Haitian-American forum to tackle domestic violence in wake of slain Coral Springs vice mayor
By Wilkine Brutus
April 23, 2026 at 4:11 PM EDT
Following the murder of Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen, a Haitian-American community series will hold a panel discussion tonight focused on domestic violence issues and community economic concerns.
Metayer Bowen was shot and killed in her home last month. Police charged her husband with the murder.
Metayer Bowen was found dead in her Coral Springs home on April 1. Her husband, Stephen Bowen, was charged with premeditated murder in what Coral Springs police have called a “domestic violence incident."
Metayer Bowen was extremely well respected, an advocate for climate justice and equality, and the first Black and Haitian female commissioner in the city’s history.
READ MORE: Hundreds of mourners remember the life of slain Coral Springs vice mayor
Wanda Tima, founder of Haitian digital media platform L’Union Suite — one of the nation's largest Haitian-American media platforms — said the group’s monthly Legacy Circle town hall on Thursday night brings experts together to address issues like supporting survivors and breaking the silence.
"The best thing I can do with such a large network is make sure we answer the call to our community," Tima said. "Domestic violence doesn't discriminate because the number one thing I've learned the last specifically three weeks is that it doesn't. "
This year’s event includes two separate panels addressing concerns from the Haitian diaspora, and it features entrepreneurs, journalists, attorneys, and medical professionals:
"Building Generational Wealth: Breaking Barriers & Creating Lasting Legacy" — Moderator: Jefferson Noël; Speakers: Woody Remy, Kathia Joseph, Evans St. Fort.
"Domestic Violence Doesn’t Discriminate: Breaking the Silence in Homes & Communities" — Moderator: Dr. Latoya Lewis; Speakers: Dr. Tania Guerrier, Supa Cindy, Alexandra Audate, Kevin Brun
"[We're] talking about the hard topics," Tima said. "That is not always easy but finding the right people that can provide the resources to have the conversation."
IF YOU GO
WHAT: L'Union Suite Legacy Circle
WHEN: 6-10 p.m., Thursday, April 23
WHERE: World Wide Studio, 7148 N University Drive, Tamarac, FL 33321
Find information here.
Metayer Bowen was shot and killed in her home last month. Police charged her husband with the murder.
Metayer Bowen was found dead in her Coral Springs home on April 1. Her husband, Stephen Bowen, was charged with premeditated murder in what Coral Springs police have called a “domestic violence incident."
Metayer Bowen was extremely well respected, an advocate for climate justice and equality, and the first Black and Haitian female commissioner in the city’s history.
READ MORE: Hundreds of mourners remember the life of slain Coral Springs vice mayor
Wanda Tima, founder of Haitian digital media platform L’Union Suite — one of the nation's largest Haitian-American media platforms — said the group’s monthly Legacy Circle town hall on Thursday night brings experts together to address issues like supporting survivors and breaking the silence.
"The best thing I can do with such a large network is make sure we answer the call to our community," Tima said. "Domestic violence doesn't discriminate because the number one thing I've learned the last specifically three weeks is that it doesn't. "
This year’s event includes two separate panels addressing concerns from the Haitian diaspora, and it features entrepreneurs, journalists, attorneys, and medical professionals:
"Building Generational Wealth: Breaking Barriers & Creating Lasting Legacy" — Moderator: Jefferson Noël; Speakers: Woody Remy, Kathia Joseph, Evans St. Fort.
"Domestic Violence Doesn’t Discriminate: Breaking the Silence in Homes & Communities" — Moderator: Dr. Latoya Lewis; Speakers: Dr. Tania Guerrier, Supa Cindy, Alexandra Audate, Kevin Brun
"[We're] talking about the hard topics," Tima said. "That is not always easy but finding the right people that can provide the resources to have the conversation."
IF YOU GO
WHAT: L'Union Suite Legacy Circle
WHEN: 6-10 p.m., Thursday, April 23
WHERE: World Wide Studio, 7148 N University Drive, Tamarac, FL 33321
Find information here.