"The city wants to provide residents with a chance to celebrate their heritage and to make everyone aware of the richness of the African-American culture and their tradition," said Nanci DeJesus, Miramar's special events coordinator.

The event is overseen by the Miramar Community Services Department, with input from the South Broward Organizations Forum, a nonprofit group formed 11 years ago to promote all cultures and ensure that the cultural needs of Miramar residents are met. The forum also helps organize Miramar's annual Kwanzaa celebration.

Carolyn Carter, secretary of the forum, said the African Mobility Dance Group of Miramar and the Roots & Culture Dance Ensemble of Miramar will perform, as well as singers Eva Brown Peck and Radiance Candiss. Arklynn Wahming will dance and read poetry.

Andrew Bryant will play the piano. His sister, Julie Marcus, will read poetry and dance, and Victoria Adkins will offer an African fashion show, Carter said.

Roland Foulkes, founder of Fort Lauderdale-based Global Solutions Unlimited, will present a re-creation of a speech by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and will be the guest speaker.

"It'll be an excellent program," Carter said. "They're all professional and they're well-known within the community."

Visitors at Reflections in the Park will have a chance to win prizes during a trivia contest. Food, music and children's activities are planned.

(source) Sun Sentinel (Nick Sortal) 2-13-04