History Fort Lauderdale Celebrates Black History Month With “Shifting Perspectives”

"History Fort Lauderdale is proud to showcase the creative imaginings and visual commentaries of emerging artists in our African American community,” said Patricia Zeiler, Executive Director of History Fort Lauderdale. “From self-aware artists like Constance Ivana to Dillard Center for the Arts’ young prodigies just finding their voices, we are gracious for their contributions. We thank instructor Celestin Joseph for his commitment to enriching our community through art and instruction and we invite the community to celebrate Black History Month with us.”

History Fort Lauderdale artist-in-residence Constance Ivana is passionate about creating bold, vibrant works of art that spark reflection, conversation, and joy. Her creative journey is fueled by a desire to connect people through art—whether it’s through large-scale murals, interactive art workshops, or painting parties that bring communities together. Her pieces blend acrylic paint, spray paint, wood, and mirrors that not only transform spaces but also remind us that art heals and reflection fosters growth. She aims to make art accessible, meaningful, and powerful, while inspiring others to discover their own creativity.

The archival photography component chronicles African American life in South Florida from the 1900’s through the 1960’s. From family and school life to segregation, peaceful protests and triumphs, the selected photos offer insight into how our community has evolved and overcome.

Curated by Dillard instructor Celestin Joseph, the advanced placement student showcase illustrates a cultural reflection of today’s issues as seen through the lens of upcoming young artists.

Joseph received his Master’s Degree in Fine Arts in Painting from the University of Pennsylvania. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts, Cum Laude, from the University of Hartford as a painting major, with an Art History Minor, and concentrations in printmaking and graphic design studies. Joseph also received a prestigious Yale/Norfolk Art and Music Scholarship to further his studies. Currently, he is teaching Advanced Placement studio art classes at his alma mater Dillard Center for the Arts where he has been strengthening the visual arts program since 1999.

History Fort Lauderdale’s “Shifting Perspectives” exhibit is sponsored by the following funds at the Community Foundation of Broward: Jan and Ed Crocker Unrestricted Fund, Leo M. and Alice J. Rutten Fund, and The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation Broward Community Fund. Additional funding is provided, in part, by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward County Cultural Council and Visit Lauderdale.

History Fort Lauderdale offers a variety of engaging multicultural experiences throughout the year. It seeks to bring awareness to the community through both traveling exhibits and multiple permanent displays including “Women Trailblazers,” “Fort Lauderdale – the Early Years,” “Roots of Resilience: The Journey of Black Broward,” “From Dugouts to Dream Yachts: The Story of Boatbuilding Along the New River,” “Seminole Arts & Culture,” “New River Archaeology,” “Viva Fort Lauderdale: Celebrating Hispanic Art & Culture,” “The Growth and History of the Broward County Sheriff’s Office,” and “Take PRIDE, a Retrospective on LGBTQ Life in South Florida.”

History Fort Lauderdale is open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with docent-guided tours offered daily at 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. Group walking tours are available upon special request. Admission is $15 for adults; $12 for seniors; and $7 for students (through age 22 with a valid student ID). Admission is free for members, military personnel, and children aged six and under. Tickets are available online at: HistoryFortLauderdaleTickets.

For more information about History Fort Lauderdale, please call: (954) 463-4431. Or visit: https://historyfortlauderdale.org.

About History Fort Lauderdale

Since 1962, History Fort Lauderdale has been committed to preserving our collective heritage, promoting historical literacy, and fostering a sense of pride and stewardship for the vibrant tapestry of our region’s history. Through dynamic exhibitions, engaging educational programs, and meaningful community initiatives, we strive to connect individuals of all ages and backgrounds with the stories, artifacts, and experiences that shape our shared past, present, and future. Guests to Fort Lauderdale are invited to explore the city’s rich past that is housed in historic buildings on a lushly landscaped campus - the History Museum of Fort Lauderdale situated in the 1905 New River Inn, the 1907 Pioneer House Museum, the 1899 Ivy Cromartie Schoolhouse Museum and the Hoch Research Library, South Florida’s foremost history center housing print resources and newspapers from 1910 - present plus 400,000 archival photos, 2,500 maps and 5,000 architectural blueprints. History Fort Lauderdale is located at 231 Southwest Second Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301. Tickets are available online at: HistoryFortLauderdaleTickets. History Fort Lauderdale is a nonprofit agency supported by memberships, grants and charitable contributions.

For more information, call: (954) 463-4431. Or visit us online at: https://historyfortlauderdale.org. Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/ftlhistory - On Instagram: @ftlhistory. And on Twitter at: @FTLHistory. Subscribe to us on YouTube at: www.youtube.com/user/FTLhistory.