Artist: Brodin Studios

Location Ali Cultural Center Hazel K. Armbrister Courtyard

Pompano Beach Arts worked with Brodin Studios to create a memorial for Hazel K. Armbrister. This memorial, in the form of a bronze bust, resides in the Ali Cultrual Center’s Hazel K. Armbrister Courtyard.

Ms. Armbrister exemplified a steadfast dedication to her community throughout her lifetime. Without her advocacy, The Historic Ali Cultural Arts Center would not have been preserved and transformed into the vibrant cultural hub it is today. This bust honors her commitment to preserving the community’s history .

A native of Perry, Florida, Armbrister resided in Pompano Beach's Liberty Park neighborhood for over 60 years. Encouraged by her late husband David C. Armbrister, she pursued education, and obtained degrees from Miami Dade Community College, USF, and Miami-Dade College.

Armbrister dedicated 31 years to teaching in both Dade and Broward counties, positively influencing numerous generations. Her extensive community involvement led to numerous awards, including induction into Broward County’s Women’s Hall of Fame and the Senior Hall of Fame. She co-founded the Florida Black Democratic Caucus and the Gwen Cherry Women’s Political Caucus and was an active member of various local organizations.

Throughout her life, Armbrister tirelessly advocated for women’s and black rights, notably participating in the “Wade-In” protests against segregated beaches in Fort Lauderdale during the 1960s. In 2017, she was appointed as the “Pompano Beach City Historian” and played key roles in preservation efforts and on cultural committees. She founded the Rock Road Restoration Historical Group, housed in the Ali Cultural Center, a landmark she passionately fought to preserve.

Her legacy endures through her unwavering commitment to community service, education, and advocacy. While her absence leaves a void, her impact remains deeply woven into the fabric of her community.

About Rock Road Restoration

The Rock Road Restoration Historical Group, Inc. 501(c)(3) was created to collect meaningful artifacts, preserve history and educate others about the past, present and future contributions of Black residents west of Dixie Highway in Pompano Beach, Florida. As it continues to highlight the history and culturally enhance the community, Rock Road Restoration Historical Group, Inc. will continue to act as a change agent in preserving local heritage.

About Bodin Studios

In 1978, Brodin Studios began as a small company founded by two brothers, Neil Brodin, a Minneapolis police officer and artist, Roger Brodin. In 1982, they were joined by a third brother, John, a sergeant with the MPD at the time they were developing their first miniature statue for police officers, in what would become known as “The Law Enforcement Recognition Program.” Today hundreds of police departments, fire departments, and federal agencies have bronze miniatures and monuments created to honor law enforcement and fire/rescue. Today the company is owned and operated by Nick Christensen in Kimball, MN. He started sculpting for Brodin Studios in 2003. For more information on Brodin Studios, please visit https://www.brodinstudios.com/.