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In May, the City of North Miami celebrates Haitian Heritage Month with a vibrant tapestry of events showcasing the resilience, artistry, and heritage of Haiti.
Each year, North Miami’s Haitian Heritage Month Celebration pays homage to the preservation and fabric of Haitian culture. The City of North Miami’s 2024 Haitian Heritage Month Committee Co-Chairwomen are Vice Mayor Mary Estimé-Irvin, District 3 and Elected City Clerk Vanessa Joseph, Esq. This year’s festivities will captivate residents and visitors alike.
“I am thrilled to invite everyone to celebrate Haitian Heritage Month in the great City of North Miami,” said Estimé-Irvin. “It’s an opportunity to recognize the Haitian community’s enduring legacy and to embrace the richness of its historical contributions, traditions, art, cuisine and cultural expressions. North Miami is home to a very proud and vibrant Haitian American community. I can’t think of any place better to celebrate.”
“In times like these, given current events in Haiti, the Haitian Heritage Month Committee curated a series of events that honor our heritage and shine a light on the plight of Haitians in Haiti and those who have fled in search of safety right here in our local community,” Joseph added. “We want our events to offer reflection, healing, and learning spaces. This is a time to honor our legacy, immerse ourselves in our cultural traditions, and continue to uplift our communities. I know our neighbors and friends throughout the City will be pleased with our series of events; and I look forward to sharing these spaces with them.”
The City of North Miami’s 2024 Haitian Heritage Month Kick-Off will take place at MOCA North Miami, located at 770 NE 125th St., on Thursday, May 2, at 5 p.m., with an hour-long tour of the Manuel Mathieu Exhibition for the early birds. Then at 6 p.m., in the MOCA Paradise Courtyard, the main event will include music, dancing, and poetry by actor, Hip Hop Poet, cultural ambassador, Mecca aka Grimo.
The Haitian Heritage Month edition of MOCA miniMakers will take place at MOCA North Miami on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 2 p.m. Children, ages 6-12, will create miniMosaics under the guidance of Manuel Mathieu, inspired by his current MOCA exhibition titled, “Manuel Mathieu: World Discovered Under Other Skies.”
Participate in a heartwarming edition of MOCA Sunday Stories on May 5, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at the MOCA Pavilion. After immersing yourself in the children’s book, “Fanmi Mwen: My Family,” embark on the creative journey of crafting your unique family portrait, while bonding with loved ones.
Come one come all to the North Miami Public Library, located at 835 NE 132 Street, for a Haitian Heritage Month Children Storytime beginning at 4 p.m. The library will host two readings with the first on Wednesday, May 8, featuring North Miami City Clerk Vanessa Joseph, Esq., and Success Jr. on Wednesday, May 15.
Friday, May 10, at 5: 30 p.m., dance enthusiasts at all levels are invited to the first of four Haitian Konpa Dance Classes led by D’Stylez, LLC, at MOCA Plaza, located at 770 NE 125th St., North Miami, FL. Additional Haitian Konpa Dance Classes in North Miami are scheduled for May 14, at the Katz Restaurant and Lounge, located at 738 NE 125th St.; Da Cave Miami, on Tuesday, May 21, located at 13641 NW 7th Ave., and at Sommelier Valley, located at 711 NE 125 St. on Tuesday, May 28. These immersive cultural dance experiences are free and will begin promptly at 6 p.m.
Conversations At MOCA With Edwige Danticat will take place Friday, May 10 at 7 p.m., in the MOCA Pavilion. This conversation about migration and displacement, political upheaval and the complex relationships of family, community and self, features award-winning Haitian American novelist and short story writer, Edwidge Danticat, alongside Haitian-born artist, Manuel Mathieu, and professor of Cinematography, Dr. Terri Francis.
Arrive with an empty stomach to the Gourmet Kreyol Haitian Food Festival on Saturday, May 11, from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., at MOCA Plaza. Hosted by the City of North Miami and Commissioner Marleine Bastien, Miami-Dade County, District 2, the community is invited to indulge in a diverse offering of mouthwatering Haitian cuisine and cultural experiences for the whole family. This event features celebrity chefs, mouthwatering food tastings, exciting competitions, a fun-filled kids’ zone and unique arts and crafts at our market. Admission is free. Advance registration for vendors is at https://forms.gle/WTSjmpPaDzvsMosR6 and for guests is available at https://Gourmetkreyolfoodfest.eventbrite.com
Experience the vibrant energy and cultural richness of Haiti’s local markets at the City of North Miami’s Ti Mache, while also supporting local entrepreneurs and discovering unique treasures and flavors. Ti Mache will take place in MOCA Plaza, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., on May 12, 18, 19, 25 and 26.
Join us Wednesday, May 15, at 11:30 a.m., at North Miami’s Scott Galvin Community Center for Pouvwa Atis Yo: A Conversation Series With Haitian Music Industry (HMI) Artists hosted by Vice Mayor and North Miami Haitian Heritage Month Co-Chairwoman Mary Estime-Irvin. Be a part of this engaging discussion with various HMI artists to explore their impact in societal discourse and in catalyzing positive community change. The Scott Galvin Community Center, is located at 1600 NE 126th Street, in North Miami.
Also on May 15, from 6 – 8 p.m., join the City of North Miami and the Haitian Heritage Lawyers Association in the MOCA Pavilion for Tet A Tet. This inspirational panel discussion with the South Florida Haitian Judiciary reflects upon their individual journeys to the bench.
Gear up for Pedalé 1804: An 18.04 Tri-City Community Bike Ride, on Saturday, May 18. At 7 a.m., cyclists of all levels will roll out of MOCA Plaza 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.
In partnership with the City of North Miami Beach, join us for Success Jr.’s Konpa, Karaoke and Comedy on Sunday, May 19, 6 p.m., at the North Miami Beach Amphitheater, located at 16501 NE 16th Ave., North Miami Beach. Don’t miss this lively fusion of Konpa music, karaoke and comedy during a night of laughter and entertainment for all, hosted by Success, Jr.
Manje Pou Viv is a cooking class led by Registered Dietitian, Ashley Carter, with L’heure Production. This unique culinary experience teaches participants traditional Haitian cooking techniques with a nutritious twist on Thursday, May 30, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the North Miami Public Library, located at 835 NE 132nd St., North Miami. Pre-registration is required. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this cooking class promises to inspire your taste buds and elevate your cooking skills…with a touch of Haitian spice.
Celebrate the conclusion of Haitian Heritage Month under the stars at JAZZ at MOCA, featuring Inez Barlatier on Friday, May 31, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., at MOCA Plaza. Enjoy this unforgettable evening of music and culture.
Additional information about the City of North Miami’s 2024 Haitian Heritage Month festivities, please visit www.NorthMiamiFL.gov/Celebrate.
