Here are some ways to commemorate Haitian Flag Day on May 18 in Miami
Once again Haitians are marking one of their nation’s proudest moments, the founding of the country’s flag, under a cloud of chaos, and uncertainty about their homeland’s future.
Still, as Haitians back home prepare to commemorate Flag Day on Saturday, May 18 against a backdrop of attacks by armed gangs, a shuttered international airport and a deepening humanitarian crisis, here in South Florida the community is being given various opportunities to showcase their pride and fly their national bi-colors.
Celebrate Haitian Heritage Month in Miami at these arts and cultural events
One way in which Haitians are being invited to express their love and hope is through a postcard. The Little Haiti Optimist Club, in collaboration with Art Beat Miami, has ignited a movement of heartfelt expression: “Dear Haiti” campaign.
Haitians and supporters of the community — and country, are being invited to craft a personal video message of up to one minute beginning with “Dear Haiti” in a nod to a nation that inspires and endures. In addition to a video message that will live on in perpetuity on the internet, there are also postcards at the Caribbean Marketplace, 5925 NE Second Ave., in Miami that can be penned and dropped into a heat-shape art sculpture.
Marie Louissaint, president of Little Haiti Optimist Club and Producer of Art Beat Miami, said the community’s “voice is a powerful force for solidarity and change” and can offer hope and support to a nation in need.
“Every message shared will resonate far and wide, spreading love and awareness through the digital realm with hashtags #dearhaiti #lovelettertohaiti #haitistrong,” she said.
Louissaint said some of the “Dear Haiti” messages will be viewed as part of the Art Beat Miami Haitian Heritage Month Exhibition, until May 31 at the Caribbean Marketplace. Guests will enjoy the art exhibit featuring artists: Akomicsart, Dorvilier Olivier, Garry Laurent, Guy Michel, Jitterflix, Lumpkin, Nate Dee, OliGa, OurSols, Zeek Mathias. The exhibit has been curated by Marie Louissaint, MUCE and Lobey Ar & Travel.
To participate in the Dear Haiti campaign or to learn more contact info@artbeatmiami.com or visit artbeatmiami.com. View the “Dear Haiti” video.
CHEFS OF THE CARIBBEAN
While every day is a good day to enjoy Haitian cuisine, this year Chefs of the Caribbean will be having its popular celebrity brunch on Saturday, May 18. The event is free with an RSVP.
This culinary experience celebrating Haitian Flag Day will start at noon inside the Caribbean Marketplace, 5925 NE Second Ave. The dishes are being prepared by multiple celebrity chefs and restaurants featuring popular meals and island desserts, specialty beverages and spirits. This year’s chefs are: Chef Moura (Haiti), Chef the Rose (Haiti), Top Chef Ron Duprat (Haiti), Chef Michel France (Haiti), Chef Dominique (Haiti), Chef Sheron (Jamaica), Chef Keith Reed (Bahamas), Chef Abdul (Jamaica), Chef Cat (Trinidad/Jamaica), Chef Danny Penalo (Dominican Republic), Chef Ty (Bahamas) and Chef Donavan (USA) with the Art Beat Miami Exhibition as the backdrop, musical performances by 5 Lan.
Last year’s event featured an award and impromptu performance by Haiti-born Grammy winner Wyclef Jean. This year’s honoree is Guerdy Abraira, Bravo TV personality, entrepreneur and cancer survivor. Space is limited. To RSVP for the brunch email info@artbeatmiami.com
Tabou Combo & Mizik Mizik
Sounds of Little Haiti is celebrating Haitian Heritage month with the sounds of Tabou Combo & Mizik Mizik. The two legendary bands are performing for the first time. Showtime is 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, May 17 at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex, 212 NE 59 Terr., Miami. Tickets start at $30 and can be purchased at eventbrite or at the venue.
Pedalé 1804: An 18.04 Tri-City Community Bike Ride
The City of North Miami is asking you to gear up starting at 7 a.m. Saturday, May 18 for a bike ride in honor of Haitian Flag Day. Cyclists of all levels are being invited to roll out of MOCA Plaza, 770 NE 125th St., North Miami, together for a scenic 18.04-mile journey through North Miami, North Miami Beach and Miami, with stops at notable Haitian American landmarks. As part of MOCA’s Wellness Oasis all guests will return to the Plaza for a morning of health and wellness activities, resources and giveaways. 1804 by the way is the year Haitian declared itself free, after former slaves defeated Napoleon’s army and their French slaveholders.
Haitian Compas Festival
Noel & Cecibon Productions are back. It just isn’t Haitian Flag Day if there isn’t music – and as has been the tradition for the last quarter of a century, the Haitian Compas Festival has become the one-stop to catch the latest beats on the Haitian music scene.
The 26th annual Haitian Compas Festival offers weekend passes to one-day pass for just the concert on Saturday at the FPL Solar Amphitheater at Bayfront Park, 301 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Tickets are $80 on eventbrite before showtime, which begins at 1 p.m. For tickets to other parties associated with the highly anticipated weekend, go to www.Haitiancompasfestival.com
I Am Little Haiti
If you prefer art over music — or both, there are plenty of exhibits paying homage to the Haitian culture and Haitian experience. One of them is I Am Little Haiti at Greenspace Miami, 7200 Biscayne Blvd. The exhibit was curated by Miami Herald photographer and IPC Collective leader, Carl Juste.
The images explore the Little Haiti in Transition: Race, Risk, Resilience series launched earlier this year. From noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday, and the exhibit will be up until August.
Time to laugh with Success Jr.
This popular Haitian-American comedian’s got jokes and the cities of North Miami and North Miami Beach want you to hear them. They will be showcasing Success Jr.’s Konpa, Karaoke and Comedy at 6 p.m. Sunday, May 19 at the North Miami Beach Amphitheater, 16501 NE 16th Ave., North Miami Beach. Don’t miss this free and lively fusion of Konpa music, karaoke and comedy during a night of laughter and entertainment for all, hosted by Success Jr.
