Thursday, May 26, after 16 years of effort, the Miami-Dade Municipal Commission voted unanimously the official recognition of the Haitian neighborhood "Little Haiti" and its geographic boundaries on the Miami-Dade map. A page of history for the Haitian Community.

They were hundredsof Haitian-Americans filled Miami’s city hall to hear the outcome of an item proposing the official boundaries and designation of a notable Miami neighborhood. After sixteen years of requests and the efforts of four former district commissioners, Miami City Commission Chairman Keon Hardemon led the effort to resolve this prolonged issue. In a unanimous vote, Commissioners recognized the contributions of the Haitian community by officially identifying the predominantly Haitian neighborhood as "Little Haiti".

Miami City Commissioners listened to three and a half hours of testimonies as residents highlighted the historical significance of the neighborhood. The proposal sparked a passionate debate amongst residents who offered their opinions on whether the City of Miami should officially designate Little Haiti or allow it to exist without designation.

Chairman Hardemon emphasized the significance of the Haitian-American community to the City of Miami, recalling that the community of Little Haiti community has received national and international recognition for its cultural attractions such as the Little Haiti Cultural Complex and the Caribbean Marketplace. Little Haiti has become one of Miami’s most frequently visited cultural communities as Miami continues to enhance its multi-cultural enclaves to attract more visitors to its diverse city.

SL/ HaitiLibre