By Roy H. Campbell
MIAMI – The Haitian Women of Miami Awards Gala recently recognized and honored those who fight for justice and human rights or advance the cause of the Haitian people.
The March 10th gala at the Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay in Downtown Miami possessed an enviable list of distinguished honorees and special guests. The mistress of ceremonies was popular South Florida radio personality Tamara G.
The event capped an extraordinary year for Fanm Ayisyen Nan Miyami (Haitian Women of Miami) which celebrated its 20th Anniversary in December with a benefit tribute to its founder, Marleine Bastien.
Last month, Ms. Bastien was part of a mission to Haiti with the University of Miami School of Law’s Human Rights Clinic to interview deportees. Recent reports indicate that deportees are being imprisoned there under deplorable conditions.
“FANM is grateful for all the support we receive from the greater South Florida community, support that allows us to continue provide essential service to those who need it most said Bastien. “We need to continue our work to protect human rights.”
Special guests at the gala included the newly installed Consul General of Haiti, Francois Guillaume, II, Miami-Dade Commissioner Audrey Edmonson, Miami-Dade Commissioner Joe Martinez and other dignitaries. The event was produced by South Florida’s most prolific special events planner, Roy Campbell of Entertainment Group.
A big moment at the gala came when Miami-Dade Commissioner Jean Monestime was honored for becoming the first Haitian-American elected to the county commission and for his efforts to improve economic conditions of Haitian people here and in their homeland.
The 350 guests stood to their feet in a standing ovation as Commissioner Monestime swept to the stage after an exciting introduction by FANM Board Chair Marie Paul Woodson, who hails from the same part of Haiti as Monestime and attended school there with the future commissioner.
Monestime called his wife to the stage and thanked her for “wise counsel” throughout his political career. He also later presented FANM with a special proclamation from the Miami-Dade County Board of Commissioners. “The work FANM does is so important,” he said.
The other honorees were Major Franzia Brea-Burton of the North Miami Police Department, who has held fund-raisers and raised awareness of the plight of the disabled following the 2010 Haiti earthquake; the University of Miami School of Law, Human Rights Clinic and Immigration Clinic received the Spirit of Justice Award and Azure College owner Jhonson Napoleon received the Toussaint Louverture Leadership Award.
A special award was given to John Yearwood, Miami Herald World Editor, John Richards, CEO of the Adrienne Arsht Center and Youri Mevs, Managing Partner of the Win Group. The three co-chaired a committee that helped preserve one of Haiti’s most cherished cultural institutions, the Ayidodans dance troupe. In May 2011, the committee raised $150,000 for the famed dance troupe through three sold-out Miami benefit performances. (The Arsht Center has commissioned a return performance for May 2012.)
Mevs, in accepting the award, pointed out the multi-cultural movement that is working to heal Haiti. “Many of the people who are helping come from all sorts of cultures and backgrounds,” she said.
The awards gala was sponsored by Senator Oscar Braynon, Health Foundation of South Florida, Azure College, Macy’s, Green Family Foundation, Commissioner Audrey Edmonson, Commissioner Jean Monestime, Viola!, Tropic TV, Dr. Carmelle Liburd, Dr. Joseph Guerrier, Dr. Yves Jodesty, Dr. Jules Andre Cadet, WLQY 1320, OXFAM America, Monique and Loriston Community Funeral Home, Southern Wine and Spirits.
To learn more about FANM or to make a tax deductable donation, please visit their website FANM.ORG.
Donations can also be mailed to FANM, P.O. Box 382073, Miami, FL 33238.
