Haitian flags lined the walkway leading to the University of Miami’s Ashe Administration Building. Students, faculty, and staff sampled Haitian delicacies and looked at some of the beautiful and amazingly detailed Haitian art displayed on tables at UM’s Rock plaza. And Haitian music filled the air, providing an ideal opportunity to learn traditional dance moves of that island nation.
Haitian Culture Week got underway on UM’s Coral Gables campus on Monday with a kickoff event that celebrated all things Haiti.
“This week represents an excellent opportunity for the UM community to learn more about one of the most prominent cultures in Miami,” said Guerdiana Thelomar, president of the Haitian student organization Planet Kreyol, which is hosting the week of activities. “Oftentimes, Haiti is seen in a negative light, so we hope that through programs such as Haitian Culture Week we can show the beautiful, mystical, and vibrant side that people don’t often get a chance to experience when learning about Haiti.”
Other events will include a panel discussion on the role Haitian Americans play in keeping the Haitian culture alive in the United States, the Miss Planet Kreyol Cultural Pageant, a Haitian-style carnival, and a day of service in Little Haiti.
For a complete listing of events, click here.
