Haitians and Black Americans have lived side by side in South Florida for decades. While the relationship between the two communities has not always been smooth, they have managed to coexist, “building families, businesses, churches, and communities that defied the odds,” according to Bart Mervil, CEO of My Urban Contemporary Experience (MUCE) and organizer of the “Joined at the Roots” exhibit, currently on view at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex through Saturday, Aug. 30.
The exhibition aims to shift public perception by exploring shared stories that connect Haitians and African Americans, emphasizing the historical and ongoing ties between the communities. It showcases the works of a diverse group of artists working across painting, sculpture, and photography.
“Joined at the Roots was born out of a need to honor the quiet, powerful history of solidarity between Haitians and African Americans,” says Mervil, describing a legacy often eclipsed by stories of division. He notes that while both communities have made significant contributions, their impact is rarely part of mainstream conversations…