Event Information: 305-237-1316

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MIAMI DADE COLLEGE NORTH CAMPUS HONORS EXILED WOMEN AND CHILDREN

DURING WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

Miami, February 24, 2005— Women’s History Month will be celebrated in a commemorative way at Miami Dade College’s North Campus, when the campus focuses on the plight of exiled women and children from Haiti and Cuba. The events kick off March 7 at Noon at MDC North campus, 11380 NW 27th Ave, Miami, with the unveiling of a mural titled “We’re In the Same Boat”, by artist Xavier Cortada. The mural, commissioned by the Hands on Miami organization, is a collage of drawings, writings, photos and cultural symbols based upon immigrant experiences, both in their homeland and in Miami, and focuses on the similarities between each immigrant community.

On March 18 and 19 at 7:30 PM, the drama-dance production titled In Exile: Echoes from Haiti and Cuba, will premiere at the North Campus’ Lehman Theater. In Exile is a powerful work which tells the story of two women who leave their respective countries and details their experiences once they arrive in South Florida.

This production culminates a week of activities at the North campus highlighting the crucial subject of exiled assimilation, especially of children and women who come to South Florida from Haiti, Cuba and from other nations and what can be done to facilitate this transition.

“Thanks to the power and passion of art, In Exile, Echoes from Haiti and Cuba and the other coordinating activities call the attention to a topic that is extremely important to South Florida,” said Dr. Jose Vicente, president of the North Campus. “It is a privilege for the college to be able to present a work that touches on the lives of so many people in our community.”

In Exile Events at Miami Dade College’s North Campus 11380 NW 27 Avenue, Miami.

March 7 at 12 PM; MDC North Campus Library – Unveiling of mural “We’re In The Same Boat”, by artist Xavier Cortada, commissioned by the Hands on Miami organization. It has been donated to the college’s permanent collection and will be permanently installed at the North Campus Library.

March 11, 10:00 AM, MDC North Campus MJ Taylor room – Writer and former MDC professor Ivonne Lamazares will present her book Sugar Island, which explores her own emigration from Cuba to South Florida as a child.

March 16, 1:00 PM, MDC North Campus, Atrium of building 4 – Haitian folkloric singer-songwriter Ingrid Llera and her percussion and dance group will present songs about the women of Haiti who fight to find a better life in the United States.

March 18 and 19, 7:30 PM, MDC North Campus Lehman Theater – Premier of the play In Exile: Echoes from Haiti and Cuba.

For more information call: 305-237-1316.

Media Contacts: Beverly Counts Rodrigues, Media Relations Director (305) 237-3949 or Alejandro Ríos, (305) 237-7482.