August 23, 2025
Ali Cultural Center | 353 Dr M.L.K. Jr Blvd, Pompano Beach, FL 33060
Step into a day of powerful storytelling, bold performances, and transformative dialogue at Rooted & Resilient: A Monologue Festival. Hosted at the Ali Cultural Center, this immersive event brings together community voices, rising artists, and passionate changemakers for a celebration of art, identity, and social justice.
The day begins with connection. Doors open to an energizing space filled with local vendors, art installations, music, live group chats, food trucks and refreshments — setting the tone for a day grounded in community and creativity. Attendees can explore visual works that highlight racial equity, and other pressing issues, while engaging with grassroots organizations doing work across Broward County.
By afternoon, the spotlight turns to the stage. Eight selected finalists — four in Original Composition and four in Best Performance — will present monologues that are raw, resonant, and deeply personal. Whether written from lived experience or performed with heart-stirring empathy, each piece will provoke thought and stir emotion, tackling themes such as racial injustice, LGBTQ+ identity, mental health, and more.
Rooted & Resilient isn’t just a competition — it’s a movement. A call to action. A stage for the stories that need to be heard.
Sponsored by Broward Cultural Division and Pompano Beach Cultural Affairs
Location: Pompano Beach, FL – Ali Cultural Center
Hosted by Chazriq “Chazam” Clarke and Frankie Red
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Welcome + Opening Remarks + Check-In + Light Breakfast
Introduction to the mission and what’s ahead for the day. Welcome table, swag bags, coffee/tea, and continental bites.
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Workshops Block #1
• The Art of Activism – Facilitated by the Center of Artistic Activism
• Radical Movement: The Physical Journey to Change – Facilitated by Shana Woods
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Workshop Block #2
• Rewriting the Narrative: Storytelling Through the Lens of Social Justice – Facilitated by Dr. Maria Lovett
• Wellness in the Work: Caring for Self While Changing the World – Facilitated by Nzingah Oniwosan
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Lunch + Artist Mixer
A catered lunch followed by a facilitated networking session where actors, writers, and professionals connect.
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Industry Talk / Live Group Chat
“The Role of Artists in Shaping Justice” — Featuring Nicco Annan, Corey Mitchell and Dr. Beth Turner
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Dinner Break
Enjoy, food trucks and live music as we celebrate our artists.
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Evening Showcase: “Rooted & Resilient”
• Top 7 performance finalists present their monologues
• A featured ensemble performance: “Scenes of Change” — new works or excerpts focused on social justice (by established and emerging artists)
• Winners Announced (1 actor + 1 writer win $1,000 each)
8:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Closing Toast + Community Photo
