On April 26th, the world lost a legendary figure in the Haitian community, Vilaire Pierre. Pierre, who was known for his contributions to the arts and activism, passed away at the age of 71. As his loved ones and supporters mourn his loss, plans are underway for his homegoing service to honor his life and legacy. Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Pierre was a talented visual artist and poet. He emigrated to the United States in the 1970s, where he continued to use his art as a platform for social justice and cultural preservation. He was a dedicated member of the Haitian diaspora and worked tirelessly to promote Haitian culture and history. Pierre was an active member of the Haitian community in Miami, Florida, where he lived for many years. He was the founder of the Haitian Cultural Arts Alliance, an organization that seeks to promote and preserve Haitian cultural heritage through various creative activities. His work has been featured in numerous exhibitions and publications, and he has received multiple awards and recognitions for his contributions to the arts. To honor his life and legacy, Pierre’s family and friends have organized a homegoing service that will take place on May 8th at The Little Haiti Cultural Center in Miami. The service will begin at 10 AM and is open to the public, as Pierre’s family wants to give the community the opportunity to say their final goodbyes and pay their respects. The service will include a traditional Haitian funeral procession, as well as a celebration of Pierre’s life, with tributes from his loved ones and fellow artists. There will also be an art exhibit featuring some of his most iconic works, giving attendees a chance to appreciate his talent and the impact he had on the art world. Pierre’s family and friends have also created a GoFundMe page to help cover the costs of the funeral and to support his family during this difficult time. The outpouring of love and support on the page is a testament to the impact Pierre had on those around him. Many have left heartfelt messages and shared memories of how he touched their lives. In addition to his artistic talents, Pierre was also known for his activism and commitment to social justice. He was a strong advocate for equal rights and opportunities for people of color, and his activism was reflected in his art. As we celebrate his life, it’s important to remember his legacy and continue the work that he started. The loss of Vilaire Pierre is deeply felt within the Haitian community and beyond. His contributions to the arts and his activism will continue to inspire future generations. The homegoing service on May 8th will be a beautiful tribute to his life and a chance for those who knew him to come together and honor his memory. If you would like to pay your respects and celebrate the life of Vilaire Pierre, we encourage you to attend the homegoing service on May 8th. You can also make a donation on the GoFundMe page to support his family during this difficult time. Let us continue to honor Pierre’s legacy and keep his spirit alive through our actions and appreciation for Haitian culture and art. Rest in power, Vilaire Pierre.