MIAMI – Fanm Ayisyen Nan Miyami/Haitian Women of Miami, the much honored social services and immigrant advocacy agency, is rolling out the red carpet to celebrate its 20th Anniversary.
“Still Standing,” A Tribute to Marleine Bastien will be held at 6 p.m., Thursday, December 1, 2011 at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 N.E. 188th Street, Aventura, Florida. The 20th anniversary celebration is presented by sponsor Dade Medical College and is produced by Roy Campbell’s Entertainment Group.
Tickets are $50 per person and must be purchased by calling FANM at 305-756-8050.
The event is sponsored by AT&T Florida, Larkin Community Hospital, City of North Miami, the offices of Miami-Dade Commissioners Jean Monestime and Audrey Edmonson, City of Miami Commissioner Michelle Spence Jones, Waste Management, and the University of Miami Human Rights and Immigration Clinics.
“Still Standing” begins with a reception featuring the music of Empress Addi and the Rara Rock band, followed by the 20th anniversary commemorative program of special speakers, a performance by the sensational Vedette Bernard, and the Marleine Bastien Tribute.
“We are very proud of how much we have accomplished over the years,” said FANM Board Chair Marie Paule Woodson. “This milestone affords us the opportunity to celebrate our achievements. More importantly, the commemorative program will recognize the co- founders of FANM for their contributions and dedication and will give special accolades to our founder and executive director – Marleine Bastien.”
Marleine Bastien
Bastien, a reluctant honoree, said: “I am honored and much humbled that the FANM board and the community has chosen our 20th year for public recognition of our efforts on behalf of FANM and the community that I love. I have worked passionately for equal treatment and justice for the Haitian people and all people with help from a great team: FANM staff, volunteers and supporters. I accept this tribute as validation of FANM’s work and the work of those fighting for social justice and peace in the U.S. and around the world.”
Bastien started FANM in 1991 by gathering a dozen women in her Miami home to address the problems facing Haitian refugees and immigrants. The resulting organization, Fanm Ayisyen Nan Miyami or Haitian Women of Miami worked tirelessly for nearly a decade out of Ms. Bastien’s house on a small budget before moving into its own headquarters in 1999. FANM transitioned from a volunteer to a community-based organization a year later.
In 2000, FANM’s advocacy for Haitian immigrants and other disenfranchised groups was recognized with Amnesty International’s prestigious Human Rights Award. Since then, FANM has grown into a multi-faceted, multi-cultural social services, advocacy and human rights organization.
FANM has been honored locally, nationally and globally and has garnered the financial support of major foundations and government entities.
Along the way, Bastien, a graduate of Florida International University and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, has become the international face of the fight for social justice and fair U.S. immigration policies not only for Haitians but for all immigrants. Under her relentless efforts and unwavering leadership, FANM has grown into a comprehensive, one-stop center making a lifelong impact in health access, education, mental health, economic development, immigration and human rights.
Bastien was honored by the Broward Black Elected Officials (BBEO) in 2008. L-R: Congressman Alcee Hastings, Marleine Bastien and State Rep. Hazelle Rogers.
In addition to the 20th anniversary celebration, FANM and the University of Miami South Florida Center for Reducing Cancer Disparities will hold its Fourth Annual Breast & Cervical Cancer Conference 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at the Little Haiti Cultural Center, 212 N.E. 59th Terrace, Miami. Attendance is $30 per person, with scholarships available for qualified applicants.
To register for either or both events, call FANM at 305-756-8050.
