North Miami's senior community was vibrant with celebration as city leaders, relatives, and friends gathered to honor Astoud Georges Benjamin, affectionately known as "Papa," on the remarkable occasion of his 106th birthday at the Griffing Community Center. A fixture in North Miami for over two decades, Papa's 106th year was marked with festivities that have become a local tradition since his centennial birthday. Papa, now older than the City of North Miami itself, which just turned 99, was lauded during a ceremony that commenced with a welcome gathering at 11 a.m., according to the City of North Miami Website
The day's program was orchestrated by the Golden Silver Seniors program and featured remarks by North Miami Councilwoman Mary Estimé-Irvin of District 3, who emphasized Papa's significant presence over a century of transformative history, in her statement obtained by the official city announcement, she expressed, "It’s not every day that we get to honor someone who has witnessed over a century of change and growth, both in our community and beyond." Following these comments, attendees were treated to an outdoor demonstration by the North Miami Police Department as part of the proceedings.
Councilwoman Estimé-Irvin's presence and public remarks further solidified this sentiment, highlighting the city's ongoing celebration of its eldest residents as pillars within their communities: "Papa’s life is a testimony of history, strength, and legacy," she told the assembled attendees, as noted by the city's website.
