More than 5,000 constituents participate at Commissioner Rolle’s Africa Fest and Haiti Fest at Oak Grove Park

Even the rain could not stop residents from enjoying “Africa Fest 2008: A Salute to Haitian Heritage Month” at Oak Grove Park on May 24. Commissioner Dorrin D. Rolle, along with Africa Reconnect, Inc., Diaspora Arts Coalition, and Miami-Dade Park and Recreation Department, organized various activities designed to exhibit the rich cultures representing Africa, the Caribbean, and the Diaspora.

The free community event featured traditional cuisine, arts and crafts vendors, cultural performers, a parade of traditional attire, and live bands with acclaimed musicians of the African Diaspora. Haitian teams swept both the tennis and domino competitions, while Commissioner Rolle performed the kick-off for the final soccer match between teams Haiti and Africa, with Africa winning 2-1. Perhaps the most anticipated event was a performance by popular Haitian singer, Sweet Micky, for whom attendees waited despite the pouring rain.

The day also focused on combating the food crisis taking place in Haiti. Residents donated enough non-perishable goods to fill three 96- gallon containers. Commissioner Rolle added another 15 boxes of toys and book bags to be given to children in Haiti. All donated items were given to the Haitian-American Emergency Relief Committee, which will deliver the goods to the island for distribution.

“Rain or shine, I was thrilled to see so many people in the community join us for some family fun and, more importantly, to help our neighbors in Haiti,” said Commissioner Rolle. “Events like this teach residents about the contributions other cultures, like the ones within the African and Caribbean community, have made right here in Miami-Dade County.”

The commissioner put together Haitian Fest to be held in the same location on June 28 so attendees who had to leave due to bad weather, could have a second chance to enjoy domino and soccer competitions, great food, and listen to a full set by Sweet Micky. More than 3,500 people attended, participating in another food drive to benefit the people of Haiti, and taking advantage of stations providing free phone airtime to the island provided by NoPin.us.

The Chamber Gazette