FORT LAUDERDALE — The African American Analysis Library and Cultural Middle (AARLCC), in partnership with the Mates of AARLCC, proudly proclaims the launch of an annual lecture collection. This collection honors Dr. Niara Sudarkasa (1938–2019)—famend cultural anthropologist, Africanist, college president, and Fort Lauderdale native.
The second annual memorial lecture will happen on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 4:00 PM at AARLCC. The occasion is free and open to the general public; nonetheless, registration is required – Register Here. The occasion is sponsored by The Mates of AARLCC, the Broward County Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., North Broward County Alumnae Chapter, and South Broward Alumnae Chapter.
Born Gloria Albertha Marshall in Fort Lauderdale, Dr. Sudarkasa was a prodigy who graduated from Dillard Excessive College at 14. She entered Fisk College at 15, and later earned her bachelor’s from Oberlin Faculty.
She turned the primary African American girl to show at Columbia College, the primary appointed assistant professor of anthropology at NYU, and the primary Black school member within the College of Michigan’s Division of Anthropology.
Her historic profession culminated in changing into the first African American girl president of Lincoln College in Pennsylvania.
A prolific scholar, she authored works akin to “The place Girls Work” and “The Energy of Our Moms.” She additionally served as AARLCC’s Distinguished Scholar-in-Residence (2002). Moreover, she donated her archives in 2006, now the second-largest manuscript assortment at AARLCC.
AARLCC Lecture Sequence Keynote Speaker: Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis
“Dr. Sudarkasa’s life and work showcase the highly effective affect of scholarship, management, and repair. Her groundbreaking accomplishments proceed to inspire generations of students and leaders. It’s a privilege to assist honor her legacy.” – Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis
Dr. Tameka Hobbs, historian and AARLCC library supervisor, provides:
“The creation of this annual lecture ensures that Dr. Sudarkasa’s imaginative and prescient, scholarship, and dedication to data will proceed to encourage and educate future generations.”