(Miami-Dade County, FL) -- Even the rain could not stop Commissioner Dorrin D. Rolle’s “Africa Fest 2008: A Salute to Haitian Heritage Month” on Saturday, May 24 at Oak Grove Park, 690 NE 159 Street. The free community event, organized with the help of Africa Reconnect, Inc., Diaspora Arts Coalition, and Miami-Dade Park and Recreation Department, featured various activities designed to exhibit the rich cultures representing Africa, the Caribbean, and the Diaspora.

Attendees donated many canned food items, which were given to the Haitian-American Emergency Relief Committee to deliver to Haiti in order to alleviate the food crisis on the island. In addition to traditional cuisine, a parade, cultural performers, and other activities, several tournaments were held, with Haitian teams sweeping both the tennis and domino competitions. Commissioner Rolle performed the kick-off for the final soccer match between Teams Haiti and Africa, with Africa winning 2-1.