Wednesday, January 12, 2011, Little Haiti Optimist Club (LHOC) will host the Haiti Earthquake Remembrance. The purpose of the event is to commemorate the victims and survivors of the earthquake that devastated the island nation of Haiti almost one year ago on J anuary 12th, 2010. As part of the remembrance, LHOC will unveil a 5,000 sq. ft. mural located at 7925 NE 2nd Avenue in Little Haiti between the hours of 5:30PM to 7:30PM. The entire community is invited to participate in the unveiling and the candlelight ceremony.
The program will begin with inspirational songs, remarks by elected officials, community leaders and survivors of the earthquake and will culminate with the Candlelight Reflection Moment in remembrance of all of the victims and survivors. Following the stage program, attendees will take a short walk to participate in the unveiling of the Haiti Earthquake Remembrance Mural painted on the building located at 7901 NE 2nd Avenue. The strategic location of the building lends itself to making sure that the mural is highly visible to commuters and the community for many years to come. Ron Volk is the owner of the building and generously donated the space for the mural.
The mural which will depict Haiti’s past, present and future, is designed and produced in partnership with the MLK Community Mural Project. The mural will not only honor the victims and survivors of the devastating earthquake, but more importantly raise awareness as well as raise funds for families devastated by the tragedy. Established Haitian and American artists, as well as students from Little Haiti Optimist Club and Youth Expressions are participating in painting the mural and bringing the vision to life.
“The earthquake was a day that many will not forget. With South Florida having the largest concentration of Haitians and Haitian Americans, our goal and commitment is to ensure that Haiti is not forgotten”, said Adam Grossman, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs for the Miami Dolphins who provided all of the supplies for the mural project. Other generous sponsors of this project are: MLK Restaurant, Gateway Airport Concessions, Show Technology, Charles Coin Laundry, I Print & Design Miami, WEDR-FM 99 JAMZ and the City of Miami.
“This is the most important project I’ve worked on because hundreds of thousands lost their lives and the country where I was born was destroyed. As an artist, I hope this mural helps all of South Florida reflect on Haiti’s history, present and a better future to come once the country is rebuilt”, said Serge Toussaint. Other artists include: Kyle Holbrook, Cairns “Nice” Athouris, Addonnis Parker, Darrin Watson, Bayunga Kialeuka, Chris “Punch” Purdy, Kevin “Smurf” Morris and Veronica Estrada.
The entire community is invited to participate in the Haiti Earthquake Remembrance Candlelight Ceremony and Mural Unveiling. For more information and to sponsor, visit www.littlehaitioptimist.org or call 305-390-0234.