Throughout the year, the Victory Black Box Theatre, located on the 3rd floor of Fort Lauderdale’s L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center, offers an impressive lineup of performances, classes and other fun events for the entire family. The YMCA of South Florida events that take place at the Victory Black Box Theatre are open to both members and non-members. Many of these events are recurring.
June is Black Music Appreciation Month, and the YMCA of South Florida will be hosting two events to honor the month. The first, “Sip and Spit,” will be held on June 1 and will feature Lemar Ingram, who authored the book “The G-Code,” which centers on hip-hop. Deep Fried Funk Band will highlight the second such event, “History in the Groove,” on Friday, June 28, which is part of the Victory Concert Series.
The following are all the scheduled events for June:
“Sip and Spit” – Saturday, June 1; 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Black Music Appreciation Month kicks off with author Lemar Ingram, as guests will have the chance to sip wine and spit rhymes discussing Ingram’s book, “The G-Code,” which centers on hip-hop and its lyrics, and how it fits in the corporate world.
Admission for this event is $20 and everyone who attends will receive a complimentary copy of Ingram’s book.
Victory After Dark Presents: Sistrunk’s Funniest Comedy Competition – Friday, June 14; 7:00 – 10:00 pm
Victory After Dark is a quarterly event featuring different forms of art at the Victory Black Box Theatre. June’s event will feature a comedy showdown, hosted by comedian Rayzor, featuring some of the funniest comedians in town, all competing for a cash prize. You can either compete and test your comedic skill level or be entertained by aspiring comedians.
The cost for this event is $20 in advance, and $25 the day of the event.
What’s in the Box LIVE Presents “Juneteenth: Past, Present and Future” – Wednesday, June 19; 6:00 – 9:00 pm
This FREE event acknowledges and discusses the origins of Juneteenth. It also allows guests to share personal connections, historical perspectives, and feelings about this significant holiday, and explore ways to honor and commemorate this day, individually and collectively. Panelists for the evening’s activities include educator and instructional designer Renee O’Connor and multiple award-winning teacher, digital storyteller and corporate trainer Nerissa Street.
Adult Game Night – Thursday, June 20; 6:00 – 10:00 pm
This FREE event is held on the third Thursday of each month. June will consist of a special Caribbean Heritage Month edition. People of all ages are invited to partake in their favorite board and card games, past and present, competing against others. There is also karaoke, TikTok games and music with a live DJ.
Victory Concert Series Presents – “History in the Groove” – Friday, June 28; 7:00 – 11:00 pm
This quarterly event features varying music ensembles, offering the community different types of entertainment.
In June, join the YMCA of South Florida for a night where melodies transcend time, voices echo resilience, and rhythms unite as Black Music Appreciation Month is celebrated, featuring Deep Fried Funk Band!
The event is available to those 18 and over, and the cost is $20 in advance and $25 the day of the event.
Victory After Dark Presents “A Sistrunk Tale” – Saturday, June 29; 6:30 pm & 8:30 pm (2 shows)
Historic Sistrunk is a vibrant and culturally rich neighborhood filled with the storied past of over 100 years of African American heritage. “A Sistrunk Tale,” is a one-woman show written, produced, and performed by a daughter of Historic Sistrunk, Katrina Jo Sapp-Holder, known throughout the poetry world as “Poettis.” This event will speak the names and pay homage to the families, mom-and-pop small businesses, historic churches, and landmarks that came to make Historic Sistrunk a destination in the past, present, and future. It will also feature professional musician, performer, composer, arranger, and artist, Ja’Nia Harden.
The event is available to those 18 and over, and the cost is $20 in advance and $25 the day of the event.
For more detailed information on these events and to register, please visit ymcasouthflorida.org/
About the YMCA of South Florida
For more than a century, the YMCA has been woven into the fabric of the South Florida community. As an award-winning nonprofit, the Y is committed to strengthening community through more than 200 programs serving everyone from six months old to 100 years young. Our Family Centers and programs are inclusive, vibrant hubs of community life, offering a diverse array of classes, cutting-edge fitness facilities, life-saving aquatics, exciting community events, unforgettable camps, supportive afterschool care, and holistic health and wellness programming. At the Y, there’s something for everyone. Join the movement by connecting with us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or YMCASouthFlorida.org.
About the Victory Black Box Theatre
The Victory Black Box Theatre is a 2,000-square foot full-service event space located inside the L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center in Fort Lauderdale’s historic Sistrunk neighborhood. With a seating capacity of 200, a professional grade audio system and theatrical lighting capabilities, the Theatre has the capability to host performances, company gatherings, graduations, classes and parties, and is available for rent. The name pays homage to the former Victory Theatre, which stood less than a mile from the Y, and operated as early as 1945 when it was the only theatre in Fort Lauderdale where Black patrons were allowed during segregation. For more information on the Victory Black Box Theatre, please visit ymcasouthflorida.org/
