CURRENT POSITION Regional Manager, African American Research Library and Cultural Center, Broward County Libraries, FL DEGREE PhD, U.S. History, Historical Administration and Public History, Florida State University, 2004 FAST FACT Hobbs is a huge fan of ’90s hip-hop. FOLLOW Instagram: @dr.tamekahobbs; tamekabradleyhobbs.com Photo by K. Amey Photography

Elevating Black History

Dr. Tameka Bradley Hobbs recognizes the significance of historical awareness, particularly for the Black community. As regional manager for Broward County Libraries’ (BCL) African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC), she was instrumental in creating the Black History Education Saturday School in 2023, offering free Black history classes at BCL and providing an alternative to the inadequate instruction of Black history in Florida’s public schools.

“I remember that feeling from my own enlightenment,” Hobbs says, describing how rewarding it has been to watch the illumination that takes place at Saturday School, especially for parents who are astounded by the information they receive. “It’s wonderful to be able to pay it forward.” The current cohort has 31 teens ages 13–18 and 10 adults, and others will start soon. She oversees recruitment, instructor coordination, and donation solicitation to ensure courses are accessible.

In July 2023, Hobbs orchestrated the 11th South Florida Book Festival at AARLCC, themed “WORD! Celebrating 50 Years of Hip-Hop Culture.” The in-person event—the first since the pandemic—featured notable figures including Kwame Alexander while doubling attendance and tripling sponsorships.

Hobbs also chairs the board of directors for South Florida People of Color, a Miami Shores–based nonprofit dedicated to eradicating racism through education and advocacy. Her future plans include expanding the Saturday School Series and developing a summer school version.

“As access to accurate Black history and diverse literature continues to be challenged in our state, AARLCC will continue to be a refuge to those seeking intellectual freedom and the freedom to read,” Hobbs says.