted up $5 million for the 60,000-square-foot center, and Morrison raised the rest.

Of the nation's three major African-American public research facilities, Fort Lauderdale's is the only one that includes a Caribbean focus. Among the Fort Lauderdale center's offerings is the Alex Haley Collection, including eight unfinished manuscripts. Other components range from Fisk University research of slave narratives to books on Jamaica and the Caribbean. You'll also find the Kitty Oliver Oral Histories Collection on Broward and Okeechobee and the Niara Sudarkasa Collection of papers, artwork, and other materials of the former president of Lincoln University.

And there's the collection of Dorothy Porter Wesley -- in some eyes the greatest of the black bibliophiles. Her collection includes about 500 inscribed and autographed books -- some date to 1836 -- with personal narratives, histories, fiction, and reference works. Wesley's daughter, Constance Porter Uzelac, refers to "Mama's stuff," noting that "it's not just books and manuscripts.. what's interesting is the associations she had with the authors and the people." Wesley was known for going to the homes of the recently deceased to make sure nothing of value was thrown away. Her daughter recalls, "She'd get to the house before the body was cold," heading straight to attics and basements to retrieve bits and scraps of history.

Passionate about his dream, Morrison also remains adamant about the library's widespread appeal, noting that "these pieces provide glimpses [into the hearts and minds of people who have made a difference in the lives of not only people of color and African culture, but people of many colors and cultures."