Little Haiti, Miami — On Sunday, the South Florida Haitian community gathered to commemorate the 15th anniversary of Haiti’s devastating 2010 earthquake. Organized by the Family Action Network Movement (FANM), the event honored the memory of the tragedy while celebrating the resilience and unity of the Haitian people.
The commemoration began at Toussaint L’Ouverture Place, located at the southwest corner of 62nd Street and North Miami Avenue. Participants started arriving around 3 p.m., and at 4:51 p.m.—the exact moment the earthquake struck Haiti on that fateful January day—they observed a moment of silence to honor the more than 250,000 lives lost, the 1.5 million people injured, and the 1.5 million displaced by the disaster.
Reflecting on Loss and Resilience
Marleine Bastien, FANM’s Executive Director, opened the event with a call for solidarity and accountability in Haiti’s ongoing recovery. “We are gathering to remember one of the worst crises in modern history and to honor those who were killed and wounded,” she said. “Let us come together to reflect, pray, and continue fighting for a strong, just, and thriving Haiti.”
Miami-Dade District 2 Commissioner emphasized the need for unity amid Haiti’s persistent challenges, including corruption, infrastructure collapse, and human rights abuses. Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen echoed these sentiments, highlighting the perseverance of the Haitian people. “Haiti’s story is one of hope and resilience,” she said. “Even in the face of unimaginable devastation, the Haitian community has inspired the world with its strength.”
Elected Officials Stand in Solidarity
Among the Haitian-American elected officials in attendance were North Miami Vice Mayor Marie-Estime Irvin, North Miami Councilman Frantz Pierre Charles, North Miami Beach Commissioners Daniela Jean and Mackenzy Fleurimond, Miami Gardens Commissioner Linda Julien, and Florida State Representatives Dotie Joseph and Wallace Aristide. Their presence highlighted the unified commitment of the Haitian diaspora to champion Haiti’s recovery and development efforts.
“These moments are not just about reflection; they are about action,” said North Miami Beach Commissioner Mackenzy Fleurimond. “We must work tirelessly to ensure Haiti’s future is one of stability and opportunity.”
A March of Solidarity
At 5 p.m., attendees began a silent march along 62nd Street, heading east before turning south onto Northeast 2nd Avenue. By 5:50 p.m., they arrived at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex, where the main commemoration was held. The event featured prayers, artistic performances, and speeches reflecting on Haiti’s journey since the earthquake.
Children’s choirs sang traditional Haitian hymns, and local artists displayed works inspired by the country’s ongoing recovery. Linda Joseph, one of the event organizers, underscored the importance of remembrance. “We’re here to let them know we will never forget them and that we hold them in our hearts,” she said.
Calls for Global Action
North Miami Beach Commissioner Daniela Jean highlighted the importance of international solidarity. “I still have family in Haiti,” she shared. “We send them financial and emotional support, and we pray for a solution that will restore hope and stability for all Haitians.”
Event organizers called for sustained efforts to address Haiti’s compounded challenges, urging the diaspora and international community to act. Bastien stressed, “We cannot let the memory of 2010 fade without meaningful change. Haiti still needs us.”
Speaking to a local Haitian media outlet, North Miami District 4 representative Frantz Pierre Charles voiced his frustration over the lack of meaningful progress since the earthquake. “Too many are still suffering, and we need action now,” he stated. Activist Tony Jean Tenor echoed these concerns, condemning the mismanagement of PetroCaribe funds and accusing the Martelly-Lamothe administration of squandering resources that could have significantly eased the victims’ suffering.
Honoring the Past, Building the Future
The ceremony concluded with a symbolic release of white doves, representing peace and hope. Attendees then shared traditional Haitian dishes, reinforcing the sense of unity that underpinned the day.
As the event came to a close, community elder Martine Joseph summed up the collective sentiment: “We will never forget. Together, we will rise.”
This annual commemoration not only honors the victims of the earthquake but also serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Haitian people—a spirit that refuses to yield in the face of adversity and continues to strive for a brighter future.
Le Floridien
Photo credit HANA
