The Miami Dolphins took part in a Haiti Earthquake Remembrance to commemorate the victims and survivors of the earthquake that devastated the island nation of Haiti almost one year ago. As part of the remembrance, the Little Haiti Optimist Club (LHOC) unveiled a 5,000 square foot mural located at 7925 NE 2nd Avenue in Little Haiti.
The program began with inspirational songs, remarks by elected officials, community leaders and survivors of the earthquake and culminated with a candlelight reflection. Dolphins linebacker A.J. Edds took part in the event and gave remarks to the crowd.
“The earthquake was a day that many will not forget,” said Adam Grossman, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs for the Miami Dolphins. “With South Florida having the largest concentration of Haitians and Haitian Americans, our goal and commitment is to ensure that Haiti is not forgotten.”
The mural which depicted Haiti’s past, present and future, was designed and produced in partnership with the MLK Community Mural Project. The mural not only honored the victims and survivors of the devastating earthquake, but raised awareness and funds for families devastated by the tragedy. Established Haitian and American artists, as well as students from Little Haiti Optimist Club and Youth Expressions participated in painting the mural and bringing the vision to life.
“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,” said Serge Toussaint, one of the creators of the mural. “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.”
Other artists for the mural included Kyle Holbrook, Cairns “Nice” Athouris, Addonnis Parker, Darrin Watson, Bayunga Kialeuka, Chris “Punch” Purdy, Kevin “Smurf” Morris and Veronica Estrada.
The Miami Dolphins Special Teams also participated and helped paint the mural. Through the Miami Dolphins/Sun Life Haiti Relief fund, the organization donated $3,000 to the Little Haiti Optimist Club, bringing the total to $5,000 for the year. Additionally, the fund donated $25,000 to Project Medishare, bringing that total to $55,000. The Dolphins and Sun Life Financial will also start the Haiti Connect project at Sun Life Stadium in the near future via Project Medishare.
“Sun Life Financial is proud to have joined forces with the Miami Dolphins to form the Miami Dolphins/Sun Life Stadium Haiti Relief Fund, from which donations were made to support the Little Haiti Optimist Club as well as Project Medishare’s work in Haiti and here in South Florida. We also commend the Miami Dolphins Special Teams in their efforts to remember the victims and commemorate the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti a year ago,” said Priscilla Brown, SVP and Head of U.S. Marketing for Sun Life Financial. “Community commitment was a major component in the partnership struck between the Miami Dolphins and Sun Life Financial, which resulted in the naming of Sun Life Stadium. The Miami Dolphins/Sun Life Stadium Haiti Relief Fund is just one of many other community and philanthropic initiatives arising from the partnership.”