On January 12, South Florida marked the 15th anniversary of Haiti’s devastating 2010 earthquake with solemn events that honored the lives lost and called for unity and resilience.
The tragedy claimed at least 220,000 lives, displaced 1.5 million people, and shattered the country’s infrastructure, including thousands of schools.
The Family Action Network Movement (FANM) led a vigil in Little Haiti, gathering local leaders, community advocates, and residents to reflect on the tragedy and its enduring impact.
The commemoration began at 3 p.m. at the Toussaint Louverture Memorial Statue, where speakers shared poignant remarks about the earthquake that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, injured countless others, and displaced more than a million people. At 4:53 p.m.—the exact moment the 7.0-magnitude quake struck—a moment of silence was observed, echoing the grief and solidarity felt globally 15 years ago. Participants later joined in a march to the Little Haiti Cultural Center, 5925 NE Second Ave.
Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen, who attended the vigil, highlighted the Haitian community’s strength. “Haiti’s story is one of perseverance and hope,” she said. “Even in the face of unimaginable devastation, the Haitian community has continued to rise, rebuild, and inspire the world.”
Message from the Consul General of Haiti in Miami
In a heartfelt statement, Consul General A. Reginald Victor-Louis in South Florida emphasized the importance of this day as both a moment of reflection and a rallying cry for Haitians to take control of their nation’s destiny.
“This earthquake, which claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of our compatriots and left deep scars, is etched in our memories as a symbol of pain, but also of resilience. … Fifteen years later, we continue to live in turmoil, an instability that threatens our collective future. But this sad anniversary must be more than just a moment of remembrance. It must be a call to reflection and action,” he said.
“Us alone, as a people, have the power and the responsibility to forge our own future,” he added. “The time has come to arm ourselves with courage, to believe in ourselves, and to build a Nation that reflects the dignity and pride of our heritage.”
Victor-Louis underscored the need for unity and purpose in honoring those who perished in the earthquake. “This is a commitment we must make together, a commitment to our children, to our history, and to our brothers and sisters who perished that day. Their memory demands of us change, awakening, and unity of action.”
The Consul General also encouraged Haitians to turn their pain into strength and create a better future. “Together, with faith in our abilities, we can transform our pain into strength and our challenges into opportunities. We must do this not only to honor those we have lost but to ensure a better future for generations to come,” he said.
