calendar_web.jpgSaturday, Jan. 8

Use it or lose it book discussion: From 2 to 4:30 p.m., C. Moore-Fields will lead a discussion based on her self-help book “Use Your Gold Mind or Lose Your Gold Mine,” at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. Now a professional motivational speaker, the author was “abandoned at the youthful age of fourteen to find her place in the universe.” She believes her book will help individuals and businesses to utilize their brain power and the power of positive thinking to move from mediocrity to prosperity. For more information, call 954-625-2810.

Go Back and Take African World Artists Exhibit: The African American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale will house this annual exhibit of contemporary art informed and inspired by history and by the African and American experience. It opens at 3 p.m. with a program and a reception. The artists in the collective are paying special tribute to two of their deceased members —Charles Mills and Jerome Davis. The exhibit, which will also feature works by Sista Idya, Tashema Harnett and Bill Gozansky, runs through March 1, 2011. For more information call 954-625-2829.

Sunday, Jan. 9

Nicole Henry at Jazz at the UU: The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Miami presents best-selling international jazz singer Nicole Henry at their Jazz at the UU Concert Series at 4 p.m at the 7701 SW 76th Ave. in South Miami.  Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students.  For more info call Andrea at 305-299-9958 or go to our website at tinyurl.com/UUConcert.

Monday, Jan. 10

Miami Dade Community Action Agency Board Meeting: At 4 p.m., the agency‘s Board of Directors will hold their regular monthly meeting at the Overtown Transit Village, 1st Floor Training Room located at 701 NW 1st Ct., Miami in the historic Overtown community. Topics for discussion will be local poverty issues and CAA programs.

Audition Notice: The Metropolitan Diversity Theatre Company will hold auditions from 6 – 8 p.m., Jan. 10 and 12 at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, for the world premiere of a new musical, Bravely We Sat Down, Fearlessly We Marched! about the historical sit-ins of the 1960's. They are seeking African-American and Caucasian high school and college age singers, actors and musicians. Come prepared to sing a song to show your range. The company is also looking for a stage manager, costume designer, set designer and choreographer. For information, call 954-792-1311.

Wednesday, Jan. 12

Children’s Cancer Benefit Program: From 6:30 to 10 p.m., Nova Southeastern University students join St. Jude Children's Research Hospital to celebrate its Up 'til Dawn program at their University Center, 3301 College Avenue, Fort Lauderdale-Davie. The funds raised during the event will help St. Jude to continue its medical research and development of new treatments to fight childhood cancer.

Haiti Earthquake One-Year Commemoration: At 9:30 a.m., students, faculty, and alumni of Archbishop Curley Notre Dame, 4949 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami, will have a solemn day of personal reflection and prayers of remembrance for families and friends who perished in the Haiti earthquake and an extended hand of support for the displaced students who have found a new home at ACND. The community and media are welcome to participate in the day’s events and free docent led tours of Carl Juste’s and Andre Chung’s exhibit “Invictus: Haiti Unconquered” will be offered throughout the day at the ACND Gallery of Art at Archbishop Curley Notre Dame High School. For more information, call 305-751-8367.

Thursday, Jan. 13

Guided Art Tour: Join All Ivy from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. for its first event of the New Year at Gallery Diet, 174 NW 23rd Street, Miami, for a guided tour of the works of Bhakti Baxter, Daniel Milewski and Marcos Valella. Metered street parking is available and drinks and light bites will be provided. Admission is $20. RSVP at allivyplus@gmail.com.

Friday, Jan. 14

Tree Houses — Look Who's Living in Trees Exhibit & Preview Party:   Young At Art, 11584 W. State Road 84 in Davie, will host a preview party for the public from 6 to 8 p.m. The national traveling exhibit explores the dynamic ecological impact of forests and the critters who live in trees there, through stereoscopic viewfinders, tracking clues, natural artifacts and sound. Visitors also will experience the works of environmental artist Deborah M. Mitchell. The exhibition runs Jan. 15 –  May 8.  Admission is $8 per person. Children under age two and museum members are admitted free. For more information, call 954-424-0085 or visit YoungAtArtMuseum.org.

The community calendar is published each Thursday. Please submit your community event to empyrealcommunications@gmail.com by the preceding Monday at 10 a.m.