Derek Hankerson wrote to Historic City News to announce the 3rd Anniversary celebration of the Haitian Memorial Monument taking place on Saturday, October 9th in Savannah, Georgia.
“Two of America’s famous historic cities, Savannah, Georgia and St. Augustine, Florida, are linked by their connections to Haiti dating back to the 1700’s,” Hankerson said. “Thanks to the efforts of the Haitian American Historical Society, that connection is attracting increased attention in the 21st century.”
The dinner Gala will be held at the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum. The keynote speaker will be Ertha Trouillot — former President of the Republic of Haiti as well as the first female to hold the position. According to Hankerson, a monologue will be performed by St. Augustine actor James Bullock and St. Augustine Vice-Mayor Errol D. Jones will be honored for his contributions to the Haitian community.
On Sunday, October 10 Haitian visitors will tour St. Augustine to see the former home of General Jorge Biassou; who lived in the Salcedo House on St. George Street that is now occupied by Whetstone Chocolates.
General Biassou commanded a free black militia out of Fort Matanzas, and upon his death his funeral was held at the Catholic Cathedral in St. Augustine.
“Biassou is buried at Tolomato Cemetery on Cordova Street — no historical marker notes the presence of our first black general,” Hankerson said.
More information about the Haitian American Historical Society is available on their website www.haitianhistory.org
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