Miami-Dade Commissioner Keon Hardemon is set to usher in a renewed tribute to Father Gerard Jean-Juste with a rededication of a state road co-designation in Miami's Little Haiti. According to Miami-Dade County official website, the ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, May 22, inviting the public to honor the late priest and activist, who tirelessly fought for social justice and the empowerment of Haitian migrants and residents.
Over a decade ago, the street naming was initially approved, and markers were erected to celebrate Jean-Juste's legacy, but they were removed shortly thereafter. Commissioner Hardemon, recognizing the strong impact Father Jean-Juste had within the Little Haiti enclave, has now taken strides to ensure that the road signs honoring him will be restored.
Joining Commissioner Hardemon at the event will be State Rep. Dotie Joseph, State Rep. Ashley Gantt, and State Sen. Shevrin Jones, as reported in the advisory. Each playing a role in recognizing the importance of Father Jean-Juste’s work and contributions, they will express solidarity with the act of remembrance and rededication to community values and historical memory.
The gathering is to take place near Chef Creole Seasoned Kitchen, located at 166 NW 54th St., Miami, FL 33127. The community is invited to join at 10 a.m. to witness the rededication ceremony and to pay homage to a figure whose life's mission was fundamentally intertwined with the pursuits of equality and the uplift of the Haitian people.
