[4] Funds had already been saved to replace the smaller Von D. Mizell Branch Library in Fort Lauderdale.

Morrison, however, had plans for a much larger library and research facility and needed an additional $7 million to complete his vision.

A $600,000 grant was issued by the National Endowment for the Humanities and was matched by other organizations and philanthropists, such as the Sun-Sentinel, Blockbuster Entertainment Group, and Dianne and Michael Bienes.

[4] The African American Research Library's Special Collections houses over one million items, including rare books, artifacts, artwork, manuscripts, and reference materials focusing on the history and culture of people of African, African-American and Caribbean descent.

[5] In 2012, the African American Research Library and Cultural Center commemorated 10 years of the Ashley Bryan Art series.

[8] Dr. Henrietta M. Smith, Professor Emerita at the University of South Florida, School of Information, worked with Bryan to establish a children's book author and illustrator art series.

"[10] Among the fifteen author/illustrators who received the Coretta Scott King Book Award included in this project are Kadir Nelson, Javaka Steptoe, Charles Smith, Jr., E.B.