christmas-tree_web.jpgThursday, July 25

Christmas in July: The Miami Rescue Mission/Broward Outreach Centers will hold their annual celebration at 10 a.m. at their three campuses in Miami, Hollywood and Pompano Beach for formerly homeless men, women and children. The celebration will include showers, free haircuts and clothing giveaway to all adults, brand new sneakers for over 600 children, free health screenings, a children’s corner, a great barbeque style meal and live entertainment including local bands and the Regeneration Singers, a group comprised of the homeless residents of the mission. Visit miamirescuemission.com

Junkanoo Rush Featuring Freeport Classic Dancers: Celebrate the Bahamas’ 40th Anniversary of Independence with native music and culture in two locations:  401 N.W. 12th St. in Overtown at 5 p.m.; and 4490 N.W. Second Ave. in Miami at the Bahamian Connection Restaurant, 8 p.m. Call 305-576-6999.

Frankly Speaking About Side Effects:
Gilda’s Club South Florida will host a session that teaches how to manage and prevent side effects of cancer treatment such as fatigue, nausea, low blood cell counts, and other symptoms, 6 – 8 p.m. Call 954-763-6776 or email betsy@gildasclubsouthflorida.org.

Friday, July 26

South Florida Book Festival: National best-selling African-American writers and two world-renowned basketball players will highlight this two-day festival through July 27 at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. Highlights include a Meet and Greet with Earl “The Pearl” Monroe and Tim Hardaway, a Mystery Writing Workshop, Evening with the Stars and more. Call 954-357-5950 for a detailed listing of events.

Wine, Jazz and Literature Mixer:
Mix and mingle with some of the country’s most influential and entertaining authors at the Black and White Affair, 6 – 9 p.m. at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. Admission $20 includes food, wine, music and a complimentary autographed book from the author of your choice. Call 954-357-6209.

The Blue Party: The Miami-Dade Democratic Party presents a night for Miami’s progressive community to celebrate the work being done to make Miami a more vibrant, just and sustainable place to live. Drink, eat cake, hear awesome live music from local bands and win prizes. Tickets $20 include one free drink ticket ($25 at the door). VIP tickets $50. Doors open at 6 p.m. Email theblueparty@miamidadedemocrats.org

Gospel Extravaganza:
Come praise the Lord while celebrating Bahamas’ 40th Independence Anniversary, 7:30 p.m. at Sure Foundation Ministries COGOP, 5530 S.W. 20th St., West Park. Call 786-417-5900.

Saturday, July 27

A Tribute to Veterans: Musical performances, spoken word, raffles and food, special presentation to Korean War Veterans, sponsored by Shekinah Mountain Bible Fellowship, open to the public 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. Veteran Resource Guide and state benefit information will be available for veterans, their
dependants and caregivers. Email 4veteransinfo@gmail.com

Pumps, Pearls and Politics Forum:
The Connection Committee of the Gamma Zeta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority gathers South Florida women leaders to discuss political and human rights issues, 2:30 – 5 p.m. at Taverna Opa at Brickell Village, 900 S. Miami Ave., Miami. Tickets $25 include food and beverage, purchase online at pumpspearlsandpolitics2013.eventbrite.com

Seu Jorge: The Brazilian master headlines a night of music and culture from Rio de Janeiro also featuring the Brazilian Voices choir and Rose Max samba set, free, 6 p.m., at the Hollywood ArtsPark, 1 Young Circle, Hollywood. Visit rhythmfoundation.com or call 305-672-5202.

Gun Buy Back Events: Miami-Dade County and the City of North Miami invite individuals to drop off a firearm with no questions asked at its Safer Communities Gun Buy Back Events, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Biscayne Landings Sales Office Site, 15045 Biscayne Blvd., and at Goulds Park Gym, 11350 S.W. 216 St. Call 305-940-9980.

Women’s Health … A Conversation:
Jamaican Women of Florida invite ladies to talk about how to maintain a healthy lifestyle while juggling work and family, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Tao Sawgrass Social Room, 2561 N. Flamingo Rd. in Sunrise. Registration required. Cost $10 for non-members. Visit jamaicanwomenofflorida.com

National Association of the Bahamas Black Tie Gala:
Ladies and gents are invited to gather for a night of elegance and entertainment, 7 p.m. at Doubletree By Hilton, 711 N.W. 72nd Ave., Miami. Call 305-521-7345.

P.H.I.R.S.T Impressionz:
Enjoy a thought provoking night of interactive open mic at the 11th anniversary of this evening dedicated to spoken word and other artistic talents, 7:30 p.m. at Eclectic Miami, 13227 N.W. Seventh Ave. Admission free, Haitian food and soul food on sale. Visit islandfaith.com

Sunday, July 28

Sheriff’s Animal Farm:
Bring the family and visit the animals at the farm, including horses, a cow, pigs, goats, bunnies, alligators, tropical birds, a Kinkajou, sloths, a lemur, emu, Patagonian cavys, tortoises and turtles, snakes and more, 1 – 3 p.m., free of charge (donations welcome), just off of College Rd. on Stock Island at the Sheriff’s Office Headquarters complex. Open every second and fourth Sunday of the month. Call 305-293-7300.

African Nations Day:
Enjoy an evening celebrating African culture, music, dance, fashion and food featuring Sounds of Positively Africa, 4 p.m. at St. Paul AME Church, 3345 Haverhill Rd., West Palm Beach. Wear your African attire. Call 561-242-0001.

South Florida Black Professionals Monthly Mixer:
Spend the evening mixing with  best-selling authors during an entertaining and intellectually stimulating event at the  African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. The $20 donation includes food, wine, music and a complimentary autographed book from an author of your choice. Cash will be accepted at the door.

Wednesday, July 31

Volunteer Youth Attorney Training:
Middle and high school students are invited to Teen Court to learn about law terminology, courtroom decorum and participate in a courtroom mock trial competition, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Aug. 1 at St. Thomas University School of Law Moot Courtroom, 16401 N.W. 37th Ave., Miami. Call 305-622-2592.

Friday, August 2

First Fridays of Florida:
Enjoy the Jamaica Independence Edition of one of South Florida’s hottest gatherings,  10 p.m. at Grand Palms Resort, 110 Grand Palms Dr. in Pembroke Pines. Call 954-333-3738 or visit firstfridaysweb.com

4th Annual African Diaspora Dance and Drum Festival of Florida:
Delou Africa Inc. presents the high-spirited three-day family friendly event through Aug. 4 at the Little Haiti Cultural Center, 212 N.E. 59th Ter. The festival offers an extensive series of captivating traditional African dance, drum, music, history and health workshops conducted by renowned artists from countries around the world and the USA.  Visit delouafrica.org