Progress & Preservation Symposium - AAHF 2026

Join us for the Progress & Preservation Symposium, presented by the African American Research Library and Cultural Center as part of the 2026 Africana Arts & Humanities Festival. This thought-provoking symposium explores the delicate balance between celebrating the rich history of the Sistrunk neighborhood and other Black communities in Broward County, while addressing the urgent need to preserve these legacies amid rapid development and neighborhood change.

This symposium will feature expertise and community voices that will illuminate the pathway for honoring the past while shaping a sustainable future. The event includes dynamic discussions, community engagement, and opportunities for collaboration among scholars, cultural advocates, and local leaders. We believe your voice will be instrumental in fostering dialogue that inspires action and deepens understanding.

Sponsored by: Broward Black Chamber of Commerce, Dickey Consulting Services, and Self-Help Credit Union

PANEL 1 (11:10 AM): THE STORIES OF SISTRUNK

PANELISTS:

DEREK DAVIS | Kuumba Cultural Arts

Derek T. Davis is a cultural publicist and advocate born in Miami's historic Overtown neighborhood. With over three decades of experience, he has managed historic properties, visual arts exhibits, and performing arts projects throughout South Florida, including serving as Curator of the Old Dillard Museum (2007-2017) and Head of Exhibits and Programs at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center (2001-2007). As Manager of Davis Kuumba Arts, LLC, he specializes in African American history and culture, organizing community initiatives including Juneteenth Jazz Carnival and May Florida Emancipation Day celebrations.

EMMANUEL GEORGE | Founder, Black Broward

Emmanuel George is a Fort Lauderdale native and Dillard High School graduate who founded Black Broward, a grassroots organization dedicated to empowering Black communities throughout Broward County through advocacy, education, and cultural preservation. As a community organizer and cultural advocate, he mobilizes residents around issues of gentrification, affordable housing, and preservation of Black historical landmarks. Through Black Broward, he organizes cultural events, educational workshops, and community initiatives that strengthen neighborhood bonds and preserve the legacy of historically Black areas like Sistrunk.

BOBBY R. HENRY, SR. | Publisher, Westside Gazette

Bobby R. Henry, Sr., is the Publisher and CEO of the Westside Gazette, Broward County's oldest and largest African American-owned newspaper, founded by his parents in 1971. Under his leadership, the newspaper has maintained its commitment to informing, educating, and reinvesting in the Black community, serving as a vital platform for amplifying Black voices and addressing community concerns. Henry describes the mission of the Black Press as a spiritual one, believing that "the most potent tool with which to face the challenges and opportunities of this new century is the dissemination of information."

MODERATOR: SHAHEEWA JARRETT GELIN | Broward Black Chamber of Commerce

Shaheewa Jarrett Gelin is a transformative leader dedicated to advancing economic empowerment and fostering vibrant communities. As the Chief Strategy Officer & Executive Vice President of the Broward Black Chamber of Commerce, she champions initiatives that promote business growth, advocacy, and collaboration among minority-owned enterprises. With a deep commitment to equity and social impact, Shaheewa brings extensive expertise in strategic planning, community engagement, and stakeholder relations. Her work is driven by a passion for creating pathways to prosperity and amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities in Broward County and beyond.

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PANEL 2 (12:45 PM): PROTECTING PLACE & MEMORY

PANELISTS:

SAM CHESSER | Florida President, Self-Help

Sam Chesser, Florida President, Self-Help. Sam serves as the Florida President at Self-Help where he leads impact, community engagement, and operations in the state. Established in 1980, Self-Help is a national family of nonprofit organizations committed to creating and protecting ownership and economic opportunity for all—especially people of color, women, rural residents, and low-wealth families and communities. Self-Help does this by promoting fair financial practices; lending to individuals and organizations for homeownership, renewable energy, and other community needs; providing commercial real estate financing for affordable and workforce housing, health centers, churches, and nonprofits; and developing real estate. The Self-Help organization includes two CDFI (Community Development Financial Institution) credit unions, a CDFI loan fund, and the Center for Responsible Lending. Sam has served as a leader in the nonprofit financial sector for more than 25 years.

MICHAELA CONCA | President, Broward Trust for Historic Preservation

Michaela M. Conca is President of the Broward Trust for Historic Preservation, where she passionately advocates for using historic resources to enhance Broward County neighborhoods. She believes historic preservation is essential for future growth and that landmark designations protect community assets for future generations. Under her leadership, Broward Trust works to preserve local historic sites, restore the historic character of Broward County, and support education and research regarding historic preservation.

ERIN PURDY | Senior Archivist, Broward County Library

Erin Purdy is the Archivist Supervisor for Broward County Library Special Collections. She holds BAs in History and Classics from the University of Miami and a master's degree in Public History from Armstrong State University. Her work focuses on Black and Indigenous histories and environmental preservation. As Archivist, she heads community partnerships including the preservation and digitization of the Westside Gazette and other historic resources in Broward County.

SHERYL DICKEY | Founder and President, Dickey Consulting Services

Sheryl Dickey is the founder and president of Dickey Consulting Services, specializing in community engagement and strategic planning. With over 30 years of experience in public service and consulting, she has been a driving force behind initiatives that foster collaboration between local government, nonprofits, and the private sector. Sheryl is passionate about empowering communities through inclusive, thoughtful approaches to problem-solving and development.

MODERATOR: DR. MARCUS BRIGHT | Self-Help Credit Union

Marcus Bright, Ph.D. is the South Florida Director of Business Development & Community Engagement at Self-Help, a family of nonprofit organizations which includes two CDFI credit unions, a CDFI loan fund, as well as the Center for Responsible Lending, a research and policy advocacy organization that works to protect consumers from predatory financial practices. Self-Help's mission is creating and protecting ownership and economic opportunity for all - with a focus on serving under-resourced communities – as well as on clean energy, resiliency, and attainable housing.

Info: This session highlights the lived experiences, cultural heritage, and enduring contributions of the Sistrunk community. Through personal narratives, archival insights, and community storytelling, speakers will illuminate the people, places, and traditions that have shaped one of Broward County's most historically significant Black neighborhoods. The session celebrates the past while underscoring the importance of preserving these stories for future generations.

Info: This session focuses on the policies, practices, and partnerships necessary to protect the cultural assets of Sistrunk and other historically Black communities in Broward County. Speakers will address challenges posed by development pressures, explore models for community-led preservation, and highlight strategies for ensuring that growth does not come at the expense of legacy. The session aims to equip attendees with tools and frameworks to advocate effectively for cultural and historical continuity.

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