BROWARD COUNTY, FL - Broward County Library presents the fourth annual AARLCC-CON Sci-Fi & Comic Convention, taking place from 7 to 8:30PM on Friday, October 20 and from 11AM to 4:30PM on Saturday, October 21 at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC), 2650 Sistrunk Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311, 954-357-6282. 

AARLCC-CON provides a platform for African American writers and illustrators of comic books and sci-fi novels to share ideas, present their latest works, and develop relationships with both local and national industry professionals.

The theme of AARLCC-CON 2023 is "Shujaa: Heroes, Legends, and Myths." The event will feature comics and authors with a connection to legends, heroes, gods and mythology originating in African and African diasporic culture. Shujaa is the Kiswahili, or Swahili, word for "hero."

On Friday, October 20, AARLLC adds a new dimension to this iconic event with a vibrant dance performance by Live In Color called "Funk and Fantasy." With magnificent costumes, spectacular lights, and high-energy choreography, the show offers a modern, urban interpretation of popular comic characters. Tickets are $20.00 per person and can be obtained through Eventbrite.      

The Saturday, October 21 conference, which is a free event, will feature discussions on the history of African mythology and its direct influence on some of today's famous superheroes such as Black Panther, Storm, and Brother Voodoo.

AARLCC-CON 2023 featured speakers are Manuel and Geiszel Godoy, founders of Black Sands Comics, one of the best-selling Black-owned comic brands in the nation. The couple competed successfully on the show Shark Tank to obtain investment in their comic brand by business mogul Mark Cuban and comedian Kevin Hart. The event will also feature an array of local authors including comic creator Jeff Carroll and artist/author George Moss.

Contact Tray Fitzpatrick, 954-357-6190, tfitzpatrick@broward.org, for details.

Stay connected with #AARLCC-CON, #AARLCC and #SHUJAA.

About Broward County Libraries
Broward County Libraries Division, named 2020 and 2015 Library of the Year by the Florida Library Association, was founded in 1974 and is one of the largest and busiest library systems in Florida. Broward County Libraries Division's 37 locations provide convenient access to a full range of innovative and cost-effective services that satisfy the changing needs of the people of Broward County for information, education and recreation. Visit our website, Broward.org/Library, or follow Libraries on Facebook and X.