MIAMI – FANM, Inc. / Haitian Women of Miami to co-host a prayer vigil and silent march on Tuesday, January 12th, 2016 at 5:00 PM to commemorate the 6th Anniversary of the devastating earthquake in Haiti which killed over 250,000 people and left thousands more wounded and displaced.
The gathering will take place at N. Miami Avenue and 62 Street (In front of the Statue of Toussaint L’Ouverture) and after a brief program, participants will walk to the Little Haiti Cultural Center (212 NE 59th Terrace, Miami, FL 33137.)
“We are marching in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Haiti, who are after surviving the worst crisis in modern history — an earthquake that killed over 250,000 six years ago, and left thousands more wounded and homeless— continue to struggle against an imported cholera outbreak that killed over 8,000 people and infected 9,000 more, unemployment, hunger, and increased human rights abuses resulting from a volatile political climate. We are encouraging the community to come and support and also to pray for Haiti as it faces serious problems including a dysfunctional government, violent street demonstrations and protests about fraudulent and contested presidential election results”, said Marleine Bastien, Executive Director of Fanm Ayisyen Nan Miyami.
Added Helene O’Brien, Florida Director for 32BJ SEIU: “We stand in solidarity with the people of Haiti, many of whom are members of 32BJ who were directly impacted by this terrible event,” said. “We send a message of hope as Haiti continues to rebuild. We also stand strong with the thousands of Haitians and Haitian Americans living here in Miami and the United States, as we fight together for economic fairness and racial justice.”
March supporters include: Fanm Ayisyen Nan Miyami in collaboration with Little Haiti Cultural Center, earthquake survivors, North Miami Mayor Dr. Smith Joseph, Commissioner/Chairman Jean Monestime, Commissioner Audrey Edmonson, Commissioner/Chairman Keon Hardemon, faith leaders, Haitian American Grassroots Coalition, Sant La, Veye Yo and SEIU 32 BJ
