Three-time Grammy Award winning artist Wyclef Jean performed at the Chefs of the Caribbean Celebrity Brunch Haitian Heritage Month edition.

On Saturday, May 20th, City of Miami Chairwoman Christine King, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Keon Hardemon and Little Haiti Optimist Club hosted the Chefs of the Caribbean Celebrity Brunch in celebration of Haitian Heritage Month at the Caribbean Marketplace in the heart of Little Haiti.

Haitian Heritage Month recognizes the rich history and culture of Haitians by showcasing its art, food, music and more. The month-long celebration pays tribute to the Haitian community for their valuable contributions to South Florida.

Photos of attendees in brunch food line.
Courtesy of Commissioner Keon Hardemon

During the event, Sheila Be sang the Haitian National Anthem, Ambience Creole Jazz Band performed and Wyclef surprised guests with an impromptu concert performing some of his greatest hits.

Guests also enjoyed delicious dishes prepared by Chef Creole (Haiti/Bahamas), Chef the Rose (Haiti), Top Chef Ron Duprat (Haiti), Chef Irie (Jamaica), Chef Cat
(Trinidad/Jamaica), Chef Danny Penalo (Dominican Republic), Chef Rob (Haiti), Chef Michel France (Haiti), Chef Keith Reed (Bahamas) and Chef Garfield (Jamaica) as well as signature island beverages and spirits from Valmas Cremas, Korbel Champagne Mimosas, Kola Choucoune and Savens Alkaline Water.

The major takeaway was when Wyclef Jean was honored for his philanthropic, business and entertainment achievements. At the event, Wyclef Jean was presented with several awards including from Miami-Dade County Commissioner Keon Hardemon along with Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Commissioner Marleine Bastien presented Wyclef with the key to Miami-Dade County; City of Miami Chairwoman Christine King and the City of Miami Little Haiti Revitalization Trust presented Wyclef with the key to the City of Miami. In addition, the key to Little Haiti was presented by Little Haiti Optimist Club officially welcoming Wyclef Jean to Little Haiti and the Chefs of the Caribbean presented Wyclef with an award for outstanding achievements and the community signed a tribute thank you card.

“Support the dreams of the youth and whatever we leave will inspire the next generation,” said Wyclef during his acceptance speech.

The brunch ended with attendees enjoying Art Beat Miami Haitian Heritage Month art exhibit and receiving a Haitian Heritage Month commemorative poster entitled: Together for a Better Little Haiti.

The Chefs of the Caribbean Celebrity Brunch is sponsored by City of Miami Chairwoman Christine King, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Keon Hardemon, City of Miami Little Haiti Revitalization Trust, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, Little Haiti Cultural Complex, Little Haiti Optimist Club, Chefs of the Caribbean, and Show Tech.

This is a Hy-Lo News Staff Report.