HomeMy WebLinkAboutSubmittal-Marleine Bastien-Letter of SupportThe Board of Directors
Marie Paule Woodson,
Chair
Daniel Fils Aime,
Treasurer
Fritz Desir
Solange Aurelien
Kai Hill
Jack Lieberman
Marie Rosier
Advisory Board
Members
Ira Kurzban
Edwidge Danticat
Dr. Angelo Gousse
Bea Hines
Executive Director
Fanm Ayisyen 5Van W iyami, Inc. (,4j1—V I)1 Yfaitian Women of W iami
181 NE 82 Street, Suite 101, Miaini, FL 33138
Phone: 305-756-8050 Fax: 305-756-8150
www.fanm.org
May 24, 2016
City of Miami Commission
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, Florida 33133
Members of the City Commission,
Submitted into the publi
record fQr i e (s) !k i
on I City Clerk
We, the undersigned, represent a broad base of individuals, businesses,
professionals and community organizations who support the official designation
of Little Haiti by the City of Miami and are committed to the long-term
cultivation and sustainability of this community.
In the late 1970s, Little Haiti began to take shape after a high influx of migrants
from Haiti to Miami. Over time, a mass concentration of Haitian immigrants
settled in a community, which was then -known as Lemon City and is now
nationally and internationally recognized as Little Haiti.
Little Haiti is currently experiencing a cultural renaissance. As a strong and
vibrant community, Little Haiti has received recognition from all over the
world. The official designation of Little Haiti is a renewed commitment by the
City of Miami to preserve the culture and history of the Haitian community.
Culture gives people a sense of connection to social values, beliefs and customs.
And the preservation of such culture brings about many economic and social
benefits.
Marleine Bastien, MSW, We have seen the investment of our city, local businesses, doctors, lawyers as
LCSW well as private partners like the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau
Executive Director to stimulate our local economy. Little Haiti is a tourist destination, where
people come from all over to get a taste of our culture.
Research has shown that over time, preservation of a community has significant
economic benefits. This designation could be used as a cost-effective tool,
which could leverage capital, create jobs, and revitalize Little Haiti.
In addition to economic benefits, designation and preservation of a community
could encourage communities to retain and use their existing resources in Little
Haiti. As members of our communities, grow local and buy local, we reduce the
needs for cars, which cuts back on pollution and congestion, and reduces
landfill waste.
We urge all members of the City Commission to support resolution (RE. 11) on
Thursday, May 26, 2016. This official designation of Little Haiti is not only a
name, but an acknowledgement of a community that has contributed so much to
the growth and diversity of the City of Miami.
FANM's mission is to empower Haitian women and their families
socially, politically and facilitate their adjustment to South Florida.
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When our Commissioners takes this step, they send a message to communities throughout our city that
their contributions matter and they will be recognized; their history and their people will be remembered;
and they will not allow others to erase their significant benefits to our city.
Thank you for your consideration and leadership,
rl ne Bastien, , LCSW
Executive Director, FANM, Inc.
Partial Organizations List at Printing !
Haitian Lawyers Association
SEN , Florida
World Renowned Writer Edwidge Danticat
Chairman Jean Monestime (Miami Dade County)
Mayor Dr. Smith Joseph (City of North Miami)
Councilman Philippe Bien-Aime (City of North Miami)
Councilman Alix Desulme (City of North Miami)
Black Lives Matter
Dreams Defenders
Center for Orientation and Information
Haitian League for Human Rights
Haitian -American Chamber of Commerce
Florida Immigrant Coalition
Catalyst Miami
South Florida Interfaith Worker Justice
Haitian Historical Society
Institute For Justice and Democracy in Haiti
Sosyete Koukouy
Libreri Mapou
Community Justice Project, Inc.
Power U Center for Social Change
American Friends Service Committee
New Florida Majority
Roots Collective
Hiilya Miclisse-Polat
Francesca Menes
Notre Dame D'Haiti Catholic Church
Grace Methodist Church
St. Paul Episcopal Church
Serena Perez
Sant La/Haitian Neighborhood Center
NE2P (North East Second Avenue Partnership)
Haitian American Development Corporation (HACDC)
Haitian Leadership Organization (HALO)
Haitian -American Professional Coalition
Haitian -American Grassroots Coalition
Haitian -American Nurses Association
Submitted into the public
record foite (s) C
on S5 t '
City Clerk