flexir_web_copy.jpgBROWARD — Expand your knowledge of Haitian heritage during May, Haitian-American Month. Each year, the Miramar Branch Library and Educational Center, 2050 Civic Center Place, showcases Festival D’Haiti, a pre-Haitian Flag Day celebration in South Broward. This free event, starting at noon May 10, offers a taste of all things Haitian: music, dancing, culture, food and fun. 

The day begins with storytelling and songs of Yvette LeBlanc. Immediately following, will be entertainment from The LES Crew, The Butterfly Dancers, Steel Drum king Eddy Martinez and more. An art exhibit, “The Real Haiti: Experience it Yourself,” face painting and a children’s craft corner will take place inside the library, while writers of Haitian descent will be featured in the lobby. The Haitian-American festival is sponsored by the Friends of the Miramar Library, Haitian Unity Foundation of Coral Springs, the City of Miramar, The Real Haiti and Costco.

The Haitian population in Broward has grown exponentially since the 1980 U.S. Census, which reported that 1,849 people of Haitian descent lived in the county. The 2010 census reports more than 84,000 people with Haitian ancestry live in Broward now.

In addition to the Festival D’Haiti, Broward libraries also will host the following events, displays and exhibits in honor of Haitian-American Heritage Month:

May 1- 31: Haiti in Literature Book Display: Pembroke Pines/ Walter C. Young Resource Center, 955 NW 129 Ave., Pembroke Pines, 954-357-6750
May 1- 31: A Glance at Haiti’s Culture, Haiti Focus Exhibition 2014: A collection of paintings depicting different aspects of Haitian and Haitian-American culture through the eyes and talents of various Haitian artists, African-American Research Library, and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 954-357-6282
May 1- 31: “The Real Haiti: A Collection of Art” by Haitian Children: Miramar Branch Library & Education Center, 2050 Civic Center Place, Miramar, 954-357-8090
May 1- 31: Art of Felix Plaisir:  West Regional Library, 8601 W. Broward Blvd., Plantation, 954-765-1560
May 7 – Reception for Haiti Focus Exhibition 2014: African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 954-357-6282
May 10 – Culture of the Haitian Diaspora – Lectures and Entertainment: “Piti, piti, wazo fe nich li,” 2-5 p.m., North Regional/Broward College Library, 1100 Coconut Creek Blvd., Coconut Creek, 954-201-2600